How to Prepare Your Items for Storage

Published: October 01, 2023

Whether you’re downsizing, relocating, or simply looking to declutter your living space, utilizing storage facilities can be a convenient solution. However, proper preparation is essential to ensure your items remain safe, organized, and in good condition throughout their time in storage. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to prepare your items for storage, helping you make the most of your storage space and keep your belongings in top shape.

Sort and Declutter: Before you start packing, take the time to sort through your items. Identify things you no longer need or use and consider donating, selling, or discarding them. This reduces the number of items you’ll need to store and prevents you from paying for storage space that could be better utilized.

Gather Packing Supplies: Collect the necessary packing supplies, including sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, tape, markers, and furniture covers. Using quality supplies ensures your items are adequately protected.

Clean Items Thoroughly: Ensure that all items are clean and dry before packing. Dust, dirt, and moisture can lead to damage or deterioration over time. Clean furniture, appliances, and other items before packing them away.

Disassemble Furniture: If possible, disassemble large furniture items like tables, bed frames, and shelves. This saves space and reduces the risk of damage during transportation and storage. Keep screws and bolts organized in labeled bags.

Wrap Fragile Items: Fragile items such as glassware, ceramics, and electronics require extra care. Wrap them individually in bubble wrap or packing paper, and use padding to fill empty spaces in boxes to prevent shifting.

Properly Pack Boxes: Pack heavier items at the bottom of the boxes and lighter items on top. Fill empty spaces with packing paper to prevent shifting. Avoid overloading boxes, as this can lead to structural damage or injury during handling.

Label Everything: Clearly label each box with its contents and a brief description of the items inside. This will help you locate items quickly without having to rummage through every box.

Protect Furniture: Protect furniture with appropriate materials to shield it from dust, scratches, and moisture. Use furniture covers or blankets to prevent damage during transit and storage.

Climate Considerations: If you’re storing items sensitive to temperature and humidity changes, such as electronics, wooden furniture, or artwork, consider choosing a climate-controlled storage facility like the one offered by UNITS Moving and Portable Storage of Detroit. This storage facility will maintain a stable environment and prevent damage caused by extreme conditions.

Organize the Storage Container: As you load items into the storage container, place larger and heavier items against the walls and stack boxes with labels facing outward. Leave a pathway to access items at the back of the container without having to move everything around.

Leave Space for Airflow: To prevent moisture buildup, leave a small gap between the walls of the storage container and your items. This promotes airflow and reduces the risk of mold and mildew growth.

Create an Inventory: Maintain an inventory list of your stored items. This will help you keep track of what’s in storage and can be incredibly helpful when you eventually retrieve your items.

Preparing your items for storage requires careful planning and attention to detail. By following these steps, you can ensure that your belongings remain organized, protected, and in excellent condition throughout their time in storage. Proper preparation saves you time and hassle and preserves the value and quality of your cherished items.

To learn more about portable storage, visit UNITS Moving and Portable Storage of Detroit or call (248) 617-0567.