Storage units are widely available and they’re a cost-effective way to keep your items safe until you need them again. If you need to keep some of your household possessions for an extended period, you should learn how to pack them properly and keep them from getting damaged. Read on to learn how to pack your belongings for long-term storage.
Before you pack your belongings for long-term storage
Make a selection
Storing things for a while means that you will not need them, at least for some time, but that doesn’t mean you should pack absolutely everything. Quite the opposite, you should only pack those items you are sure that you will use again. Go through your entire household and make a selection of items that belong in storage Brooklyn.
Make inventory
Once you put certain items away, it’s easy to forget what those items were. Make an inventory list of all the stored belongings, and you can use it in case that some of the items getting damaged or lost.
Use sturdy boxes
Getting proper storage containers is important for keeping your items safe while being in the storage unit. The best option is to use plastic containers because they are sturdy and easy to seal. You can also get recycled ones if you prefer an eco-friendly move, and recycled containers are also available for rent. In case you don’t like the idea of using plastic containers or you can’t get ahold of them, simply use cardboard boxes instead. Just make sure to inspect each box before using it for storage – it should be in good shape without any signs of damage.
Check public storage policies
Any items that are hazardous are not allowed in the storage unit, so always check the restrictions and make sure you’re compliant. If you need to keep any sort of flammable, corrosive, or explosive items, it’s better if you store them elsewhere or move to your new home.
Prepare items
Before you go ahead and pack your belongings to be stored away for a while, you should prepare them. Every item needs to be clean and dry because putting the dirty or wet item away can lead to mildew and eventually damage all the other things in the storage unit.
How to pack your belongings for long-term storage
We’ll look into several most-common items that are being stored and tips for packing them.
Clothes
Placing your clothing pieces inside wardrobe boxes or hanging them on garment bags is the best option to keep your clothes in the best shape. That will avoid wrinkles and dust and it’s especially recommended for your high-end pieces of clothing. For storing voluminous pieces like winter jackets or duvets, consider using vacuum bags to save space and keep them protected.
Furniture
Use furniture cleaner to clean all surfaces before putting a furniture piece away. In case it’s bulky or too big, disassemble furniture and keep all the small parts in plastic bags, then keep them together with the piece they belong to. You can protect furniture legs by using bubble-wrap or specialized material like furniture cover. Wrap the entire piece of furniture to protect it from dust and mildew by using packing materials or items that you already have in your household, such as blankets.
Mattress
The best thing to do is to get a mattress storage bag that will keep the mattress away from moisture and dirt. If you can’t find this type of bag, use another type of sturdy plastic to cover it entirely and seal it with tape so no parts of the mattress are exposed.
Appliances
As mentioned before, all the items you’re storing need to be completely dry. When packing large appliances like a fridge or a freezer, you’ll have to defrost them and make sure they’re dry. Wipe the insides by using baking soda to avoid odors. When packing a washing machine or a dishwasher, drain them completely and double-check if they’re completely dry. You should secure cables or leave them inside of the appliances, and wrap each item by using packing materials to make a protective layer.
Electronics
Electronic equipment is sensitive and it can easily get damaged if not stored properly. If you have original boxes, it’s best if you use them. But, if you don’t, wrap them with packing paper and then use bubble wrap for an extra layer of protection. Make sure to add crumpled paper or bubble wrap to fill in voids inside the moving box, and seal the box.
Books
Books should be packed carefully because mildew or any type of moisture can get to them easily and destroy them while being in the storage unit, especially if you’re going for a traditional one. Wrap them using packing paper, and stack them horizontally inside the box. Always use smaller boxes when packing books, otherwise, they can get too heavy and break the box. Use tape to seal all the openings and protect them from moisture.
Breakables
Packing your fragile items always requires more effort than packing the usual items. For example, china, glassware, and other breakables that you want to store will have to be packed with extra caution. Start with wrapping each item individually using packing paper, which will protect it from scratching. Then continue to cover it with bubble wrap, which will protect it from breaking. When the box is full, add paper, bubble wrap, or any soft fabric to fill in voids and seal the box using tape. Eventually, clearly label the box as “fragile” to be aware that it needs to be handled gently.
Artwork
Using a storage unit to keep your artwork can be a good idea, but each piece of art has to be protected and stored properly. Use packing paper and follow by using bubble wrap to wrap each piece individually. Use packing tape to make an X across the “face” of the artwork, and get professional packing supplies, such as cardboard corners and picture boxes to pack them the best way possible.
