Self-storage has lots of uses. Some people just have the need to rent a unit for a short period of time; however, many people want their unit for long-term use. They may use it as extra storage for their home, especially for items that are not used very often, or they may use it to store all of their home’s contents if they plan to live abroad for a year or to go travelling. This means that they are safe in the knowledge that their belongings are secure and will be in good condition when they return. That being said, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind if you plan to use self-storage or container storage for long-term use.
It’s All about Being Clean and Dry
Anything that is destined for long-term storage needs to be clean and dry. This will stop mould from growing which can come about from residual dampness in the air or from particles in the environment. There are two main culprits for this; clothing and kitchen items. When it comes to clothes, they can often be packed away still dirty or slightly damp (causing mildew and a bad smell). Kitchen items can also be packed away dirty at times or caked in grease. When left in a dark storage unit for a long period of time they can grow mould, ruin other things in your unit and even cause a health hazard for others in the area. This means that before anything gets packed away it needs to be cleaned well and completely dried.
Pack Everything Properly
The first step you can take to ensuring that all of your belongings are secure is to pack everything properly. You really do not want boxes to cave in while you are away or to have your clothes eaten up by mildew. Steer clear of using plastic bags to pack things as it can encourage a build-up of moisture and means you may end up with a bag full of mould when you return. Instead, look for secure boxes that you can stack one on top of the other while maintaining structural integrity for each. Ensure that all items are packed in a secure way and in the proper storage. There are some items that you will need to give special attention to.
Delicate Things
These will need to be carefully packed in bubble wrap and then placed into a box where there are plenty of other filler materials in place so they do not roll around. These boxes should then be reserved for the top of your box stacks.
Clothing
If you have a lot of clothes that you need to store it is a good idea to invest in a wardrobe box or a clothing bag. This means that your clothes can be stored hung up instead of you stuffing them into plastic bags or boxes. Bin bags are not a good choice for clothes as they allow moisture build-up and can cause clothes to go damp or even to be ruined.
Create a Floor Covering
Items that are going to be stored for a long time need to be given a lot of thought when it comes to the entire environment that they will be in – this includes the flooring. Self-storage units tend to have concrete flooring, which is cold and does not absorb any potential spillage or condensation that tends to build up over time. To ensure that your belongs are protected it is a good idea to cover the floor with a canvas tarp. If you have enough space you could also think about building shelving and then storing your belongings off the ground. In this way, you will ensure sufficient airflow through the unit and around your items as well as keeping everything off a damp floor.
