Published: May 15, 2023

A Guide to Maximizing Long-Term Storage

Moving can be a daunting and overwhelming task, especially when it comes to long-term storage. Whether you’re downsizing, relocating, or simply need to store your belongings for an extended period, it’s essential to plan and organize your move efficiently. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore practical tips and strategies to maximize long-term storage and ensure the safety and preservation of your items during the moving process.

Evaluate and Sort

Before you start packing, take the time to evaluate your belongings and sort them into categories. Determine what items you truly need and what can be sold, donated, or discarded. By decluttering and downsizing, you’ll reduce the number of items you need to store and simplify the moving process.

Choose the Right Storage Facility

Selecting a suitable storage facility, like UNITS Moving and Portable Storage of Kansas City, is crucial for long-term storage. Look for facilities that offer climate control, as temperature and humidity fluctuations can damage sensitive items like electronics, artwork, and wooden furniture. Ensure the facility has proper security measures, such as surveillance cameras, secure locks, and limited access, to protect your belongings. UNITS of Kansas City offers all of these features.

Proper Packing Techniques

To maximize the longevity of your stored items, it’s vital to pack them properly. Here are a few packing tips to consider:

1. Use high-quality packing materials: Invest in sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, and packing tape to safeguard your belongings from moisture, dust, and potential impacts during transport and storage.
2. Label everything: Clearly label each box with its contents and designate which room it belongs to. This will make it easier to locate specific items when you need them in the future.
3. Disassemble furniture: If possible, disassemble larger furniture pieces to save space and protect them from damage during transportation. Keep all screws, bolts, and other hardware in labeled bags or containers to ensure they don’t get lost.
4. Wrap delicate items: Wrap fragile items individually in bubble wrap or packing paper and place them in well-padded boxes. Use extra cushioning, such as packing peanuts or foam, to fill any gaps and prevent movement.

Create an Inventory

Maintaining an inventory of your stored items is essential for easy retrieval and ensuring nothing goes missing. Keep a detailed list of everything you’re storing, including descriptions, photographs, and any relevant receipts or documentation. Update the inventory whenever you add or remove items from storage.

Optimal Storage Organization

Organizing your portable storage container efficiently will save you time and effort in the long run. Consider the following tips:

1. Create pathways: Leave enough space between rows of boxes and furniture to create easy-access pathways. This will make it simpler to locate and retrieve specific items without having to move everything around.
2. Store strategically: Place frequently accessed items near the front of the container for quick retrieval. Less frequently needed items can be stored towards the back.
3. Use shelving and pallets: Utilize shelves and pallets to maximize vertical storage space and keep items off the ground, protecting them from potential water damage.

Maximizing long-term storage requires careful planning, organization, and attention to detail. By evaluating and sorting through your belongings, choosing the right climate-controlled storage facility, using proper packing techniques, creating an inventory, and organizing your portable storage container strategically, you can ensure the safety and preservation of your items during the long moving process. Contact UNITS Moving and Portable Storage of Kansas City at (816) 384-0897 for all of your long-term storage needs.