Long-term storage requires more planning and
preparation compared to storing short-term. You won’t be retrieving your stored
item for a long time coming, and you’d want to make sure it stays secure and in
good condition throughout. Whether you’re moving cities, travelling abroad, or
decluttering your home, a few important tips can help you avoid any nasty
surprises throughout your long-term storage.
Carefully Consider What You Need to Store
Not everything is worth storing long-term.
Think of other things you can do with your stuff like selling, donating, or
giving out to friends and family. You don’t want to end up paying to hoard
stuff that’ll be of little or no value over the long run. Doing away with
unnecessary stuff can help minimise the size of your storage space and keep
your storage unit better organised.
Clean all Items Before Storing Them
Cleaning
all your items serves not only aesthetics and hygiene, but can also preserve the
lifespan of your belongings. Dirt, soot, food remnants, and other debris can
dent your belongings permanently and leave them desecrated by pests, insects,
mould, and mildew.
When
cleaning appliances and other sophisticated goods, make sure you follow the
manufacturer’s cleaning instructions and use the special cleaning materials
required.
Use Proper Packing Materials
The
packing materials you use can also affect the condition of your goods in
storage. Some sturdy packing boxes come with decades-long durability ratings
and can protect your belongings from the elements steadfastly for years on end.
Avoid plastic boxes and flimsy cardboard boxes – these are notorious for
letting mould-supporting amounts of moisture into your stored belongings.
Don’t Neglect Proper Labeling and Inventorying
Labelling and
inventorying makes it much easier and more convenient to use self-storage.
Label all your boxes with a list of their content so you can easily see where
each item is stored at a glance. Create an inventory list on the packing day
and update it every time you add or remove something from your unit.
Cover All Your Items Properly
Leave plastic bags slightly open if you have to use them to promote airflow and prevent moisture from getting trapped inside them. But for sturdy cardboard boxes, keep them tightly sealed to prevent dirt and dust from settling inside. Also, cover all your furniture to protect them from dust and debris. Breakables and frail items should be wrapped and packed separately from other items to prevent damage.
Consider Storage Insurance
Ask your local Storage King store about Storage Insurance options.
Check up on Your Unit Frequently
Even if you’re away from town, you should have your self-storage unit regularly inspected to ensure your belongings remain in good shape. Inspecting your unit regularly also helps you spot problems early enough.