Long-term storage guidelines – the do’s and don’ts

Long-term storage differs from a short-term storage in many ways. One of the biggest difference is the fact that you’ll items will be stored for an extended length of time. Some say that being able to store items for long periods of time is exactly what you need for a successful move. We are bound to agree that this is very useful. So, find out all the best perks of storing your items for a long time and learn how to make sure they’re still in one piece when you open the storage box.

Why would you need long-term storage units?

Deciding to store your items might be hard at first. You might be worried about your item’s safety and because of that, you’ll refuse to store them. But, there is no reason to do so. Whether you are moving to a smaller apartment or you want to keep your vintage car in perfect condition, always go for long-term storage. Here are some of the most common situations in which you will need to store your items in a storage unit for a longer period of time.

Relocating

One of the most popular reasons for renting a storage unit for an extended length of time is when relocating to a new home. You might be moving into a small apartment, or you’ll travel across the country. In both ways, you probably won’t be bringing all of your possessions with you. So, instead of hoarding your new home, find local movers you can trust and move only the stuff you’ll need. Other valuables that you want to keep, but don’t want to move, pack in a long-term storage and not worry about their safety.

Decluttering

If you like to collect items, or you have many items that matter to you but don’t have enough space for them, you’ll need a storage. This way, you’ll be able to keep everything instead of selling it. But before storing everything you own, make sure you don’t sore any of the unnecessary stuff. Grab some spare time and separate important items from the ones that will be useful to someone else. And here’s an extra idea! Try selling those items online, or organize a yard sale. It will be fun and it will also give you a chance to earn some money.

Keeping your things secure

Another reason for deciding to store your items is a safety issue. Keeping your valuables in an apartment, or in a bad neighborhood is something you don’t want to do. You might become a victim of a break-in, and lose all of your important stuff. But there is a simple solution to this problem. Long-term storages will provide you with the best possible protection for your valuable belongings. So, if you want to keep your items secure, rent these storage units.

Apart from these three reasons, check out other reasons why people rent storage units. Who knows, maybe after reading them you will realize that renting storage units for longer periods of time is something you need in your life.

Prepare your items for storage – the most important do’s

One of the most important things to do when storing your items is to prepare them the right way. These small tasks are necessary if you want to keep your items in perfect condition. Here is what you’ll need to pay attention to.

Sorting

When you want to decide which items will go into your storage unit, make three piles. Pile number one will be for the items that you want to keep. Pile number two is for the items that you want to store. And pile number three is for the items that you don’t need anymore.

Cleaning (everything)

You’ll need to clean your items and your storage unit, too. Make sure everything is dry! There is a reason why keeping liquid in long-term storage containers often isn’t a good idea. Storing water for long periods of time can have negative effects on the water, the storage unit, and all the items in it. So make sure you know all the rules and regulations concerning this.

Protecting and packing

This is the final step for storing your items. You need to be extra careful when packing your items. If you think you wouldn’t be able to handle it properly you should hire professional residential movers to help you. But, if you decide to do it by yourself, make sure you do it the right way. You will need the right packing materials. Gather different sized boxes, wrapping and cushioning materials. Make sure you know how to store fragile items and antiques properly. And don’t forget to put heavier items on the bottom and lighter on the top.

Additional do’s

• watch out for acidic materials – they can damage your items so make sure they are not in direct contact with your belongings.
• prevent fading – keep your items away from the sunlight because it can cause fading.
• get insurance for your stored items -even though your long-term storage is safe, you have to be prepared for the worst case scenario. Better safe than sorry.

The don’ts

Watch out for the most common mistakes when using a long-term storage. If you want to prevent a disaster in your storage unit, know what not to pack inside of it. Avoid perishable food if you don’t want to have any unwelcome guests like rodents or bugs. Don’t forget to check regularly humidity levels because you will end up with mold in your storage. Also, avoid storing firearms, corrosive chemicals, and hazardous materials. Learn from these mistakes and know how to keep your belongings safe. If you do everything properly not a single item will end up damaged.