Prepping your items for storage can feel like a daunting task, but did you know that skipping some simple yet essential steps could lead to damaged belongings? Whether you’ve rented a storage unit for a short move or need a long-term solution, taking the right precautions will ensure your items stay in top condition.
Avoid the heartbreak of dealing with ruined items by following these often-overlooked yet critical steps.
1. Clean Everything Before Storing
It’s tempting to just pack up and go, but one of the biggest mistakes people make is storing dirty items. Dust, dirt, and moisture can create unpleasant odors, attract pests, or even cause mold to grow.
- Wipe down furniture with an appropriate cleaner.
- Wash clothes, linens, and other fabrics.
- Clean appliances thoroughly, ensuring no food particles are left behind.
Taking a little extra time to clean will give you peace of mind and ensure your belongings come out of storage as fresh as they went in.
2. Choose the Right Packing Materials
Using the wrong materials is another common oversight. While it’s tempting to grab the cheapest boxes or reuse old ones, they often lack durability and can collapse under pressure.
Here’s what you need to do instead:
- Invest in sturdy, high-quality boxes.
- Use acid-free paper for storing photos and documents, as regular paper can cause discoloration.
- Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap and avoid using newspaper, which can leave ink stains.
Your packing materials are like the armor that protects your belongings—don’t skimp on them!
3. Label Everything
One of the simplest steps that people often forget in the rush to pack is labeling their boxes clearly. Imagine spending hours rifling through dozens of unmarked boxes just to find a single item.
Use detailed labels to describe what’s inside and make it easy to locate your belongings later. Bonus tip? Keep an inventory list for added organization.
4. Disassemble Furniture
Bulky furniture can take up unnecessary space in your storage unit if left fully assembled. Many renters underestimate how much more room they could have by disassembling items.
Remove legs from tables, take apart bed frames, and unscrew shelves from brackets. Place screws and small hardware in labeled, resealable bags so you’ll have everything you need when it’s time to reassemble your furniture.
5. Protect Items with Covers
Skipping protective covers is one of the biggest mistakes you can make when storing items, especially furniture and mattresses. Even in climate-controlled units, dust and minor scratches can wreak havoc over time.
- Use plastic covers for mattresses and upholstered furniture.
- Cover wooden furniture with cloth covers or blankets to prevent scratches while allowing air to circulate.
- Avoid wrapping items too tightly in plastic to reduce the risk of trapped moisture and mold growth.
6. Prep Your Storage Unit
Before you bring in your items, prepare your rented storage unit. This extra step can save you countless headaches down the road.
- Sweep out the unit to remove any existing dust or debris.
- Place wooden pallets or plastic sheets on the floor to keep your items off the ground, protecting them from potential dampness.
- Consider using moisture-absorbing materials like silica gel or dehumidifiers for added protection.
Taking a few minutes to prep your unit creates a safer environment for your belongings.
7. Plan the Layout of Your Storage Unit
Finally, one of the most overlooked steps is planning the layout of your storage unit. Piling everything in without a strategy may save a few minutes on the front end, but it will cost you time and frustration later on.
Here’s how to do it right:
- Place frequently used items near the front of the unit for easy access.
- Stack heavier items on the bottom and lighter ones on top.
- Leave pathways so you can easily move around inside the unit.
Creating a logical system will make retrieving items a breeze, even months after placing them in storage.
Secure Your Investment by Prepping Properly
A rented storage unit is a great solution to free up space or store items during a transition, but taking the right steps before storing is critical. Cleaning, protecting, and organizing your belongings properly ensures they remain in great shape no matter how long they stay in storage.