Protecting Your Treasured Items When Long-Term Storage Is Necessary
If you have belongings that you need to put into storage for an extended time period, you are likely worried about their safety when you are unable to check on them constantly. There are a few tasks you can perform to ensure belongings remain free of dirt, moisture, and sunlight, helping to increase the likelihood they remain in pristine condition.
Separate Items By The Medium They Are Made From
Before you start packaging your items to place into storage, it is wise to separate them according to the components they are derived from. Designate a room in your home for the separation process. Place paper items, such as books, old newspapers, and documentation, in one pile and metal items, such as old steins, antique decorations, or picture frames, in another pile. If you have separated items, it makes it easier for you to package each one properly, diminishing the chance of damaging one. Your items are less likely to become mixed into a package with items made from another medium.
Collect The Correct Packaging For Containment
After your items are separated, you need to acquire packaging to keep them covered. This is especially important for items that are prone to molding, rusting, or disintegrating due to humid conditions. Place paper items inside plastic storage containers instead of cardboard boxes so moisture does not ruin them. Cover larger wood or metal items with furniture bags, blankets, or sheets. Smaller items can be wrapped in towels and placed in boxes or bins. Breakable items need a layer of cushioning to protect them so they do not break while you move them to their storage location. Use bubble wrap or styrofoam peanuts for this reason.
Tend To The Storage Area To Keep Items Safe
Whether you are placing items in a storage unit, garage, or basement, they need to be positioned so they are not subjected to damaging conditions. Raise items above floor level if there is a potential for water accumulation. Use shelves and tabletops to hold smaller items so they are not in the path of foot traffic. Keep breakables at floor level, however, so they are less likely to fall and become damaged.
If humidity is an issue, rent a climate-control storage unit or purchase a dehumidifier to keep air dry. Before placing items into the storage area, wipe them with a clean cloth to remove any droplets of water, as just a small amount of moisture can lead to damage to your belongings.