How to Prepare Your Belongings for a Storage Unit
Preparing your belongings for a storage unit during a move is a process all its own. You may not think you need a storage unit but it can be a valuable asset during relocation. It offers a lifeline for transitional periods, providing a secure space to store belongings when transitioning between homes. Whether you’re facing a gap between moving dates, downsizing, or just need temporary storage for decluttering purposes, a storage unit ensures a seamless relocation process. It offers a practical solution for safely housing furniture, personal items, and valuables during renovations or while waiting for delayed moving plans. However, ensuring your items remain safe and well-preserved during their time in storage requires careful preparation. In this blog, we’ll discuss the essential steps to prepare your belongings for storage, ensuring they come out in the same condition as when you stored them.
Clean and Organize
Before storing anything, ensure all your items are thoroughly cleaned and dry. Dust, dirt, and moisture can lead to mold and mildew growth over time which can destroy your belongings. Disassemble large furniture pieces to save space and make organizing easier. Keep screws, nuts, and bolts in labeled bags taped to the corresponding furniture item or box. Make sure to remove all batteries from electronics. Devices will continue to draw power from batteries even if you’re not using it. Eventually this can lead to the batteries leaking or corroding and ruining your devices. You also need to clean appliances before packing. Dirty appliances will quickly grow mold and create a horrible smell in the unit.
Cleaning Items for Storage
Cleaning Furniture for Storage
Removing Battery Before Storage
Use Suitable Containers
Plastic Storage Bin In Different Sizes
Stay Organize With The Right Sized Bin
Invest in high-quality storage containers, boxes, or bins that are sturdy and stackable. Cardboard boxes are common and great for short-term storage, but can be susceptible to moisture especially if you rent an outdoor storage unit. Consider plastic bins with secure lids for better protection against environmental elements, insects, and rodents. Plastic bins come in several sizes and colors which helps in staying organized. The best thing about plastic containers is that you can reuse them again and again, unlike cardboard boxes.
Packing Materials and Protective Coverings
Use appropriate packing materials such as bubble wrap, packing paper, and foam peanuts to cushion fragile items. Wrap delicate items individually and fill any gaps in boxes to prevent movement during transit and storage. Use static free packing materials for your electronics so as not to harm their electrical systems. Buy protective coverings like furniture blankets or plastic covers for furniture, mattresses, and other large items. This shields them from dust, scratches, and potential damage during transport and storage. Make sure to use cotton based, padded furniture blankets for your leather furniture. You run the risk of growing mildew on leather if you use a plastic covering.
Bubble Wrap Helps To Protect Fragile Items
Foam Peanuts Help Protect Fragile Items
Moving Box For Electronics And Anti Static Bubble Wrap
Document and Secure Important Documents
It’s always best to keep important documents such as, birth certificates, deeds, wills, insurance policies, and passports with you but it may be safer in a storage unit depending on your situation. If you find yourself needing to store documents, make sure to keep them in sealed plastic bags or waterproof containers. Consider making digital copies of essential paperwork for additional backup.
Climate-Controlled Storage Unit
If possible, spend a little more for a climate-controlled storage unit, especially for sensitive items like electronics, wooden or leather furniture, artwork, and antiques. This helps in maintaining a stable environment, protecting your belongings from extreme temperatures and humidity. A climate-controlled storage unit ensures the temperature and humidity levels remain constant throughout the year. They also have better airflow that helps in keeping items from deteriorating. Another great point about them is that they are usually indoors which means it’s safer for you to visit and they most likely have security cameras in the hallways as well.
Ask for Professional Assistance
For particularly valuable, fragile, or specialty items, consider seeking professional help for packing and storing. They have the expertise and materials to ensure these items are stored securely. A moving company like Move Logistics, can expertly pack your valuable items, deliver, and unload your property into a storage unit. It’s all part of the moving process so just ask for their help with this part of the process.
Take this advice into consideration so you can prepare your belongings effectively for storage, ensuring they remain in optimal condition until you retrieve them. Proper preparation not only protects your items but also streamlines the process when you eventually need to access or move them. Ultimately, a storage unit can serve as a flexible and practical solution during a move, offering convenience, security, and additional space, allowing for a smoother transition from one place to another. Move Logistics offers Climate Controlled Storage, Non-Climate Controlled Storage and Warehouse Storage with security cameras that record 24/7. They also offer short and long-term storage for any client needing to store their belongings while waiting to move into their new home. Contact Move Logistics for more info on their storage units and the services they offer.
ABOUT MOVE LOGISTICS INC.
Move Logistics Inc., is a second generation moving and storage business with over 35 years of experience. As professional movers, we provide open communication and customer service to both residential moving clients and commercial moving clients. With a fleet of moving equipment that includes trucks, forklifts, and trailers, combined with a professional mover crew, we are your “one-stop-shop” for local moving, intrastate moving, and out of state moving.
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