Long-term storage isn’t just about putting your belongings in a secure space and forgetting about them until you need them again. It’s about ensuring the safety, preservation, and integrity of your items while they remain out of sight. Whether you’re embarking on a European adventure, embracing an extended RV journey, or facing a long-term deployment, safeguarding your possessions in storage requires thoughtful planning and attention to detail.
This guide will walk you through six essential strategies to ensure your items stay in excellent condition during long-term storage.
Understanding Long-Term Storage
Long-term storage refers to the safekeeping of your belongings for periods extending beyond three months. It’s often a necessity for people facing extended travels, deployments, or temporary relocations, such as living abroad.
Unlike short-term storage solutions, which typically cover three months or less, long-term storage demands more comprehensive planning and preparation. You’ll need to consider factors such as climate control, packing methods, and organizational strategies to protect your items over an extended period.
1. Assess Your Storage Needs
The first step in preparing for long-term storage is assessing your needs. Understanding what you’ll be storing and how much space you’ll need is essential to choosing the right storage solution. Are you storing just a few boxes of personal items, or will you be putting away all your household belongings? Do you have large furniture, delicate items, or sentimental possessions that require extra care?
Begin by taking an inventory of everything you plan to store. This will help you visualize the amount of space you need and guide you in selecting the appropriate storage unit or storage container size. When packing for long-term storage, it’s important to find the right balance between space efficiency and proper item preservation. Ensure that everything is packed snugly, but also leave enough room for air to circulate around your belongings. Proper airflow helps prevent damage caused by moisture or temperature fluctuations over time.
On the other hand, choosing a storage unit that’s too large can lead to higher monthly fees and increase the risk of improperly securing your items during transport. This could result in additional costs if your belongings shift or get damaged. Finding the right-sized unit and packing it correctly will help protect your items and save you money in the long run.
Additionally, consider whether you’ll need regular access to your items or if they can remain untouched until you’re ready to retrieve them. If you anticipate needing to access certain belongings, plan to organize your storage unit accordingly, placing frequently needed items near the front.
Did you know? My Stack Box has the largest containers in the industry. Discover the right size container for your storage here .
2. Methodically Pack Items for Long-Term Storage
Proper packing is essential to ensure your belongings stay safe and intact during long-term storage. While it may seem like a basic tip, careful and thoughtful packing is crucial to preventing damage. Fragile items like china and glassware should be wrapped securely and placed in sturdy boxes, which should then be stacked carefully to avoid shifting or collapsing.
Whenever possible, keep boxes, containers, and furniture elevated off the floor. This extra precaution helps protect your items from potential moisture damage or pests that might find their way into the storage unit. Even for short-term storage, improper packing can lead to unnecessary wear and tear on your possessions.
Is Bubble Wrap Safe for Long-Term Storage?
Yes, bubble wrap is an excellent choice for long-term storage, especially for delicate items. Its lightweight and cushioned properties make it perfect for wrapping dishes, vases, and other fragile items. When used correctly, bubble wrap provides a layer of protection that helps prevent breakage during transportation and storage.
Should You Store Clothes in Plastic Containers?
Absolutely. Plastic containers are ideal for storing clothing because they offer solid protection from dust, moisture, and pests. Additionally, they are easy to stack, which maximizes your storage space. However, avoid storing clothes in plastic bags or cardboard boxes, as these materials can trap moisture or deteriorate over time, potentially causing damage to your garments.
Read more about how to pack your portable storage container.
3. Opt for Climate-Controlled Units
One of the most important considerations when choosing a long-term storage solution is whether or not to opt for a climate-controlled unit. Certain items are particularly sensitive to temperature fluctuations and humidity, and storing them in a climate-controlled environment can prevent damage over time.
Items such as electronics, wooden furniture, musical instruments, and delicate textiles are prone to warping, cracking, or deteriorating when exposed to extreme temperatures or high humidity levels. Climate-controlled storage units maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level, which helps protect your belongings from the effects of these environmental factors.
While climate-controlled units may be more expensive than standard storage units, the added protection they provide can be well worth the cost. If you’re storing valuable or irreplaceable items, the peace of mind that comes with knowing your belongings are safe from temperature-related damage is invaluable. Consider the specific needs of the items you’re storing, and make an informed decision about whether climate control is necessary.
Find out more about mastering climate control .
4. Acquire Comprehensive Insurance
Even with the best packing and storage practices, unforeseen events can still occur. That’s why it’s essential to acquire comprehensive insurance coverage for your stored items. While many storage facilities offer some level of insurance, it’s important to review your existing homeowners or renters insurance policies to determine whether they cover off-site storage. If not, you may need to purchase additional coverage to protect your belongings.
Insurance provides an additional layer of protection against risks such as theft, fire, water damage, or natural disasters. The cost of storage insurance is usually relatively low compared to the potential loss of your valuables, making it a worthwhile investment.
When selecting an insurance policy, be sure to read the fine print and understand what is and isn’t covered. Some policies may have limits on coverage for certain high-value items, such as jewelry, artwork, or electronics. If you’re storing particularly valuable possessions, you may need to purchase additional coverage to ensure they’re fully protected.
5. Nominate a Trusted Contact
If you’ll be away from your storage unit for an extended period, it’s a good idea to nominate a trusted contact who can oversee your unit in your absence. This person can serve as a local liaison, checking on your belongings periodically and handling any issues that may arise.
For example, if you’re storing a vehicle, your trusted contact can start the engine occasionally, check the tire pressure, and ensure that the vehicle remains in good condition. They can also inspect the unit for signs of damage, leaks, or pests, allowing you to address any problems before they escalate.
Choose someone who is responsible and reliable, and make sure they have access to your storage unit’s keys or entry code. Having a trusted contact to keep an eye on your belongings can give you peace of mind, especially if you’re traveling or living far from the storage facility.
Did you know? My Stack Box offers safe self-storage in our secure warehouse storage facilities, equipped with sprinkler systems, alarms, and even video surveillance. We can keep your portable storage container safe and sound for as long as you desire. Some of our movable containers even feature air conditioned vents to further protect your belongings. You can even come to our facility to obtain any of your stored items any time you like, just schedule an appointment!
6. Set Up Autopay for Your Storage Unit
To ensure that your self-storage payments are handled smoothly while you’re away, setting up autopay is a smart choice. You can either use your bank’s bill payment service or opt for the storage facility’s online payment system.
With autopay in place, you can relax and focus on other things, knowing that your payments are being taken care of automatically. When comparing long-term storage options, be sure to inquire about their payment processing methods to confirm they offer a convenient solution that fits your needs.
Packing Specific Items for Long-Term Storage
Different items require different approaches to packing and storage to ensure they remain in good condition over the long term. Below are specific tips for packing common household items for long-term storage.
Packing Clothes
Clothes are one of the most common items stored long-term, but they’re also susceptible to damage if not packed properly. Mold, mildew, pest infestations, and permanent wrinkles are just a few of the issues that can arise when storing clothing for extended periods.
After washing and drying your clothes thoroughly, fold them neatly and pack them into airtight plastic storage bins. Including desiccant packets inside the bins will help absorb any moisture that could lead to mold or mildew growth. For delicate garments, such as formalwear or vintage clothing, use wardrobe boxes to hang the items and prevent wrinkling.
Packing Paintings and Artwork
If you’re an artist or art collector, properly storing your paintings and artwork is essential to preserving their value and condition. Canvas paintings, prints, and other delicate pieces can be susceptible to tears, smudges, and dust buildup over time.
To store paintings long-term, pack them vertically inside opaque, breathable containers. Use acid-free paper or cloth to separate each piece and prevent them from sticking together. Store your artwork in a climate-controlled unit to protect it from humidity and temperature fluctuations that could cause damage.
Packing Furniture
Furniture is another common item placed in storage, but it requires special care to prevent damage. Whether you’re storing wooden, upholstered, or leather furniture, proper packing techniques can make a big difference.
Start by thoroughly cleaning your furniture, including vacuuming upholstered pieces and conditioning leather surfaces. Disassemble large furniture items whenever possible, but avoid removing legs from couches or heavy furniture unless absolutely necessary. Cover your furniture loosely with cloth, blankets, or plastic sheeting to protect it from dust and moisture. Avoid stacking heavy items on top of furniture, as this can cause warping or permanent damage over time.
Read More about packing and storage furniture in your storage unit.
Packing Books
Books hold both emotional and financial value for many people, so it’s important to store them properly to prevent deterioration. To protect your books, use dust jackets on hardcover editions and wrap them in archive-quality paper. Store your books in cardboard archive boxes, which allow for air circulation while protecting them from light and dust.
Make sure your storage unit is climate-controlled to prevent mold and mildew from developing on your books. Additionally, store your books in a dark area, away from direct sunlight, to prevent fading and discoloration.
Packing Photographs
Printed photographs are cherished items that require special care to ensure they remain in good condition over the long term. When packing photographs, make sure they are printed on acid-free paper and store them in paper archive boxes. Avoid using plastic containers, as they may not be suitable for long-term storage.
Organize your photos by date or event, and include acid-free index cards with notes for future reference. Store your photo collection in a climate-controlled, dark environment to prevent fading, warping, and other damage caused by humidity and temperature fluctuations.
Packing Mattresses
Mattresses are a significant investment, and improper storage can result in costly damage, often leaving the owner with no choice but to discard them. To avoid this, start by thoroughly cleaning your mattress before storage. Once cleaned, wrap the mattress securely in a mattress bag or loose plastic sheeting to protect it from dust, dirt, and pests. It’s crucial to store your mattress flat—never on its side—to prevent the internal materials from shifting or becoming misshapen.
Additionally, ensure there is adequate airflow around the mattress by elevating it two to four feet off the floor on stable items, with nothing stacked on top. The storage environment should be temperature- and humidity-controlled to prevent mold and mildew growth inside the mattress, ensuring it remains in good condition during long-term storage.
Packing Stuffed Animals
Stuffed animals often hold sentimental or even monetary value, so it’s important to store them properly to preserve their condition over time. Begin by cleaning the stuffed animals, addressing any stains or dirt. If any repairs are needed, such as stitching up loose seams or reattaching parts, take care of these before storing.
Place the cleaned and repaired stuffed animals in plastic storage bins or acid-free cardboard boxes to protect them from dust and pests. Use acid-free tissue paper to separate each item, which will help prevent colors from bleeding and fabrics from deteriorating. Ensure the storage environment is temperature- and humidity-controlled with minimal light exposure to keep your cherished stuffed animals safe from potential damage caused by fluctuating conditions.
Long-Term Storage Done Right
Long-term storage can be a stress-free experience when you take the time to plan and prepare properly. By assessing your storage needs, packing methodically, choosing climate-controlled units when necessary, and acquiring comprehensive insurance, you can ensure your belongings remain safe and intact during their time in storage.
Whether you’re storing clothes, furniture, artwork, or sentimental items, following these best practices will help you avoid the pitfalls of improper storage. With careful attention to detail and a little extra effort, your belongings will be ready for you whenever you need them, in the same condition you left them.
My Stack Box has you covered for all of your long term storage needs. Our movable containers have numerous features you won’t find in any other storage units, including double door access at both ends and dual air ventilation.
We offer safe self-storage in our secure warehouse storage facilities, equipped with sprinkler systems, alarms, and even video surveillance. We can keep your portable storage container safe and sound for as long as you desire.
Contact Us today to discuss your long term storag eneeds!