There are many situations where long-term storage becomes the best solution. Extended travel, military deployment, relocation for work, downsizing your home, estate planning, or a growing business that needs extra inventory space are all common reasons people rely on long-term storage. In Alberta, where seasonal changes and temperature extremes are a factor, choosing the right storage approach is especially important.
Long-term storage is different from short-term storage. Items placed into storage for several months—or even years—require more preparation, better packing, and the right environment to ensure they remain clean, dry, and damage-free over time. Without proper planning, belongings can be affected by moisture, temperature fluctuations, pests, or simple disorganization.
Whether you’re storing household items, business inventory, documents, or vehicles, following these long-term storage tips will help protect your belongings and make the experience stress-free from start to finish.
Choosing the right storage facility is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when planning for long-term storage. The facility you choose should support long-term protection, convenience, and flexibility.
Look for a storage facility that offers:
Multiple storage unit sizes
Month-to-month storage rentals
Strong security features
Climate-controlled and heated storage units are especially important for long-term storage in Edmonton and St. Albert. These units help protect your belongings from temperature swings, condensation, and moisture that can cause cracking, warping, rust, or mold over time. Items like furniture, electronics, paperwork, photographs, clothing, artwork, and sentimental belongings benefit greatly from a stable storage environment.
Location also matters. Even with long-term storage, you should choose a facility that’s easy to access. Periodic visits allow you to inspect your items, rotate seasonal belongings, and address any issues early. Elite Self Storage offers secure facilities in South Edmonton, North Edmonton, and St. Albert, making it easy to find storage close to home or work.
Security is another key factor. Look for gated access, individual entry codes, video surveillance, proper lighting, and ongoing pest control services. Reading online reviews can also provide valuable insights into customer experience and facility standards.
Cleanliness is critical when storing items long term. Dirt, crumbs, and moisture can attract pests and cause permanent damage over time.
Before placing items into storage:
Vacuum furniture and upholstery thoroughly
Clean appliances and leave doors slightly open
Wash and completely dry clothing and linens
Wipe down hard surfaces
Allow all items to dry fully before packing
Moisture is one of the biggest risks in long-term storage. Even small amounts can lead to mildew, mold, and unpleasant odors. Taking extra time to ensure everything is clean and dry will significantly extend the life of your stored belongings.
Proper packing is essential for long-term storage success. Poor packing can lead to crushed boxes, damaged items, and wasted space.
Best practices include:
Use new, sturdy boxes for consistent stacking
Pack similar items together by room or category
Use bubble wrap and packing paper for fragile items
Fill empty spaces to prevent shifting
Use vacuum-sealed bags for clothing and bedding
Store important documents in waterproof plastic sleeves
Placing pallets or shelving on the floor of your storage unit keeps items off cold concrete and improves airflow. Furniture should be covered with breathable covers—not wrapped too tightly—to prevent moisture from becoming trapped while still protecting against dust.
Labeling is often overlooked, but it’s essential for long-term storage.
Label every box clearly on all sides, including:
Room name
General contents
For longer storage periods, create an inventory list. Number each box and keep a corresponding list (digital or printed). This allows you to locate items quickly without opening every box, saving time during future visits.
Place items you may need occasionally near the front of your storage unit, and long-term items toward the back.
Storage insurance is highly recommended—and often required—especially for long-term storage.
Many homeowner or renter insurance policies offer limited or no coverage for stored belongings. Elite Self Storage offers affordable storage insurance options, or you can provide proof of adequate third-party coverage.
Insurance provides peace of mind and protects your belongings from unexpected events during long-term storage.
Properly preparing your items is one of the most important steps when using long term storage units. Even the best storage facility cannot protect belongings that are packed incorrectly or placed into storage without preparation. Taking time upfront reduces the risk of damage and keeps your items in good condition for months or even years.
When preparing your items for long-term storage, start by choosing the right supplies. High-quality packing materials make a significant difference. Use sturdy boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap, mattress covers, and furniture covers designed specifically for storage. Avoid thin plastic or reused boxes that may collapse over time. Investing in proper packing materials helps protect against dust, shifting, and compression during long-term storage.
A climate controlled unit is strongly recommended when storing items for extended periods. Climate-controlled units help regulate temperature and humidity, which is especially important in Alberta’s changing seasons. Items like wood furniture, leather, electronics, documents, photographs, and clothing benefit greatly from climate controlled storage. Without it, temperature fluctuations can cause cracking, warping, mold growth, or rust.
Organization also matters when storing long term. Leave small walkways inside your storage unit to allow airflow and easy access. Stack heavier boxes on the bottom, lighter boxes on top, and keep frequently accessed items near the front. This approach protects your belongings and makes future visits easier.
By using the right packing materials, selecting an appropriate climate controlled unit, and carefully preparing your items, long-term storage becomes a reliable and stress-free solution for protecting what matters most.
To get the most out of long-term storage:
Visit your unit every 1–3 months
Inspect for moisture or shifting
Rotate seasonal items
Avoid overcrowding
Use a unit size guide to choose correctly
Long-term storage works best when your unit is organized, breathable, and easy to navigate.
Elite Self Storage provides secure, flexible long-term storage solutions at all three locations:
We offer:
Heated and climate-controlled storage units
Drive-up unheated storage units
Storage lockers in multiple sizes
Vehicle and RV storage
Secure gated access with video surveillance
True month-to-month storage rentals with no hidden fees
Unlike 28-day billing cycles, our month-to-month rentals provide full value and flexibility—ideal for long-term storage planning.
Long-term storage is available on a month-to-month basis, allowing you to store for as long as needed without long-term contracts.
Yes. Climate-controlled or heated storage is recommended for items sensitive to temperature and humidity changes.
Yes. Vehicle storage is available for cars, trucks, trailers, and RVs at select locations.
A unit size guide or advice from storage experts can help ensure you select the appropriate space size.
Whether you’re storing household belongings, business inventory, or vehicles, Elite Self Storage offers long-term storage solutions designed to protect what matters most.
📞 Call 780-347-0433 to speak with a storage expert
