Whether you need an extension for your closet, are getting deployed, or need to clean out your house but can’t bear to throw anything away, there are lots of reasons why you might need long term self-storage. Thing is, long term storage requires a bit more planning than short term storage. If you’re feeling a little intimidated, don’t, All Secure Storage has your back. Here’s how to do long term self-storage the A.S.S. way (also known as the right way).
About Time to Get Organized
No matter why you’re putting your stuff in storage, this is a good opportunity to clean things out and get organized. This way, you’ll keep the belongings that actually matter and not random junk.
We get it, it can be hard to peer into the future and know exactly what your future-self will need. But when going through your items, ask yourself these questions to help you assess what should stay and what should go:
- Will you (or a family member) need it again, ever?
- Is it functional?
- Is it high-quality and durable?
- Is it in good condition?
- Is it difficult to replace?
- Does it hold a special place in your heart (like a family heirloom or keepsake)?
If you answer “yes” to more than two of the questions when assessing an item, then it’s definitely worth keeping around.
Squeaky Clean is the Way to Be
So, you’ve organized your belongings and have decided what to put in long term self-storage. Great! But don’t load up your car with your things just yet. You’ve still got to clean. And we mean really clean.
But why? If the stuff will just be sitting there for a while, what’s the point? Without a good cleaning, the items you store could cause problems for you down the road, and you likely won’t know about it until it’s too late. Storing that old couch with crumbs stuck in the cushions could attract pests, and putting away that sweater with the marina stain could mean that stain sets and never comes out.
A good cleaning will keep the pests and stain-setting at bay. But don’t just wipe your belongings down and call it a day. Wash fabric materials, disinfect appliances, vacuum upholstered furniture, and clean off wood surfaces. Make sure everything is completely dry before storing as well!
Store Your Stuff Right
Easier said than done. There are lots of little things that can mess with your items while sitting in long term self-storage.
First off, get new boxes. If you have cardboard boxes lying around from your last move, don’t use them (if you can). Those boxes already have wear and tear, so they won’t hold up as well especially long term. A new box will provide more durability and protection than if you were to use an old box with not much life left.
Another storage no-no: plastic bags. You might think storing your clothes or other belongings in a garbage bag will protect it from moisture damage, but it’ll do the exact opposite. Plastic bags trap in moisture and humidity than can cause mildew and mold to grow. Nobody wants to return from a long time away to their belongings ruined by mold, so steer clear of plastic bags for storage.
Providing a way for air to flow through your things while they sit in storage is important. We’re not talking about setting up fans or anything either. It’s as simple as keeping your items a little off the ground, as this will ensure air to circulate. Use cinder blocks or wooden pallets as a base to stack your items on so air can circulate underneath. Leave some space between boxes and walls to allow air to move between your belongings as well.
Making Long Term Self-Storage Simple
Follow our advice and your items will remain in excellent condition while you’re away. At All Secure Storage, we have the latest in High Security Monitoring, so you can be sure that you chose the right place for long term storage. We serve everyone in the Western Slopes, so come and rent a unit with us today!
