Whether you recently inherited items from a loved one’s estate or are moving to a smaller place, you may need to rent a storage unit to keep what you can’t accommodate at home. While you may be familiar with wrapping furniture to prevent scratches and dents, you might wonder how to protect smaller delicate items. Here’s how you can preserve your family’s most fragile belongings.

Breakables & Collectibles

Every family has items that break easily, whether they’re dishes, picture frames, holiday decorations, or a collection of porcelain figurines. These objects tend to have irregular shapes and sizes, so they might move around in a box during the packing and moving processes. You can prevent damage by wrapping pieces individually with bubble wrap or rags, so they don’t bump into each other while you pack them or relocate the boxes. Fill the box with packing peanuts for added protection. They’ll nestle into the gaps between the objects and help stabilize the container.

Documents & Books

Even if your storage unit is clean and secure, you need to take extra precautions if you’re planning to store papers, pictures, or books. Paper goods are susceptible to light, moisture, and pests and can degrade without adequate protection. Organize personal or financial documents in plastic folders, and keep pictures and scrapbooks in albums with protected pages. Store these items in plastic bins with snap-on lids rather than cardboard boxes. These containers offer better protection against water and pests.

Fabrics

Whether you’re storing a seasonal wardrobe or an heirloom wedding gown, fabrics require extra care to avoid damage from dirt, pests, and moisture. Instead of piling clothing into regular boxes, invest in fabric-covered hangers and specially designed wardrobe containers to prevent wrinkles and discoloration. These boxes stand on end and have a rack across the top, much like a miniature closet. If you have any garments made from genuine leather, suede, wool, satin or lace, protect them with zip-up dust bags before putting them in the box. 

If you’re looking for a storage facility you can trust to safeguard your valuables, turn to Stayton Mini Storage of Stayton, OR. Whether you need to declutter your apartment, store a collection, or stay organized during a move, they’ll have the right unit. The facility boasts 20-foot ceilings and keypad access for abundant, safe storage. Visit the website to learn about their units, and call (503) 769-6464 for rate information.