Packing Your Belongings For Long-Term Storage

Many people need to store their belongings for periods of time. There are a number of reasons for this, including travel, temporary job relocation, military service, or just wanting to keep specific items though you can’t actually use them at the moment.

Steps To Protect Your Belongings

If you are storing items for more than a few months, you should know how to protect them. Time can be devastating to heirlooms and old furniture, making it necessary to prevent damage if you plan to use storage for some time.

Know Your Size

You will need to look at everything you have to store and then figure out what size of storage space will be required. This can help you choose the best option, instead of simply hoping it will fit once you’re determined what to store.

Prevent Damp

You’ll want to avoid any type of water damage from occurring, which means laying a tarp on the floor of the unit or adding pallets to stack your boxes on. Anything that keeps the boxes off the floor and will not wick water up from the floor is ideal.

Use Labels

It’s easy to forget what box contains what items over the years, so be sure to label the boxes clearly. You may even wish to number them and have a numbered list with inventory inside the storage unit. Some people find it helpful to create a map of where each item is stored.

Avoid Plastic

Any type of plastic can trap moisture inside and this means that objects wrapped in plastic will often be ruined by the extra moisture caught in the wrapping. Rather than protecting it, the plastic causes more damage. Use paper and cardboard instead.

Drape Your Furniture

White sheets make excellent covers for your furniture when it’s in storage. The cotton sheets help prevent any damage and will not bleed colours into the furniture. The sheets also keep dust from covering your furniture, which may result in stains and scratches over time.

Keep It Clean

If you have solid objects, such as a microwave or cooker, be sure to wipe the entire piece with a diluted bleach solution and dry thoroughly. This will prevent mildew from developing. You should also leave doors open a little to allow for air circulation. Other items should be cleaned, as well, to prevent dust and mould from growing.

While you may not use your belongings for some time, it’s essential to keep them in good condition. Proper packing will go a long way toward this.

Need storage solutions? Michael Garret Removals also provides long-term storage units for all your storage needs.