Whether you're going abroad for a year to study or you're staring down a military deployment, you are likely considering investing in a storage unit. When you're packing things for short-term storage, such as for a move, you don't have quite as many concerns as when you're packing for something longer. You will want to be a bit more attentive to the packing process if you'll be storing things for a longer term. Here are some tips to protect your belongings in long-term storage.
Create a Protective Foundation
With short-term storage, you don't have to worry so much about temperature changes and moisture seeping in from the concrete storage floor. However, if you're putting things into long-term storage, you will need to give this some thought.
The best way to protect your belongings from this is to build a foundation in the storage unit that will protect all of your belongings. Lay a tarp or large sheet of plastic on the concrete. Then, place pallets on the floor to cover the entire storage unit floor. You can cover the pallets with plywood if you want a completely flat surface to put the boxes and stuff on it.
Clean Appliances and Furniture
What may seem like subtle odors now can become strong odors over time, and when that odor is coming from something enclosed in a storage unit, everything in the storage unit can be affected. You can avoid most of this by thoroughly cleaning all of your appliances and furniture before putting it into storage.
Use a baking soda mixture when you clean appliances because that will help to eliminate odors. Then, store your appliances with the doors cracked open to allow for air circulation. Your furniture should all be thoroughly vacuumed with an upholstery brush and cleaned with upholstery cleaner if possible.
Don't Pack in Plastic Bags
As tempted as you might be to throw some things, like clothes, into plastic bags, don't do it. Plastic isn't breathable, and it will accumulate moisture that can lead to mold and mildew inside the bags. Instead, pack all of your belongings in sturdy packing boxes. That will allow for the necessary airflow to keep the items inside from suffering moisture damage.
Contact a long-term storage facility near you for more tips and to secure the unit that you need for your upcoming travel. With these tips, you can be sure that your belongings will be in the same condition you left them when you return.
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