How to prepare your items for storage

Moving soon? Whether you are looking for temporary storage during unpacking or a long-term solution for your mess, renting a storage unit is ideal for those who are moving to a new home. Thanks to the thousands of storage rooms available, you can find a cost-effective and convenient space for independent storage. However, before contacting a reliable CA moving company and throwing any items in the storage unit, you should know how to properly prepare and pack things. From creating an inventory to protecting your belongings, here are 10 tips on how to prepare your items for storage.

1. Research storage limitations

First, remember to do your homework about what may and may not be stored in your storage CA. The repository should provide you with a list of prohibited items. But in case they do not, be sure to ask for all the rules and regulations. A few examples of things that most likely cannot be stored inside your store include hazardous items such as gasoline, paints, fertilizers, chemicals, explosives, drugs, and propane containers. Tip: if it is flammable, it probably cannot be put in storage. Other prohibited items include perishable foods, medicines, and plants.

2. Decide which personal items to keep

Then think about whether you need to store something before putting it into your storage unit. Why? Well, firstly, the more you store, the more space you will need. And, of course, the larger the storage unit, the more it will cost you. To save money, carefully examine each item before storing it. If it’s not sentimental, valuable or useful, donate it to the Salvation Army or sell it.

3. Create an inventory of all items

In the midst of a chaotic local or long distance move, it’s easy to forget what you have deposited. Therefore, before packing, be sure to make an inventory of all the items that you plan to store. From paintings to furniture and small trinkets, you can keep up with everything in an organized manner. We recommend keeping a copy for yourself and leaving one in storage. This way, when you go to pull things, you will have a list of inventory right in front of you.

4. Clean and vacuum your belongings

There is nothing worse than getting furniture or an appliance out of storage, just to make it smell your home with its moldy aroma. To prevent this from happening, it is extremely important to thoroughly clean all the elements before placing them in the storage. After all, if they are clean from the start, they will be much less likely to smell bad later. We recommend that you wipe all surfaces with a universal cleaning spray, vacuum the pillows for the sofa and armchairs, and also clean the equipment with disinfectant wipes.

5. Use clear plastic containers instead of boxes

Ready to start the packing process? If possible, we recommend placing items in airtight transparent plastic containers. So you can see what’s inside when you visit the repository. You do not have to frantically hunt for a particular book or another object. Instead, you can find what you are looking for almost immediately.

6. If you use boxes, label them clearly

Are there any remaining moving boxes? If you decide to discard plastic containers and use cardboard boxes instead, make sure they are strong enough to withstand long-term storage. Since you do not see what is inside the cardboard box, you need to carefully and clearly label each of them. Also, be sure to list specific items inside the box. For example, instead of labeling a box of “kitchen items,” label it as “pots, pans, and dishes”.

7. Protect items from environmental conditions

If your storage does not have climate control, you need to take everything into your own hands to prevent damage to your belongings. Over time, dust, moisture, and even mold can develop if you do not prepare your items for storage. Firstly, we recommend making sure all your things are dry to start with. Then apply a protective spray to furniture and leather goods. Close the boxes tightly to prevent moisture from entering. For electronics and cords, we suggest storing them in plastic bags to prevent moisture damage. Sweaters and clothes should be packed in wardrobe boxes or zipped inside a hanging bag for clothes. Mattresses should be placed in a special bag for storing the mattress. Furniture should also be covered with a cotton sheet to prevent damage from pests and bad weather.

8. Disassemble large items

Large items, such as beds and dining tables, must be taken apart before storage. Not only can you save space by disassembling these elements. But you can also better protect these things from potential wear and tear. Tip: Spring units and mattresses should be stored horizontally inside the storage unit to avoid damage.

9. Prepare appliances

Putting small kitchen appliances in storage? We recommend wrapping them (and cords) in bubble pack or foam so that they don’t break. Also, be sure to thoroughly clean the appliances and fasten all loose parts with a rope or tape. If the appliance is a washing machine, refrigerator, or dishwasher, leave the appliance doors ajar to prevent the accumulation of mold and moisture.

10. Store items strategically

Finally, when placing your items in storage, it is strategically important how and where you decide to store them in the unit. If you want to save space, try storing things upright. Also, all large and heavy objects should be placed below. If you put the mattress on a flat surface, do not put it at the very bottom of the storage unit, as things from above will certainly put pressure on the gasket and springs. You will also want to think about which items you will need more often. For example, if you plan to store seasonal clothes, we suggest placing these items in an easily accessible place near the door.

Other things to consider when you need to prepare your items for storage

• The quality of your packing materials.
• The size of your storage unit.
• The overall security of your storage. For example, does it have personal surveillance or video surveillance? How many locks on the door? How well is the subject lit?
• Whether your storage is climate controlled. If you can manage it, we highly recommend renting a unit that provides this feature. These climate controllers prevent mold and mildew damage. If you decide to rent a warehouse without climate control, keep in mind that mold can grow on cardboard and paper products. So pack up accordingly.

When you are storing your belongings, all you want is for them to stay in the same condition. You love them the way they are and would hate to see them change. That’s why it is extremely important to prepare your items for storage. Take good care of them, and they will serve you for a long time.