Valuable items like antiques, electronic devices, furniture, photos, and important documents don’t always have a space in the home, which is why many people turn to self-storage. These items should be stowed in a climate-controlled storage environment to minimize costly damage that comes with extreme temperature fluctuations. However, the way you put these belongings in your unit also affects their condition over time. To keep your possessions safe, follow these tips when packing up. 

3 Tips to Prepare Your Belongings for Climate-Controlled Storage

1. Take Inventory & Clean

Start by deciding which items you need to store. Draw up an inventory list and segregate your belongings into groups for faster storing. For instance, make a pile for things you want to donate, things you want to keep in the home, and things you don’t have room for, but don’t want to get rid of — these are the items you’ll take to a storage unit. 

However, take time to clean your belongings before placing them in storage. If you wash the items, make sure they’re completely dry before wrapping to prevent mold growth. Polish furniture and electronic equipment to minimize dust build-up on their surfaces.

2. Pack Items Carefully

Next, cover the fragile items with bubble wrap, old newspapers, or cloth, putting additional padding between any empty spaces to protect against breakage. Instead of cardboard boxes, put similar items — such as all of your winter clothing —  in clear plastic bins, and label each container for quick reference. Haphazardly tossing in unprotected belongings not only damages them, but also makes them harder to find when you need them. Cover bulky items with old sheets or unused blankets rather than encasing them in plastic. Doing so allows them to breathe, decreasing the likelihood of mold and mildew growth.

3. Take Apart Larger Pieces

Lastly, disassemble bigger items, such as furniture, and store the nuts, bolts, and screws in a small, labeled bag. You can either attach the bag to the dismantled parts or keep it in an easy-to-find location, such as a drawer. Secure loose parts with tape and wrap cords with foam to reduce breakage. If you can, invest in sturdy pallets to keep your belongings off the floor. Keep these bulky, heavy objects at the back or bottom of the storage unit, and store items that you’ll use in the near future in an easy-to-access spot near the front.

If you need secure, climate-controlled storage for your valuable belongings, head to Leland Self Storage in Brunswick County, NC. Their staff has more than 40 years in the storage business, and they’ll help you find a unit that fits your needs and budget. They even sell the packing supplies you need to store your items safely, including boxes, tape, furniture covers, and bubble wrap. To learn more about unit sizes and availability, visit them online. Call (910) 399-4719 to speak to a friendly member of the team and ask about getting your first month free.