Whether you’re planning to store your belongings in long term storage for one year or five, taking the time to properly prepare them is key to the longevity of your valuables. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you prepare and preserve the condition of your things while they’re in storage.
One of the most important features to look for when selecting a long term storage facility is temperature control. A common misconception is that “furniture doesn’t care what temperature it is,” but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Wood furniture, for example, adjusts to moisture levels by expanding and contracting causing wood to warp, cardboard boxes can buckle and get soggy in high humidity levels, plus, mold and bacteria are more likely to develop in an uncontrolled climate environment. Extreme temperature, especially high humidity, can do a lot of damage.
Minimize the effects of temperature changes and humidity on your belongings by choosing a storage facility that keeps the temperature between 55 and 80 degrees. At Tiger Moving & Storage, our facility is climate controlled for year-round protection.
Clothing, like most items made of organic materials, can break down over time as they age. And it will break down faster if it’s not stored properly. Consider hanging clothing instead of leaving it folded inside a box or suitcase which can cause stress tears in the folds over time.
Packing furniture for storage can be tricky. You need to first figure out if it’s necessary to disassemble or leave them as is (not all pieces of furniture, like side tables, need to be taken apart). Larger units, such as tables or baby cribs, are easier to move and store when taken apart, but be extra careful to gather all the small parts, like screws and bolts. Place them in a Ziploc bag, label it well and either put all your bags of tiny furniture pieces in one box or secure it to a section of the unit itself.
Polish wood furniture right before the move so it has less of a chance to dry out. Also, cover furniture with packing paper or material to protect it from dings and reduce dust and moisture damage. Secure that in place.
When preparing boxes for long term storage, reinforce them by packing them full without gaps between items. Any spaces left in a box? Fill it with packing paper or linens. This simple tip will keep items safe during transit and prevent a half-empty box from collapsing during storage.
Remember to label boxes and mark anything “Fragile” if needed, so they can be moved and stored accordingly.
Time to break out the rubber gloves and do some deep cleaning. If you plan on storing large appliances, it’s wise to take some precautions. Defrost and clean your freezer and refrigerator to prevent any possibility of water damage, mildew growth, or bacteria. Likewise, drain your washing machine and tie all cords and hoses to protect them.
Wipe down the interior of appliances with baking soda to keep them dry for the long term and once they arrive at the storage site, leave the doors slightly ajar.
If you make the time to take precautions before you move, your items should survive long term storage in peak condition. Need more tips or assistance? Call Tiger, your local Parsippany, NJ moving and storage company.
Fill out the contact form or call us at 888-227-6642 for a free no-obligation estimate.
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