When you make the decision to lease a storage unit for some or all of your belongings, you do so with the intent of retrieving them at some point. It could be weeks, months, or years from the day that you pack it away. So, what can you do to ensure that everything remains in the same condition when it gets locked away? Here, you'll find a few tips to help you protect your belongings for as long as you need.
Quality Storage Unit
Not every storage facility is a good option for delicate or easily damaged items. Items that must be protected from moisture, heat, cold, and pests must be stored in a facility that takes pride in providing a clean, dry, safe environment.
Things like furniture, electronics, paper items, collectibles, and some plastics must be stored in a climate-controlled unit if they're being stored throughout changing seasons — such as the ough hot summers and cold winters. If the temperatures are mild and humidity is somewhat low, climate control may not be necessary.
Invest in Plastic Storage Bins
Yes, those plastic bins can get expensive when you're packing up a lot of stuff, but they will help you in several ways.
Plastic bins don't attract and hold moisture the way cardboard does. When you pack in cardboard, the moisture that is already in the cardboard can be absorbed into the items inside. Plastic bins will also stack and remain stable for longer periods of time.
You will have to choose between clear bins and bins you can't see in. The clear bins are nice because you can easily see what's inside. The other bins protect the contents from any light damage, so if the contents are light-sensitive or could be faded by the sun, opt for the dark.
Not all plastic bins are airtight. Look for bins with rubber seals around the inside lip and clamp handles. These lock the moisture out as long as you keep them closed.
Use Silica Gel Packs
Silica gel packs can be ordered for much less than it would cost to replace any items damaged by moisture. Tossing a couple of gel packs in each bin will help absorb the moisture that remains in the items and locks it away. If you are storing for years, replacing the gel packs may be necessary from time to time.
Take your time to find the right unit and the right packing products, and your items will be just as they are the day you put them in the unit when you retrieve them.
To learn more, contact a local storage service today.
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