Contact Us
Pay my Bill

Mini-storage units in Concord NC: Best practices for long-term storage

Mini-storage

Mini-storage units can help you keep personal items in the best condition

Mini-storage units in Concord NC can help preserve your personal items in the best condition. When it comes to long-term storage, proper packing and storing techniques are crucial to ensure the safety and preservation of your belongings. Whether you’re storing items for an extended period due to a move, downsizing, or simply lack of space, following the dos and don’ts of packing and storing will help maintain the condition of your possessions. Here are some essential best practices to consider:

Dos:

  1. Declutter before packing: Before storing your belongings, take the opportunity to declutter. Sort through your items and decide what you truly need and want to keep. Donate or sell items you no longer require, as this will help reduce the number of things you need to pack and store, saving you space and money.
  2. Do use proper packing materials: Invest in high-quality packing materials to protect your belongings during long-term storage. Sturdy cardboard boxes, bubble wrap, packing peanuts, packing tape, and furniture covers are some essentials to consider. Using the right materials will prevent damage from moisture, dust, and pests.
  3. Do label and create an inventory: Label each box with its contents to make it easier to find specific items later. Creating an inventory or keeping a list of the items stored can help you keep track of what you have in storage, saving you time and effort when you need to retrieve something.
  4. Do disassemble large items: If possible, disassemble large items such as furniture, bed frames, and shelves. This will not only save space but also make it easier to pack and transport them. Keep screws, bolts, and other small parts in labeled bags and tape them to the corresponding furniture pieces for easy reassembly later.
  5. Do clean and prepare items before storing: Thoroughly clean and dry all items before packing them for long-term storage. This includes washing clothes, vacuuming furniture, and ensuring that electronics are free of dust. Storing clean and dry items will prevent the growth of mold and mildew and maintain the integrity of your belongings.
  6. Do choose a suitable storage unit: If you’re using a storage facility, select a unit that meets your specific needs. Consider factors such as size, climate control, security features, and accessibility. Climate-controlled units are particularly beneficial for items sensitive to temperature and humidity changes, such as wooden furniture, electronics, and artwork.

Don’ts:

  1. Don’t use plastic bags: Avoid using plastic bags for long-term storage as they can trap moisture, leading to mold and mildew growth. Instead, use breathable materials such as cardboard boxes or fabric covers to allow air circulation and prevent damage caused by humidity.
  2. Don’t store perishable items: Never store perishable items, such as food, plants, or any organic material, in long-term storage. They can attract pests, cause foul odors, and potentially damage your other belongings. Dispose of or consume perishables before packing and storing.
  3. Don’t stack boxes too high: While it may be tempting to maximize your storage space by stacking boxes sky-high, it’s important not to exceed safe stacking limits. Overloading boxes can cause them to collapse, leading to potential damage to the contents. Keep heavier boxes at the bottom and place lighter ones on top to maintain stability.
  4. Don’t forget to secure your items: Ensure your belongings are properly secured before leaving them in storage. Use sturdy locks or security seals on storage units and consider purchasing insurance to protect your items against theft, fire, or other unforeseen circumstances.
  5. Don’t neglect maintenance visits: If you’re storing items for an extended period, make occasional visits to your storage unit to check on the condition of your belongings. Look for signs of pests, moisture, or damage, and address them promptly. Regular inspections will allow you to take proactive measures and prevent potential issues from escalating.
  6. Don’t store valuable or irreplaceable items: It’s generally not recommended to store extremely valuable or irreplaceable items in long-term storage. Sentimental heirlooms, important documents, and valuable jewelry, for example, are better kept in a secure location, such as a safe deposit box or a trusted relative’s home. While storage facilities provide security measures, it’s always wise to err on the side of caution for your most valuable possessions.
  7. Don’t forget to create a layout plan: Before storing your items, create a layout plan for your storage unit or space. This will help you optimize the space and make retrieval easier when you need specific items. Place frequently accessed items closer to the front and leave clear pathways for easy navigation.
  8. Don’t neglect climate control if necessary: If you live in an area with extreme temperatures or high humidity levels, consider renting a climate-controlled storage unit. Climate control helps regulate temperature and humidity, which is crucial for preserving items like wooden furniture, musical instruments, vinyl records, and delicate electronics. It provides a stable environment that prevents warping, cracking, and other forms of damage caused by fluctuations in temperature and humidity.
  9. Don’t store flammable or hazardous materials: For safety reasons, avoid storing flammable, explosive, or hazardous materials in long-term storage. This includes items such as gasoline, propane tanks, chemicals, paints, and cleaning agents. These substances can pose significant risks and may violate storage facility regulations. Properly dispose of such materials according to local regulations or seek appropriate storage alternatives if necessary.
  10. Don’t procrastinate on retrieval or downsizing: Long-term storage can sometimes lead to forgotten items or unnecessary accumulation. Avoid procrastination when it comes to retrieval or downsizing. Regularly assess your stored items and consider whether you still need them. If not, it may be time to sell, donate, or discard them to free up space and avoid unnecessary storage costs.

Reserve the best mini-storage units in Concord NC

By following these dos and don’ts of packing and storing, you can ensure the long-term safety and preservation of your belongings. Proper planning, organization, and the use of suitable materials will go a long way in maintaining the condition and value of your stored items. Whether you’re storing for months or years, investing time and effort in packing and storing correctly will provide peace of mind and make the retrieval process much smoother when the time comes.

Mr. Storage is locally owned and managed with affordable pricing. We have storage facilities in Concord, Salisbury, Harrisburg, Kannapolis NC, and Midland. Contact us today to reserve your unit.