Long-term storage requires a little more planning than storing items for just a few weeks. When belongings sit in storage for months or even years, they are exposed to changing temperatures, humidity, and the natural wear that comes with time. Taking the right steps before and during long-term storage can help protect your items and give you peace of mind.
Here are some practical tips to help you store your belongings safely and efficiently for the long haul.
Set Up Automatic or Advance Payments
When storing items long-term, it is easy to lose track of due dates, especially if you are traveling, living out of town, or simply storing items out of sight and out of mind. Setting up automatic payments or paying in advance helps ensure your account stays current without worry.
While many storage facilities offer a grace period, missed payments can still create unnecessary stress. Planning ahead helps avoid interruptions and keeps your belongings secure.
Check on Your Items Periodically
If possible, visit your storage unit occasionally or have someone check on it for you. Regular check-ins allow you to catch potential issues early, such as moisture buildup, pest activity, or boxes starting to weaken over time.
These visits are also a good opportunity to adjust airflow, re-stack boxes if needed, and wipe away dust that naturally accumulates. A quick check can go a long way in preventing long-term damage.
Consider Storage Insurance
The longer items remain in storage, the greater the chance that something unexpected could happen. Storage insurance adds an extra layer of protection and can be especially important for valuable or sentimental items.
Some homeowners’ insurance policies do not fully cover items stored outside the home or may have high deductibles and coverage limits. Storage insurance is designed specifically for these situations and offers peace of mind over extended storage periods.
Invest in Quality Packing Materials
Packing matters even more for long-term storage than for short-term storage. Boxes and materials that hold up for a few weeks may deteriorate over months or years. Weak cardboard can collapse, and low-quality materials may warp with temperature and humidity changes.
Use sturdy boxes, durable packing materials, and proper cushioning for fragile items. Taking time to pack correctly at the beginning reduces the risk of damage later.
Label Boxes and Create an Inventory
It is easy to remember what you packed after a few days, but after a year, details can fade. Clearly labeling boxes and creating a simple inventory list helps you stay organized and saves time when retrieving items.
Keep a copy of your inventory with you and another inside your unit. This is especially helpful when storing multiple boxes or accessing items occasionally.
Plan for Weather Changes
Long-term storage means your items will experience multiple seasons. Temperature changes and humidity can affect furniture, fabrics, and paper goods over time.
Choose appropriate packing methods and consider climate-controlled storage for items that are sensitive to weather conditions. Being proactive about weather-related risks helps protect your belongings year-round.
Find the Right Long-Term Storage Solution
Long-term storage works best when it is planned thoughtfully from the start. Whether you are storing household items, furniture, or larger belongings, having the right setup makes all the difference. Sentry Mini-Storage offers a variety of storage solutions to fit everything from a few boxes to large vehicles, like RVs. Contact us today and let our team help you find the storage option that best fits your long-term needs.