Advice on Putting Your Stuff in Long Term Storage
An article provided by Simply Self Storage
There are many families and individuals that have a great deal of property in their home that is usually in the way. This property is usually valuable meaning it cannot be thrown away and usually includes collectables, antiques, special family heirlooms, and other items that are not immediately useful, but are much too important to throw or give away. Overtime families and individuals realize that this type of property cannot be kept in a house. It takes up too much space that could be occupied by property that is more important or useful. Rather than make a painful decision that you might later regret take advantage of the long term storage solutions in your community.
Long term storage can be used to store important items for many months or even years if not forever. This storage solution is great for providing individuals and families with a place to keep items that might become useful or extremely valuable again sometime in the foreseeable future. Long term storage can be paid in yearly or monthly increments making it easy for the average family or working individual to afford. This storage solution also provides families and individuals with a safe place to store important items when there is no longer room in the home. Even though long term storage is the perfect solution too many those with no immediate storage experience might find the process confusing. Before you give up on the idea of using long term storage, use this easy to remember advice which will make your long term storage experience easier and more enjoyable.
If you are planning to store furniture and household appliances for long periods of time it is important that all the items being stored are cleaned out thoroughly before they even see the inside of a storage unit. Microwaves and deep freezers are two items that must receive an extremely thorough cleaning to remove all food particles, crumbs, and dried spill stains. Furniture too must be cleaned to remove food particles as well. Many people do not realize that couches and love seats often contain crumbs of snack food thanks to adults and children alike. To get these crumbs cleaned up vacuum underneath all cushions of a couch carefully. Also wipe down any surfaces such as table tops and couch cushions. When everything is well cleaned cover all furniture and appliances with plastic to help keep them safe from dust and dirt.
Use plastic containers for packing whenever possible instead of using the traditional cardboard box. Yes plastic containers are more expensive than boxes but this is a case of getting what you pay for. A good plastic container will last longer than a cardboard box and will help keep your clothing and other belongings safe from accidental spills and leaks that might occur from time to time. When you have purchased plastic containers make sure you fill them completely before closing them. If there is any lose space in your container fill it with cloth or newspaper to help avoid shifting after storage. Only when the container has been packed tightly should you attempt to close it. Always make sure the plastic container has been completely sealed before storing it and even consider securing it with shut with packing tape as an extra precaution. If you are storing fabrics or clothing items always remember to add moth balls to the container to help protect your things from damage.
One thing that you must never forget to do is to clean your storage unit before moving any of your belongings in. This is something that most people forget because they are so busy trying to find a storage facility that offers long term arrangements and then pack their items up for storage. Failing to clean out your storage unit when you are storing items for months or years could lead to contaminations and infestations. Even though the storage company might seem reputable enough you have no way of knowing what sort of people rented the storage unit before you. When you have been assigned storage units carefully sweep or vacuum the entire area. Dust the walls and even the ceiling if you can reach it. Spray for insects and lay down rodent or insect traps then place plastic or tarp down on the ground to lay your belongings on. Always avoid placing your belongings directly on the floor of the storage unit.
Last, but never least, prepare for possible rodent infestation. It is easy forget that your storage unit might become home to thousands of tiny pests but it is possible. Especially if you do not take the time to clean out your storage unit or clean off your belongings. If you do visit your storage unit one day and find that your unit is filled with bugs or even rodents do not panic. Calm yourself and work on getting rid of the pests. Invest in some strong bug spray and spray the inside of your unit and around the outside if possible. Never leave the can of insect spray inside the unit because they are flammable and can cause a fire in the future.
Once you have sprayed leave your unit alone for a few days and then visit to sweep out all of the dead bugs. If you are afraid that there are rodents in your unit place rodent poison or traps down that will catch any rodents that come into your unit. If you are squeamish about dealing with rodents there are many traps available that will catch and hold a mouse or rat in such a way that you never even have to look at it. After you have dealt with the problem contact the manager of the storage facility about your problems. Take pictures of the infestation if possible and in some cases you might be able to receive some free storage credits.
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