StorageMax Tips and Tricks for Keeping Items Safe
Are you thinking about getting a storage unit, but not sure how to keep items safe? Fabrics like clothing, drapes, bedding, appliances and furniture do need special care in a storage unit. Not sure what care is needed? StorageMax has all the tips and tricks to keep your items safe and secured.
Clothing, Curtains, Drapes, and Linens
Whenever possible, hang fabrics on hangers to avoid wrinkles and creases. If you do not have hanging cartons available, put these items in dresser drawers or cedar chests. Cedar will help repel moths and keep odors away. Put these items in garment bags or cover them with clean sheets in plastic covers to keep them dust-free. If you are going to fold them, put heavier items on the bottom and place lighter, more delicate fabrics on top. Ensure everything is dry and clean so mold or mildew doesn't start to grow.
Bedding
Fold bedding neatly and use containers that breathe. Vacuum-sealed bags are best for stacking, but you should be careful if you are going to keep them in storage for an extended time, as you might end up compressing the fibers too much. Do not put them in plastic bags, as this can allow moisture to build up and turn them into mold. Cotton or canvas bags are a better option. Put them in dresser drawers to store them. Fill all open spaces with towels or packing paper, and in the drawers, stack lighter items on top of heavier ones.
What about other items other than fabrics, such as dishes, glassware, furniture, and even larger items like appliances?
Appliances
Be sure refrigerators, freezers, and stoves are clean and completely dry, or they will sap moisture from the air in the storage unit. Open the doors a little to increase the airflow and prevent mold. You can put lightweight things inside the appliances, but note that they are there.
Dishes and Glassware
Wrap each glass item separately with packing paper. Put a layer of packing paper on the bottom and top of cartons that contain glassware. Stack plates, saucers, and platters on edge, nesting cups and bowls together. Fill all open holes in the boxes with packing paper.
Furniture
Put down a pallet, corrugated cardboard mat, or plastic before putting furniture on the floor. Protect wood surfaces with appropriate materials to keep them from scratches. Disassemble beds and tables to save space. Wrap table legs with packing paper, or use furniture pads on larger pieces. Store couches on their end if you can. Stack lightweight chairs seat to seat.
Holiday Decorations
Keep the original cartons for fragile items and ornaments. Wrap strings of lights around cardboard and cushion ornaments with packing paper.
Tools and Metal Items
Clean and lightly oil metal tools to prevent rust. Bundle long-handled tools together and put them in trash cans to keep them on hand.
Tips for All Storage and Moving into a Storage Unit
Moving into a storage unit can be a breeze if you plan ahead and stay organized. Start by creating a detailed timeline for your move, beginning with organizing, cleaning, and labeling your belongings. Invest in quality packing materials to protect your items and keep a comprehensive log of everything you're storing. Not sure what you may need for packing materials? Not a problem, our locations have everything you may need, especially if you run out of boxes, bubble wrap, tape, or anything else during your move-in!
To prevent moisture damage, place boxes on pallets or skids rather than directly on the concrete floor. For fragile or sensitive items, opt for a climate-controlled unit to avoid mildew damage. Additionally, always label your boxes clearly on all four sides and consider color-coding or numbering them for easy identification. Keep a list of box contents at home or in the office, and make sure your inventory ties back to the labels on your boxes. Following these steps will save you time, stress, and ensure your belongings stay in great condition while stored at StorageMax.
Looking for a convenient and secure storage solution? Look no further than StorageMax! Our facility offers a range of storage units to suit your needs, whether you're decluttering your home, storing seasonal items, or seeking a space for your business inventory. With state-of-the-art security features and easy access, you can trust StorageMax to keep your belongings safe and accessible whenever you need them. Find a location near you today: https://www.stomax.com/view-locations.