When you are preparing your belongings for storage, you want to make sure that you are taking the necessary steps to ensure that your items will remain safe and secure. Here are seven things you can do when preparing your belongings for storage:
1. Make an Inventory
Taking an inventory of all the items you’re putting into storage is a great way to keep track of everything. This lets you know what’s in your unit, and you can always refer back to it if something goes missing.
2. Clean Items Before Storing
Giving all the items you plan on putting into storage a thorough cleaning is important for many reasons. Not only does it make them look nicer when you go to take them out later, but it also prevents dirt, dust, and pests from accumulating in your unit.
3. Protect Furniture & Upholstery
Furniture and upholstered items should be wrapped with blankets or plastic slip covers to protect them from dirt, dust, sun damage and moisture. You may also want to use furniture pads to keep them scratch-free in transit.
4. Disassemble Furniture
Some large furniture items, such as beds and couches, should be disassembled before storage for easier transport and to save space in the unit. Make sure you also take a picture of how everything was put together so you’ll remember how to reassemble them later.
5. Use Proper Containers & Labeling
Using the right containers and packing materials is key to successful storage. Cardboard boxes are great, but plastic bins and totes offer more protection from moisture, dust, and pests. Make sure you label everything clearly so that you can easily find items when you need them.
6. Use the Right Packing Materials
Using packing materials such as bubble wrap and packing peanuts will help keep your items safe while in storage. When packing fragile, breakable items like dishes or glassware, use several layers of padding to prevent them from being damaged during transport and handling.
7. Leave an Accessible Path
Leave a pathway so you can easily access the items in the back of your unit without having to move too many things around. This will help you find what you need much faster and make it easier to get in and out quickly.
By following these seven steps, you’ll be prepared when storing your belongings. And by taking the time to properly prepare and organize your items, you can be sure that they will remain safe and secure for as long as you need them in storage!