The longer you keep your belongings in a self storage unit, the more important it is to clean and store them properly so they remain in the best possible shape.
If you’ve ever moved to a new house or apartment, you know how useful self storage units can be for short term needs. Keeping your belongings in a unit for a short time often doesn’t require much maintenance—but how can you best preserve your items when using long-term self storage?
Whether you’re a renter storing some of your belongings to save space in your apartment, a business owner keeping extra inventory or equipment off-site, or a vehicle owner keeping a car or boat in storage while it isn’t being used, there are plenty of tips and tricks to make sure things come out of your unit in the same state they went in. Here, we’ll go over a few of them.
Clean your belongings
You should always make sure whatever items you’re storing are as clean as possible before putting them into long-term self storage. Clean and dust any smaller items you’ll be keeping in your unit to ensure they won’t sustain any damage from stains. You’ll also want to check for any moisture, as water stains can lead to mildew or rust.
Investing in a climate controlled self-storage unit can help prevent any additional damage or mold on your items, especially in climates with extreme humidity or temperature shifts. You can further protect your belongings from dust by covering them with a sheet or tarp while they’re being stored.
Use the right packaging
Always use proper packaging and cushioning to minimize damage to your belongings. If you have the original boxes and packing materials, use those to keep items in long-term self storage; if you don’t, you can often store less delicate items in cardboard boxes or plastic bins. It helps to label these containers so you know what’s in them without having to open and dig through them.
Find the right self storage features
Different self storage facilities will come with different features and amenities for different customer needs. Make a note of what features you absolutely need and what would be nice to have, and always be sure to research pricing and features of facilities near you before making a decision.
For example, as mentioned above, some facilities offer climate control in their units, keeping the temperature and humidity at predictable levels to minimize any environmental damage your belongings might sustain. Other facilities offer 24-hour access, enabling you to visit your unit and check on your items even while the facility office is closed.
Security features are also essential to look into. We recommend investing in a facility with gated access, security cameras, and well-lit exterior and interior spaces. These features will help ease your peace of mind and protect your unit in case of any intruders or break-ins.
Organize your belongings in-unit
Whatever your long-term self storage needs may be, it’s crucial to keep your items organized within your unit so you can easily find them each time you visit. We recommend starting by lining the walls of the unit first so you can see all of your belongings as soon as you enter, and keeping similar items and boxes close to each other.
If you’re renting a larger unit, organize your boxes into aisles instead of piling them up in one spot–this will make it easier for you to move through the unit when you visit, and your items will be easier to locate and check on every time.
Regularly check on your items
It’s tempting to just stop thinking about your belongings once they’re in storage, but if you want to maintain their quality, it’s worth checking in on them once in a while. 24-hour self storage facilities are excellent choices for this need, allowing you to plan visits around whatever schedule you may have.
While visiting your unit, check your belongings for any stains or dust you may have missed and give them a clean if necessary. It’s also worth testing any electronics or tools you’re storing to make sure they’re still in working order, and doing what you can to repair them if they need it.
Following these steps while you’re using a long-term self storage unit will ensure your belongings are kept in the best shape possible. Simply search for storage units nearby on Storage.com or call (833) 372-9881 to speak to one of our experts, you’ll be sure to get the best price on a unit that fits your needs.
