Whether you're looking for short-term or long-term storage, renting a storage unit provides a simple and convenient solution for your needs. Before tossing your belongings into a storage unit, you should ensure the safety of your belongings by making yourself aware of the proper ways to prep and pack your items.
Follow these tips for properly preparing your belongings for storage:
Before you start packing up your belongings for storage, you need to educate yourself on what can and can't be stored inside your storage unit. It's crucial you don't put any of these items into storage as they can be dangerous or attract insects and vermin.
Some of the items which can't be kept in a storage unit include food items of any kind, plants, fertilizers, paint, chemicals, fireworks, explosives, narcotics and medicine. Generally , if it's flammable, it should not be stored in your storage unit.
If you are ever unsure of whether or not an item can be put in storage, ask the storage facility and they will let you know if the item is restricted.
When packing up your things for storage, you will want the right kind of packing materials to keep your things protected.
Consider buying new boxes, as they are strong enough to keep your things safe. Try to use as many boxes of the same size for easier stacking. If you are planning to use some used boxes, make sure to inspect them carefully for any damage.
The best way to pack clothing is by using wardrobe boxes. They will stay wrinkle-free and will be easier to pack and unpack.
Use vacuum-sealed bags for your bedding, draperies, towels, etc. Besides offering extra protection, they will also shrink the volume of your items for more space in your storage unit.
Make sure to pick up lots of packing paper and bubble wrap to protect your fragile items. Moving blankets are great for wrapping furniture and appliances for extra protection.
It is very important that you thoroughly clean everything before putting it in a storage unit. This will avoid the potential buildup of a musty scent and attracting unwanted pests to your unit.
Wipe down all surfaces with an all-purpose cleaner or disinfectant wipes and apply leather conditioner to all leather furniture.
Vacuum all couches and chairs, especially under the cushions and any other soft furniture you are storing.
Make sure every item is completely dry before packing it up or placing it in your storage unit. Packing things that are not completely dry can lead to the growth of mold and mildew.
It's very important to label every box when you pack your things for storage. This will save you valuable time when searching for a specific item in your storage unit or unpacking when you get to your new home.
Label boxes clearly with the room they belong in and a description of the items in the box. Be sure to also label boxes that are fragile or heavy. It is also a good idea to keep track of your stuff in storage by keeping an inventory list.
Disassemble large furniture pieces, such as beds and dining tables, before putting into storage. This will make it easier to transport, save space in your moving truck and storage unit and protect them from potential wear and tear.
Put any small hardware parts, such as screws and bolts, in sealable plastic bags and tape them to the corresponding piece of furniture to prevent losing them.
Before putting any appliances in storage, they first need to be prepped properly.
Thoroughly clean every appliance, inside and out, before putting into storage. Secure any loose parts, such as cables or hoses, with rope or tape.
Leave the doors of the appliances slightly open to enable proper ventilation, which will prevent moisture and mildew from building up over time.
Drain any water completely from any attached hoses or internal mechanisms of the appliances. Any water left in these can cause damage to the appliance if it freezes or it can cause mildew during warmer weather.
Many people don't think about making sure their items are covered while in storage. Before you visit a storage facility, check with your homeowners or renter's insurance to see if your belongings will be covered in storage. If not, you can purchase insurance coverage from the storage facility. You wouldn't be storing items that you didn't care about, so storage insurance can provide you with peace of mind while your things are in storage, should the worst happen.
At Riel Park RV & Self Storage we take extensive precautions to ensure your valuable property is kept safe. For your added peace of mind, we require your property be insured. We offer a $10,000 household insurance policy to provide coverage for unlikely events such as fire, smoke, theft, or vandalism.
At Riel Park RV & Self Storage we have both climate controlled storage units and unheated drive up storage units. Rent a unit online or call one of our storage rental experts today at 780-459-6435.
