Whether you are moving to a new home, reducing household
clutter or if you are going to be out of town for a long time, then proper
storage of your belongings is important so that your property is not damaged in
any way. Storing items in the long term means that adequate attention should be
paid to the climatic conditions and infestation by rodents, insects, or mold,
etc. Here are effective practical ways to safeguard your belongings during
long-term storage:
1. Choose the Right Storage Facility
The first thing that a person can do to secure their assets
is to choose a proper storage location. Choose one with a respectful
reputation, available amenities such as air conditioning, heating, security
features like cameras, gates, and security personnel. Climate-controlled units
are specifically desirable if you are storing items that are susceptible to
temperature and moisture changes, for example, electronics, artwork, or wooden
furniture.
2. Use High-Quality Packing Materials
Choose high-quality packing materials with options like
moving boxes, plastic totes, bubble wrap, newspapers, and furniture protector
pads. Do not use containers that have been used before or weak ones since they
are likely to break or offer little support to your things. If the items are
delicate, pack them with additional padding such as foams or bubble wrap to
minimize the risk of breakages in handling or movement while in storage.
3. Disassemble Large Items
Remove mattress and pillows, break down beds and tables or
any furniture or large item that can be more easily stored and that may be
damaged if kept assembled. Screws, bolts, and other small parts should be put
in bags labeled according to the part and then stapled to the part. Enclosing
the dismantled parts in blankets or padding is also helpful because it shields
them against scratches and dents.
4. Make Sure Everything is Both Clean and Dry
It also helps to clean and wipe all these items before
storing them as this will eliminate mold, mildew and other unpleasant smell.
For instance, wipe the furniture, wash and dry garments and kitchen utensils,
clean appliances among others. It is also important not to leave behind crumbs
or spills of food and moisture in the cupboards as they can support pest
infestation and eventually result in destruction.
5. Preserve Fragile Products in Plastic Containers
Delicate or the product that was affected by moisture,
should be placed in airtight plastic containers rather than cardboard boxes. Plastic
bins without any doubt, offer better protection from water damage, pests, and humidity.
Seal the containers with an airtight lid for extra protection on the contents.
They are great to store things such as photographs, documents, and pieces of
clothing.
6. Elevate Items Off the Floor
Prevent water from damaging your property by elevating it
from the ground. Build an elevated surface for storage like pallets, shelving
units, or cinder blocks. With this, your items will remain dry during leaks,
spills, or flooding in the storage unit.
7. Label Boxes Clearly
Clearly label each and every box and container with its
contents for easier accessibility when the need arises. Use waterproof markers
and write them out in large, bold letters. Include an inventory list of everything
in storage to help keep track of your belongings and avoid losing them.
8. Protect Against Pests
If adequate measures to prevent infestation are not observed,
pests will wreak havoc on stored items. The best way to drive off pests is to
use mothballs, cedar blocks, or any other repellent and ensure that all
containers are well sealed. Do not store food that spoils easily or anything
with a smell that will attract insects and rodents. You should conduct a
preliminary search for signs of pests in the storage unit before storing
his/her belongings.
9. Cover Items with Protective Layers
Cover furniture, mattresses, and electronics in protective
layers so that they may not be affected by dust, dirt, and scratches. Do not
use plastic wrap for long-term storage as it may trap moisture and lead to mold
or mildew growth. Instead, opt for breathable material such as fabric covers or
specially designed storage bags.
10. Inspect Your Storage Unit Regularly
Even if the items inside the storage unit are to be kept for
a long time, it is still important to schedule a visit regularly from time to
time to inspect the area. Check water leaks, damages, pest infestations, and
the like, as they worsen over time if neglected. An additional reason to visit
an extra occasion or two would be the rearrangement of items, if necessary, to make
sure they are still in good shape.
Conclusion
In order to keep your belongings safe and protected for an
extended period of time, there are several steps that need to be taken in the
preparation stage, as well as during the course of storage. Due to this, it is
important that you select a proper storage facility, use the right packing
materials for your items and also you can take preventative measures so that
the items are protected as well as be in good condition. Spending time and
energy in these steps will help avoid additional anxiety and costs in the
future, so that your property is immediately available if required.