You’ve found Storage Space – What Next?
After securing a storage facility, it’s time to pack. You didn’t realize how many belongings you had until you had to pack them! This may be true for everyone, but you don’t have to worry about how you’ll prepare. Here’s how to pack and prepare your belongings for a storage unit.
Take Inventory of the Items That Will Be in the Storage Space
It’s better to be on the safe side and make a list of your belongings. Use it to note the value of each item for any insurance claims or accidental damage which occurs in the storage unit.
Packing the Right Way in Your Storage Space
Clothes
Clothes aren’t as simple as folding and placing in a box. The first step is making sure that you are packing clean, dry clothes. The importance lies in protecting your clothes from mold, mildew, bugs, and rodents. While you want your storage space to be pest-free, you want to minimize the possibility of them appearing. Clothes should have no traces of dirt, grime, or residue in order to remain in good condition while in storage. Ustorage.com suggests: “You can also purchase chemical desiccants to place in your moving boxes that absorb moisture and prevent the growth of mold.”
You may want to purchase wardrobe boxes for your clothing, which come with rods and hangers. The ideal thing about them is that these boxes were designed for clothing and won’t sink down or be crushed when other boxes are placed on top.
Furniture
Packing your furniture is more involved, but it makes all the difference against moisture, dust, and scratches. Cotton drop clothes or canvas tarps will protect furniture from dust, but make sure the covers aren’t touching the floor. Large, bulky items such as sofas and mattresses should be stood on end in order to get the most space out of your storage facility. If possible, disassemble tables and beds. Use moving blankets or bubble wrap to protect table legs and headboards. If unable to disassemble, place the table upside down on top of a moving blanket or soft surface. Place the chairs upside down on top of the upturned table.
Other Tips
- If you’ve recently used a cleaning product on your furniture, make sure it’s completely dry before storing in order to prevent mildew.
- Bubble wrap and cardboard will go a long way in protecting your furniture’s corners.
Contact us if you have any packing questions and want to secure a storage space! Call us at 512-452-4799 or email us via our online form.
Sources: ustorage.com, self-storage-facilities.com, extraspace.com
Photo Credit: stevendepolo via Compfight cc