More than 25 percent of American households feel that they have too much clutter at home. If you’re one of them, you know that no amount of home storage solutions seem to help.
Instead, the best way to deal with that clutter is to put some of your items into storage at a storage facility. For most people, moving items to storage units is a long term solution to their clutter problem.
Unfortunately, if you’re not careful about how you store things, you risk damaging them. Here are a few simple ways to help you keep your items safe in long term storage.
Store the Right Things
Some items just need to stay in your home. They’re not suited for placement in a storage unit and, if you’re not careful, storing them could ruin those items.
These include things like heirlooms, living plants and animals, flammable chemicals, and anything else not permitted by the storage facility.
Before you start packing up your belongings, check with the storage facility and see what you’re allowed to keep in the unit. They’ll be able to provide you with a list of items that are acceptable and items that need to stay at your house.
Choose the Right Storage Unit
When you’re looking for a long term storage solution, you need to choose the right type of storage unit. This means choosing between climate-controlled units and normal units. The best unit type for your needs largely depends on the types of items you’ll store inside.
If you’re planning on housing artwork, furniture, or anything else that could get damaged by changing temperatures, climate-controlled units are the best choice. However, if you’re storing items like out-of-season clothes and holiday decorations that can withstand changing temps, standard units will work fine.
Before you make your choice, think about the type of items you’ll keep in the storage unit. When you choose the right type of unit, you’ll be able to keep your items safe for years.
Invest in the Right Packing Materials
The best way to prepare items for long term storage is to invest in high-quality packing materials that won’t break down over time. Use sturdy cardboard boxes for heavy items and stack them with the heavier items on the bottom of the stack.
If you have the funds, buy reusable plastic storage bins to store things the right way. The bins protect your items from moisture, insects, and damage when they’re left in the storage unit for months on end.
Whatever storage solutions you choose, make sure you label each box clearly. This way, you’ll be able to find what you need years after you put it in the storage unit.
Now You’re Ready to Store Things the Right Way
Making the decision to put items into storage for a long period of time is a big commitment. You need to make sure your items stay in good shape once you pack them away.
Keep these tips in mind. When you do, you’ll be able to store things the right way whether you’re using a DIY storage option at home or moving to a dedicated facility.
Check out our latest posts for more tips to help you declutter and simplify your life.
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