How much stuff do you have in your house that you don’t actually use? How about stuff that you do use but you just don’t have space for? It could be time for a new, bigger home, but in the meantime, long-term storage can help.
If you’re wondering how to save your stuff from an impending yard sale, keep reading to learn about how to use long-term storage to your advantage.
Storage Options You Can Use
There is a big difference between long-term storage and short-term storage options. For one, the latter is more expensive. But, the real benefit of long-term storage is that you can rest assured that your stuff will be where you left it for the long haul.
Mobile storage units are also growing in popularity which allows some families to keep their stuff in storage right in their own driveway! Check out these benefits of switching to mobile storage vs. traditional options
How to Use Your Storage Option
Regardless of which type of storage option you use, there are some important tips to keep in mind for actually keeping your items in storage. For example, you’ll want to find a storage unit close to your home if you don’t opt for mobile storage. Here are some other tips.
Keep Items Clean and Dry
Before you begin packing your items, it’s important to make sure that everything is clean and dry. After all, you don’t want to pull things out of storage later just to clean them. Likewise, if you put things away with moisture in them, you’re sure to get mold growth.
Take Inventory
Don’t forget to take an inventory before putting anything away. It’s easy to forget what you have when you can’t see it so keep a tallied list of your belongings saved somewhere that you can reference when you begin pulling things back out of storage.
Label Boxes
Again, you’ll likely forget what went where when you start unpacking. Clearly label your boxes with the items, inventoried within the boxes if possible.
Seal the Boxes Well
In order to avoid dirt and bugs from getting into your things, it’s also important to properly seal your boxes. Packing tape works well as long as you keep the boxes packed tightly.
Cover Furniture
Once you put furniture in your storage unit, it’s a good idea to cover it with sheets or blankets. This way, too, if you plan to place other items on top of your furniture, you can avoid scratches and dirt rubbing off on the surfaces.
Avoid Plastic
Plastic is a breeding ground for moisture so it’s not recommended to use plastic bags or even plastic storage bins for your stuff. Cardboard is a better option.
Long Term Storage Can Help
If you’re running out of space in your home, garage, or even your barn, long-term storage is a viable option for storing your belongings in a safe place. Just remember to pay your bill so you don’t risk losing everything to a storage auction!
If you found this post helpful, please check out the rest of our blog for other tips and tricks on living successfully.
