Easy Ways to Keep your Luggage Safe During Long-Term Storage

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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.

 

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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.

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