Packing Tips For Long Term and Short Term Storage
Packing Items for Short Term Storage
Short term storage is designed to be a temporary solution and especially if in need of extra space for the time being. Many homeowners use this storage option when renovating their homes, moving house, or when they have relatives around. This means you can have some of the extra items stored in a storage facility to help create enough space for all to fit. This type of storage is quite helpful during those awkward moments when you need extra space in the house. Some of the things to consider when preparing your belongings for short-term storage are outlined below.
a. You don’t need dust covers for furniture and other larger items. It takes more than 3 months for the dust to form and settle on these items. Unless you live in a particularly dusty area, you probably won’t need any intensive protection for these items. An old bedsheet, drape, or cloth would be enough.
b. Leave an aisle at the centre of the storage unit. This is necessary because you’d want to access everything in the storage space without taking everything apart. To make this possible, consider arranging and stacking boxes against the wall. Make use of the vertical space for easy access to all.
c. Wrap fragile items properly. Fragile items need to be packaged properly to avoid damage at all costs. If you still have to access these items while in storage, you then need to repeat the intense packaging procedure to reduce the risks even farther. When it comes to storage, the fragile items should be stored at the safest point in the unit, where it won’t shift in any way.
Long Term Storage
This type of storage is designed to keep items safely for long periods. If looking to store items for more than 3 months, this is the option to go for. Some of the things to have in mind when preparing items for long-term storage include:
a. Never pack items in plastic bags: For many people, keeping things in plastic bags protects them from water damage; this is not from the truth when it comes to long term storage. The plastic bag will only trap moisture inside – this creates favourable conditions for mildew and mould growth.
b. Use sturdy boxes: Boxes from your previous move or packages from the supermarket products and groceries aren’t recommended for long term storage. These boxes are not designed to withstand any form of strain for long period of time. That said, it would be best to go for boxes with a corrugated cardboard lining, plastic boxes, etc.
c. Handle fragile items with care: All fragile items should be bubble wrapped, and their boxes marked clearly. You should also keep these items away from other items in the unit, somewhere safe.
d. Vacuum seal fabrics and clothes: Use vacuum-sealed bags to store curtains, clothes, and any other soft furnishings. This should keep them protected from insects and other forms of damage.
e. Clean appliances before storing them: Use baking soda to clean all appliances headed for the storage unit. Baking soda helps kill bacteria and other microbes that may cause mould grown on these appliances.
f. Stack all items on pallets: Place a layer of pallets on the floor before bringing things in the storage unit. These pallets help improve air circulation in the unit. This ensures everything in the storage unit is safe and remain in a perfect condition for much longer.
Whether storing your items for short or long term, it would be a good idea to have everything marked and labelled. This makes it easier to keep an inventory of all items in the unit as well as retrieving particular items from the same. Whether looking to store these items for a week or several months, labelling everything correctly and keeping a clipboard somewhere close to the door will help avoid confusion in the future.