Here’s How To Prepare And Pack Your Possessions For Self Storage

Storing extra belongings in a self storage unit is a solution used by many to solve the all-too-common issue of not having enough space at home. In fact, 21% of US renters are currently using self storage, with an additional 12% planning to use it in the future. A self storage unit can be of great help while moving, for example, but it’s also very useful for long-term storage.

There are many instances when long-term storage is needed: you downsized, you are renting a small home with little storage space (or you are living with roommates), you decided to be a digital nomad for a while, you are packing up for relocation abroad, or you simply have a large family and too many belongings to deal with. Whatever the reason, you can count on self storage to keep your stuff safe. The service is widely available across the country — there are more than 1.7B square feet of self storage space in the US, with the average street rate for a storage unit at around $135. However, both cost and availability are closely related to where you live, so if you’re planning to rent a unit for long-term storage, make sure you check prices in your area and the types of units available.

Another important factor when it comes to storing items long term has to do with how you prepare and pack them. Take your time and do it properly to ensure that your belongings are well protected while in storage. Here are the main things you need to do when preparing various types of items for long-term storage:

Furniture

Furniture is the most frequently stored item by Americans — about 29% of the renters who use self storage keep furniture in their unit. While furniture is usually a sturdy item, it’s still important to protect it well while in storage to avoid damages caused by humidity, dust, mold and mildew or during transportation. Here are some of the precautions to take:

• Large furniture pieces

Large and heavy wooden furniture, such as wardrobes, beds, sofas, dining room tables and so on, are difficult to transport, so it’s recommended that you disassemble them if possible. Not only does this make transportation a lot easier, but you can also pack the component parts more thoroughly, which means they’ll be better protected while in storage. At a minimum, take out drawers, detach glass doors and tape the other doors shut to minimize the risk of damaging your furniture.

Large furniture can be quite challenging when it comes to packing as well. One important precaution is using corner and edge protectors — there are many such products you can buy from hardware stores. However, you can also improvise by using, for example, old cut-up tennis balls for corners, or pool noodles for edges.

Sofa cushions should also be packed individually in stretch wrap to prevent dust, dirt and spills from getting to them. Also, you should cover your entire sofa in tarp or plastic sheets, or even in old bedsheets, while in storage. The same goes for other furniture: Make sure that everything is covered while in storage.

When putting the furniture inside the unit, don’t place it directly on the floor — use some durable tarp or even some pallets.

• Mattresses

Mattresses are expensive, so it is definitely worth it to pay some extra attention to preparing and packing them for storage. The first step is to vacuum the mattress very well, then clean it, if needed, with dedicated products. To avoid funky smells from developing while the mattress is in storage, it’s a good idea to sprinkle it generously with baking powder, leave it like that for a few hours, then vacuum it again. If you used cleaning solutions or water on the mattress, make sure it’s perfectly dry before taking it to storage. Buy a mattress storage bag to protect your mattress while in the unit.

It’s very important that you store your mattress horizontally on a flat surface. Leaning it against the wall will cause it to bend out of shape (even if you’re storing it for just a couple of months or so).

• Mirrors/TVs

These fragile items require plenty of precaution when it comes to packing. The best solution is to purchase dedicated boxes for such products — they are sturdy and come in a variety of sizes but are also narrow, so they keep your TV or mirror from moving around. However, even with these boxes, you should still use bubble wrap or packing peanuts.

• Kitchen stuff

From appliances to wine glasses, the kitchen is definitely the source of many packing and storing challenges. When it comes to large appliances, you should treat them the same way you would treat a large piece of furniture — make sure they are clean and dry inside and out, tape the doors shut, protect the corners and the edges, and cover them in plastic wrap or some sheets while in storage.

Smaller kitchen appliances, such as coffee makers, toasters, mixers and so on, should be packed in appropriately sized boxes. Make sure the appliances are thoroughly cleaned (you definitely don’t want remains of coffee grounds getting moldy in your coffee maker). Also, ensure that every small kitchen appliance is packed with all its accessories in the same box.

As for delicate items, such as plates, glasses, and mugs, there are a variety of packing boxes dedicated to each category. China and glass storage containers are made with a hard shell and padded insides, so are ideal for expensive and delicate tableware. You can find various sizes and shapes for plates, bowls, cups, saucers and so on.

Clothing

Clothing is the second-most-stored item by Americans, and, if you’re storing your belongings long-term, you’ll definitely have a lot of clothing and accessories to store as well. A smart thing, when it comes to storing clothing, is to do some purging before putting it in storage. Discard all the items that are damaged, stained, no longer fit or you’re unlikely to wear again. Then wash and dry your clothes before storing, and dry-clean the pieces that require it.

• Duvets, pillows, sheets, towels and heavy sweaters

Voluminous items are best kept in vacuum bags (but make sure the vacuum bags go in some sturdy boxes to protect them from being punctured or ripped). Vacuum bags are great not only because they reduce the volume of the items, but they also protect them from dust or various pests such as moths. However, clothes will wrinkle a lot in vacuum bags, so avoid putting delicate and expensive fabrics in them.

• Coats, suits and other professional/special occasion outfits

The best way to store such items is on a hanger — and there are cardboard wardrobe boxes with hanging rods that are ideal for them. However, it’s important to also use garment bags for each hanger to minimize exposure to dust and other environmental factors. And, as many suits and coats are made of wool and silk, you should add some anti-moth balls to each garment bag.

• Other clothing (T-shirts, jeans, sweaters and so on)

Get sturdy lidded boxes for the rest of your clothing — plastic boxes are the best, as they don’t lose shape and integrity when you stack them. Don’t forget to add some anti-moth balls as well. A good trick is to place a couple of dryer sheets in each box to keep your clothes smelling nice.

Collectibles and other delicate items

Collectibles, including books, stamps, vinyl records, artworks and any other type of item you might be into, tend to be fragile and generally need a special environment for long-term storage. Rent climate-controlled storage units for them, which will ensure that neither fluctuations in temperature nor in humidity will damage your precious belongings.

As for packing, your main focus should be on protection from environmental factors. Use boxes that close tightly and can be stacked easily without causing harm to the items stored inside. Also, don’t simply drop your valuables in boxes: Stamps, for example, should be neatly arranged in stock books, while vinyl records are best kept in storage containers specially dedicated to this purpose.

Books, particularly old and expensive ones, should not be kept in piles, one on top of the other, as they might get damaged. Instead, arrange them upright in clear plastic boxes that allow you to see what’s inside and to take one out without damaging the rest.

Paintings should be covered or packed only in breathable materials such as cardboard or sheets of fabric — the same types of boxes that you use for TVs and mirrors are great for paintings as well. However, make sure the paintings are framed and that nothing touches the actual surface of the painting.

Tools and equipment

Tools and equipment are usually sturdy items, so the main precaution is choosing sturdy boxes with handles that allow you to carry them easily and don’t break under the weight of the tools. Electric tools should have their  batteries before putting them in storage (and it would be ideal if you could recharge the accumulators at least every few months or so to prolong their lifespan).

Any equipment that uses fuel (such as lawnmowers or chainsaws) should be stored with its tanks emptied to avoid potential accidents while in storage. As a general rule, prior to storing, tools and equipment need to be cleaned and degreased where needed, and the batteries and accumulators disconnected or taken out.

Preparing and packing your stuff properly ensures that everything will be well protected while in long-term storage. However, it is recommended that you drop by your unit at least every few months or so to make sure that everything is in good order.