Self Storage Tips: Keep Your Things in Tip Top Shape

Storing antiques and things of sentimental value can be a bit tricky as there is always the risk of harming something irreplaceable. Items like furniture or electronics can also cause a drain on resources should you need to restore them due to damage incurred while resting in storage.

Sadly, people are more concerned with protecting items during transit than they are with protecting them once they reach their destination. This mentality can end up in a costly mistake.

There are a few things a person can do to safeguard their personal belongings and all it takes is an investment of time and a little know how.

Labeling and packaging

If you have a ton of brown or white boxes, things can easily get confused - especially precious, breakable items. Make sure you not only label things that are fragile on the side of the box but on top as well, especially if you won't be moving the box yourself.

To keep the items in the boxes safe from harm or a potential flood, wrap them in bubble wrap or plastic and tape it so that it becomes of a protective waterproof shield. Newspaper is okay for transporting breakable and precious possessions; however, if the unit gets wet, anything that can be adversely affected by water will be ruined.

Be sure to place every object in the storage unit, large or small, on palettes - concrete is not a great place to have paper based boxes for an extended period of time, even in dry weather.

Plastic containers

This leads us to the alternative to brown boxes, namely, plastic containers. Many of these containers are air tight and will survive a flood, making them a great item to have. Of course, plastic containers won't withstand a fire or natural disaster, but then, not many things will.

Airtight vacuum storage bags are another option and can protect your valuables, especially vintage clothing, from dirt, creepy crawlies, mildew and other natural elements. Because these things make your various assets more compact, you may even create added space. This can also work to protect your items.

Both plastic containers and vacuum bags are extremely cost effective too. Even so, they would be well worth their expense at any price.

Fire proof and water proof safes

Paper work that needs to be cared for should be tucked away in a fire and water proof safe. You should make three keys for this safe and have them tucked away in places you will remember and have easy access to. Make up an inventory of your stored items and if you can, take pictures. Keep this list in the secure place at on the site of the storage unit or in a safe deposit box.

Mattresses and furniture

Mattresses, cloth and wooden furniture should be wrapped in plastic and in some cases, taped to protect them while in storage. Natural elements as well as potential disasters can pose a threat to family heirlooms and items that may be too expensive to replace, which is why this measure is necessary.

Many moving companies and even storage places offer stretch wrap which can keep bedding and furniture dry and free from rot and decay. This wrap can also go around mattresses although there are plastic bags specifically made to wrap beds.

As an extra measure, place mattresses and cloth based furniture on palettes. Be sure to prop a mattress on the wall and away from anything that can be harmed should the mattress fall over.

Finally

Security is also a concern so make sure that a lock of some quality is placed on your storage unit. If you take every measure you can to protect your possessions, you will more than likely have them around for your children's children to enjoy!

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Migson Storage, Toronto

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