What Do I Need for Storing My Belongings in Self-Storage?

When you’re taking the time and money to rent a self-storage space, you want your belongings to stay in their original condition. Imagine the disappointment of opening your self-storage unit and finding your valuables ruined by improper storage techniques!

To prevent this, here is the ultimate guide on what you need to preserve your belongings properly.

Considerations of Self-Storage Needs

Here are a few factors to consider before packing up your belongings for self-storage.

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Storage

Different packing techniques are needed for different lengths of storage. If you’re planning on storing your items for only a few months (like for overseas trips), you may not need to be as meticulous about organizing and packing your belongings. But if you anticipate storing your belongings for a long time, then it’s best to invest in some quality storage materials to keep your valuables in their original condition.

Types of Belongings

Proper storage materials is largely based off what you’re going to store. Items like old paper files can be kept in filing cabinets, while vintage clothes need to be carefully wrapped and packed. The more valuable the possession, the more you may need to invest in storing it properly.

Standard vs. Climate-Controlled Self-Storage Unit

The types of belongings you’re planning store will determine whether you choose a standard or climate-controlled unit.

While standard units offer excellent protection from damaging weather elements like rain, snow, and wind, they don’t offer the next-level protection of climate-controlled units.

Standard units can get exceptionally hot or cold with the changing seasons, similar to a garage or shed. So–if you wouldn’t leave your belongings in your garage or shed, then you should consider a climate-controlled unit. Climate-controlled units stay between 50 and 80 degrees year-round, which is similar to the temperatures in a basement.

You might be surprised to learn that most materials are damaged by long-term storage in a standard unit. Yes–indoor and outdoor furniture, artwork, books, musical instruments, photos and important documents, antiques, clothing, and even household appliances and electronics should all be stored in a climate-controlled unit. Unless you’re storing a vehicle, outdoor equipment, or old files, you should strongly consider reserving a climate-controlled unit.

Packing Materials for Self-Storage

Now that you know how important it is to pick the right type of storage unit for your belongings, here’s a complete list of materials you need!

Furniture

• Mattresses: Specialized bags to keep them dry and clean.
• Wood furniture: Dissassemble as much as possible and store individual parts in bubble wrap or moving blankets.
• Cloth and leather furniture: Cover with blankets, sheets, quilts, or moving blankets

Lamps and Decorations

• Lamps: Remove the lampshade and store it in a box. Wrap the base of the lamp with bubblewrap.
• Mirrors: Wrap in bubble wrap
• Artwork: Wrap in a blanket or sheet first, then wrap in bubble wrap
• Decorations and knick-knacks: Wrap small valuables individually with newspaper or bubble wrap

Dishes

• Choose boxes with sturdy bottoms, handles, and aren’t too big to avoid too much weight
• Bubble wrap, newspaper, foam sleeves or sheets, or cardboard dividers.

Electronics

• Blankets, sheets, or bubble wrap
• Use the original boxes if possible, or store in other boxes

Books

• Small boxes (to avoid too much weight), preferably with handles

Clothes

• Short-term storage: Cardboard boxes, plastic boxes, or plastic bags
• Long-term storage: Vacuum bags, garment bags, plastic boxes, and wardrobe boxes

Appliances

• Small appliances: Items like toaster ovens, sewing machines, blenders, and juicers can be wrapped and stored in an appropriately-sized cardboard box
• Large appliances: Items like stoves, washers and dryers, and fridgerators need to have the doors taped shut during transport but leave doors open once in storage

There you have it–the ultimate guide to what materials your need for self-storage.

Peavler Moving & Storage offers the highest quality standard and climate-controlled self-storage units around. Ready to reserve a unit? Contact us today!