Whether you're moving, renovating, downsizing, or simply running out of space, self storage can help keep your belongings safe and organized. But how you prepare and pack your items matters.
Moisture, dust, temperature changes, pests, and improper packing can all affect stored belongings. A little preparation before moving into your storage unit can help prevent damage and keep everything in good condition.
At Elite Self Storage, we provide secure self storage in St. Albert and South Edmonton. Here are our top tips for protecting your belongings while they're in storage.
Always make sure your belongings are clean and completely dry before packing them away.
Moisture left on furniture, clothing, appliances, tools, or other items can contribute to mould, mildew, odours, staining, or rust.
Before storing your belongings:
Wipe down hard surfaces.
Vacuum upholstered furniture.
Wash and completely dry clothing and linens.
Clean appliances inside and out.
Remove dirt and debris from outdoor equipment.
Never pack damp belongings into boxes or containers.
Proper packing materials help protect your belongings from dust, scratches, shifting, and accidental damage.
Use sturdy boxes that can handle stacking and avoid overfilling them. Pack heavier belongings in smaller boxes and lighter items in larger ones. Wrap fragile items individually with packing paper or bubble wrap.
Elite Self Storage offers moving and packing supplies, including boxes, mattress covers, bubble wrap, packing paper, and other materials to help protect your belongings during your move and while they're in storage.
Whenever possible, keep boxes and other belongings slightly raised off the storage unit floor.
Shelving, pallets, plastic risers, or sturdy storage containers can provide separation from the floor while improving airflow and organization.
This is particularly useful if you're planning on using your storage unit long-term.
Clean furniture thoroughly before storage and use furniture covers or moving blankets to protect it from dust, scratches, and accidental bumps.
If possible, disassemble larger furniture to save space. Keep screws, bolts, and other hardware in labelled bags attached to the corresponding piece.
Mattresses should be clean and completely dry before storage. Use a quality mattress cover and store the mattress flat whenever possible. Avoid placing heavy boxes or furniture on top.
For furniture, mattresses, and other temperature-sensitive belongings, you may also want to consider heated or climate-controlled storage.
Wash and completely dry clothing, bedding, linens, and other fabrics before putting them into storage.
For longer-term storage, clean plastic containers with secure lids can provide additional protection. Wardrobe boxes are useful for clothing that should remain hanging.
Label your containers clearly so you can easily find seasonal clothing without searching through your entire storage unit.
Food should never be kept in a self storage unit, even when it's packaged. Food and food residue can attract pests and create unpleasant odours.
Before moving in, check for easily overlooked items such as:
Pet food
Birdseed
Food inside appliances
Crumbs in furniture
Dirty BBQs or cooking equipment
Plants and soil
There are also other belongings that cannot safely or legally be kept in a storage unit. Review our guide to what you can and cannot store in a storage unit before moving in.
Tools, bicycles, metal furniture, and equipment should be clean and completely dry before storage.
Depending on the item, an appropriate protective oil or rust-prevention product may help protect exposed metal surfaces during extended storage.
For customers using self storage in St. Albert or South Edmonton, heated or climate-controlled storage may be worth considering for belongings sensitive to Alberta's changing temperatures.
Filling every available inch of a storage unit can make your belongings difficult to access and more likely to be damaged.
Place heavier boxes on the bottom and lighter or fragile items on top. Leave a walkway when space allows and keep anything you'll need regularly near the front.
Choosing the right amount of space from the beginning can make storage much easier. Check our storage unit size guide if you're unsure what size unit you'll need.
The best type of storage unit depends on what you're storing and how often you need access to it.
Drive-up storage units are convenient for furniture, appliances, tools, equipment, and other large or heavy belongings. Being able to pull your vehicle close to your unit can also make loading and unloading easier.
Some belongings may benefit from additional protection from Alberta's changing temperatures.
Heated or climate-controlled storage may be worth considering for:
Electronics
Important documents
Artwork
Wood furniture
Clothing and fabrics
Mattresses
Collectibles
Other temperature-sensitive items
Learn more about climate-controlled storage and whether it's appropriate for the belongings you plan to store.
A well-organized storage unit makes it easier to find your belongings and reduces unnecessary moving and handling.
Label boxes clearly and consider creating a simple inventory of what's inside your unit. Photos can also help you remember where larger or important belongings are located.
Keep frequently used items near the front and seasonal or long-term storage items toward the back.
Don't assume your belongings are automatically insured because they're inside a storage facility.
Check your homeowner's or tenant's insurance policy to see whether belongings stored away from home are covered and whether any limits apply.
If your existing insurance doesn't provide sufficient coverage, ask about insurance options available for your storage unit.
If you're storing belongings for several months or longer, visit your unit periodically.
Check that boxes remain securely stacked, furniture coverings haven't shifted, and your belongings are still clean and organized. Regular visits also give you an opportunity to rotate seasonal items or retrieve something before it becomes buried at the back.
Protecting your belongings in storage starts with proper preparation. Clean and dry everything thoroughly, use quality packing materials, protect furniture and mattresses, organize your unit carefully, and choose the right storage environment for what you're storing.
Elite Self Storage offers convenient self storage in St. Albert and South Edmonton for household belongings, business inventory, furniture, seasonal items, vehicles, RVs, and more.
Our storage options include:
Heated and climate-controlled storage
Drive-up storage units
Multiple storage unit sizes
Household and business storage
Vehicle and RV storage
Gated access
Video surveillance
Flexible month-to-month rentals
Whether you're moving, renovating, downsizing, decluttering, or simply need extra space, choosing the right storage unit and preparing your belongings properly can help keep them protected.
Not sure what type or size of storage unit you need?
Explore our storage options or contact the Elite Self Storage team. We can help you choose a storage solution based on what you're storing, how much space you need, and how long you plan to store your belongings.
With convenient St. Albert and South Edmonton storage facilities, you can choose the Elite Self Storage location that's best for you.
📞 Talk to a storage expert at 780-347-0433
Find a storage unit at our St. Albert or South Edmonton storage facility and rent or reserve your unit online today.
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