While many moves are over the course of a day or two, sometimes you may need to store your belongings for the long-term. This may be due to a temporary downsize during a relocation, a military move that is taking you overseas, or you simply need a bit more space to store a few belongings. Long-term storage requirements are a bit different than short-term storage considerations. You have to ensure that the facility is safe, secure, and provides the right environment to keep your items in pristine condition. Here are a few tips to help you with long-term storage.
Prepare Your Items
There are specific requirements your items must meet before you store them for long-term storage. Depending on the item to be stored, you may need to do a bit of disassembly and cleaning. For example, if you have anything that is operated by a battery, you need to make sure that the battery is removed before you pack it. If you fail to remove the battery, it can leak over time, permanently damaging your item. Household appliances such as dishwashers or washing machines must be thoroughly cleaned and dried prior to storage. Otherwise, you risk rust and mold completely destroying your item. Talk to a storage professional before your move about items you plan on storing for the long-term. They may be able to provide you with information and resources on how to properly prepare them before placing them in a long-term storage facility.
Items that often require preparation for long-term storage include:
- Household appliances
- Medical equipment
- Lab equipment
- Art pieces
- Wooden furniture
- Leather furniture
- Electronic equipment
- Battery-operated equipment
Gather Proper Packing Materials
The key to preparing your items for storage is making sure you have the right type of packing materials. For any large electronic equipment, it is recommended that you use the original packaging. However, we realize that if everybody kept the original packaging for everything they own, they would soon run out of space! Instead, talk to a local electronics retail store and see if they have some boxes that would fit your items. Make sure that you have plenty of materials such Styrofoam padding or bubble wrap so that once things are packed they do not move around in the box and get damaged. If you have a large, unique shaped item, talk to your moving company about custom crating services.
Choose the Right Storage Facility
When it comes to long-term storage, you don’t want to place your belongings in just any space. You need a storage facility that is equipped with a state-of-the-art surveillance system, along with proper temperature-controlled areas that will keep all your items in the same condition you left them in. Without adequate temperature control, fragile items can crack and break, even with no one disturbing them. This is particularly the case for temperature-sensitive materials like wood that expand and contract with varying temperatures. Before storing your items, ask your storage company about their options for temperature control and their security measures.
For more information about long-term storage options, contact BMS Moving & Storage today. Call 877-594-1187 for your storage estimate!
