Moving unused household goods to storage makes the downsizing process much easier. While storing items may seem straightforward, there are a few precautionary steps to ensure they stay in excellent condition for the long-term. If you're preparing to downsize, here are a few simple tips for storing your belongings. 

How to Prepare Household Items for Long-Term Storage

1. Document Inventory

When storing belonging for long periods, it's easy to forget what’s in the storage facility. Luckily, you can avoid this by creating a full inventory list. Document every item that's going into the unit ahead of time, and once it's moved, jot down the location. From that information, consider creating a map of the unit and put it at the entry to make it easier to locate items. 

2. Clean Each Piece

Furnishings are exposed to a range of elements, from hand oils to food particles. When in your home, occasional cleaning prevents these substances from becoming a problem.

However, when left for months or years at a time, the chemical compounds have the potential to cause damage, like staining and corrosion. For that reason, it's vital that you carefully clean each item before moving it to storage. 

3. Label Each Container

With the exception of furniture, it's most efficient to store multiple items in the same container. While a map of the storage unit provides the general location of your household goods, it's challenging to identify the container in which a specific item is stored. To help with that aspect, create comprehensive labels for each box or tub and attach them so that they’re easily visible. 

Ready to downsize? Enjoy the peace of mind of dependable long-term storage at Ship Creek Storage in Anchorage, AK. The facility offers a variety of affordable solutions, including indoor units and outdoor vehicle parking. The secure site is monitored by video cameras and features perimeter fencing. Learn more about their unit sizes online or reserve your spot today by calling (907) 276-4107.