Storing your belongings in London storage units can keep your items secure and your home decluttered. However, simply tossing items into a unit is a sure way to damage them. Here are some steps to help you store your belongings safely, maintaining their condition for future use.
Choose the Right Storage Facility
Consider Climate Control:
If you’re storing sensitive items like electronics, wood furniture, or important documents, a climate-controlled unit can prevent extremes of temperature and humidity from causing damage.
Evaluate Security Features:
Look for facilities with good security measures such as surveillance cameras, gated access, and individual alarms on units.
Check for Cleanliness: A clean facility reduces the risk of pests, which can be a nightmare for stored items.
Prepare Your Items for Storage
Clean Everything:
Before packing, thoroughly clean all items. Dust and stains can become permanent if left too long, and food residue can attract pests.
Disassemble Furniture:
To maximise space and reduce risk of damage, disassemble large items like bed frames and tables. Keep all screws and fittings in labelled bags.
Protect Fragile Items: Use bubble wrap, packing peanuts, or even blankets to protect delicate items. Make sure they are securely packed in sturdy boxes.
Use the Right Packing Materials
Sturdy Boxes: Invest in good quality storage boxes that won’t collapse or degrade over time.
Wrapping Material: Protect items from scratches and dust with wrapping paper, bubble wrap, or moving blankets.
Sealing Tape: Use high-quality tape to seal boxes, preventing dust and pests from entering.
Strategically Pack Your Storage Unit
Create an Inventory: List all items going into storage and number your boxes to keep track of everything. Consider keeping a map of where to find particular items within the unit.
Leave Space Around Items:
Ensure adequate airflow around stored items to prevent mould and mildew. It also makes retrieving items easier.
Stack Smart:
Place heavier items at the bottom and lighter ones on top. Ensure there is a stable base and not too high to prevent toppling.
Elevate Off the Ground: Use pallets or shelving units to keep items off the ground, protecting against flooding and pests.
Regularly Check Your Storage Unit
Monitor Condition: Visit your unit regularly to check for any signs of pests or leaks, which can catch problems before they escalate.
Maintain Airflow: Occasionally rearrange items to maintain airflow and prevent dust from settling.
Safety Measures and Equipment
Fire Safety:
Choose a facility with fire alarms and sprinkler systems for enhanced safety.
Handling Equipment:
Use trolleys or dollies for heavy items to avoid injury when moving things around.
Insure Your Belongings
Get Insurance:
Most facilities do not include insurance in the rental cost. Insure your items for added peace of mind, especially if storing valuables.
Following these guidelines will help ensure that whether you’re looking to store items short-term while moving or long-term to reduce clutter, your belongings will remain in good condition, ready for when you need them again.