Whether you are preparing to move cities, downsize or declutter your place it is time to make a strategy to store your cherished belongings. Storing stuff needs thorough management and careful thinking. Storage items can readily succumb to moisture, weather changes, and substantial corrosion if not packed adequately, even for a short period. So when it comes to storing your possessions for a longer duration, say a year or more, certain precautions must be taken to warrant their safety.
Nobody wants their priced and beloved items to corrode or be infested by pests. So to make sure that your items remain safe in long-term storage units our experts have suggested a couple of amazing tips that will make your life a lot easier.
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Preparation Stage
The first and foremost step of the process is to prepare the items for storage units. This entails deep cleaning of the surfaces with disinfectant sprays and cleaners to prevent foul moldy smell, making sure that the items are completely dry or you will risk corrosion, growth of mildew, or pest invasion. Large possessions such as furniture should be disassembled to make them compact and easy to store. They will take less storage space hence less rent to pay.
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Proper Storage Containers
To keep your stuff well preserved, get your hands on sturdy and clean containers. Cardboard boxes are great but clear plastic containers are a stronger contender as they are water-resistant and airtight and will ensure better protection of your belongings. Don’t use old or recycled boxes that might be unclean and prone to be damaging to your things. Try to buy uniform-sized boxes so they are easily stackable on top of each other. Don’t use plastic bags because they offer the most favorable conditions to mildew growth.
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Making an Inventory List
Making a detailed inventory list is crucial. This will not only aid you to keep track of your belongings but also help you for insurance purposes(in case your items go missing or damaged your inventory will help you claim the insurance). Draft a detailed list about the number of items and their present condition, keep several copies and a digital copy as well which might later serve as a piece of evidence.
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Labeling Boxes
Label the boxes according to their categories followed by the contents of the box. This tip is a lifesaver and will save you valuable time and effort in the future. You will not have to open all the boxes to access the required item. Labeling will make it easier to locate the article when needed. Marking the boxes that contain fragile items will warn the handler to be cautious when dealing with the said box.
Place all storage containers in such a manner so that their labels are quite apparent from the walkway.
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Getting the Items Insured
Getting a good storage insurance policy will protect your items from damage, be it from negligence or other calamities such as fire and earthquake etc. God forbid your stuff gets damaged; policy will compensate for your loss. Look for a policy that best suits you and follow all the rules. For example, if your policy states that the item should be stored in water-resistant containers then follow the instructions or your insurance will be invalidated.
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Arrangement in Storage Space
Leave room amid the boxes and the walls to let the air circulate within the passage to prevent mold formation on your belongings. Leave a walkway or it will be hell to reach the item at the back.
Pile the boxes with similar sizes on top of each other in an organized manner or you will risk them tipping over resulting in damage to your goods. Stack them according to their weight with the heaviest box at the very bottom. Place the largest furniture or boxes farthest from the entrance at the back and the stack smaller stuff at the front.
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Don’t Store Hazardous Items
Don’t pack eatables of any sort, plants, inflammable, caustic, or explosives, scented goods, and wet items. These things can cause pest invasion, fire, and molding. Don’t place stuff with high sentimental value in storage. These are the basic public storage instructions that should be heeded.
