If you’re downsizing or leaving the area for a while, long-term storage offers a safe place to keep your most valued belongings. While the best storage facilities offer climate control and pest prevention to keep your items free of mold and mice, you should still exercise some care when packing for the long term. Below are a few packing tips that will keep your possessions safe for years to come.

5 Packing Tips for Long-Term Storage

1. Invest in High-Quality Boxes

Lightweight cardboard might be fine for a short move across town, but if you’re putting your belongings away for a long time, you’ll want the best cardboard available. It’s best to buy boxes designed for long-term storage, featuring sturdy walls that are less likely to crumple or degrade.

2. Avoid Using Plastic Bags

You might be tempted to put clothing, stuffed animals, and other soft items in plastic bags, but this can actually make them more susceptible to moisture damage. Any moisture trapped inside the plastic creates an ideal breeding ground for mold and mildew.

3. Stack Boxes Carefully

Over time, even the sturdiest boxes can crumple under the weight of a stack of items, so pay close attention when filling your long-term storage unit. Start each stack with the heaviest box, with lighter and more delicate items on top.

4. Use Shipping Pallets

Home improvement stores and warehouses will usually give away shipping pallets, which you can use to keep your items off the floor. The few inches of clearance will prevent moisture accumulation and can save your belongings if the unit floods. 

5. Vacuum Seal Your Clothes

Vacuum bags not only save space, but they also remove air, dust, and mold-causing moisture from your clothes. Just fold your clothes, place them in the bag, then use your home vacuum to suck out all the air.

Whether you’re looking for a place to put your excess winter clothes or need long-term storage options, American Mini Storage has the most secure, cost-effective solutions in Augusta County, VA. Their clean facility features state-of-the-art security, with reliable climate control in both their small and large units. Visit their website for more on their storage options and services or call (540) 885-7231 to get a price quote.