Making sure your fragile things stay safe and undamaged while they are being stored is very important. When you store important things like technology, antiques, family heirlooms, or important papers, it’s important to be careful. There is good news: if you take a few easy steps, you can keep your valuable things safe while they rest in a storage unit.
1. Choose the Right Storage Unit
The first thing you need to do before you can start packing is pick out the right storage unit. There are different kinds of storage units, and some have more unique features than others. You might want to think about getting a climate-controlled storage unit if you’re keeping fragile things like electronics, artwork, or important papers. Temperature and humidity levels in these units are kept stable, so they don’t have to deal with extremes that could damage them.
Extreme heat, for instance, can bend or break down fragile things like wooden furniture, vinyl records, or papers made on paper. Mold can grow in places with too much moisture, which can damage both furniture and personal things. Talk to a professional at a reputable storage facility like Scottsdale Storage if you’re not sure what kind of unit is best for your fragile things.
2. Invest in Proper Packaging
Once you have selected the appropriate unit, the next step is packaging your items correctly. Proper packaging is essential for protecting your sensitive belongings from dust, moisture, and physical damage. Here are some tips for effective packing:
- Use high-quality units: Sturdy cardboard units provide better protection for your items than flimsy ones. Opt for units that are the right size for your items so there is no room for movement inside.
- Wrap fragile items: For items such as glassware, artwork, or antiques, use bubble wrap, packing peanuts, or foam padding to provide cushioning. This helps absorb any shocks or bumps while your items are in storage.
- Use plastic containers for documents: For papers, photos, or files, using plastic bins or file units with tight-fitting lids can help protect them from dust and moisture. Consider placing your important documents in a file safe for extra protection.
3. Label Everything
Labeling your storage unites and units is a simple way to stay organized and make sure that fragile items are treated with care. Include specifics about what’s in each unit and write down any things that need to be handled in a certain way. This is very helpful if you need to quickly get something from your storage unit or if you want to let someone else look through your things.
You might want to put something like “fragile” or “handle with care” on the units of expensive things like electronics or jewelry. Labeling things can also help you not pack too much and keep you from putting heavy things on top of fragile ones.
4. Avoid Storing Certain Items
Some things should never be kept in a storage unit because they could get damaged or be dangerous. For instance, things that go bad quickly, are dangerous or can catch fire should be kept at home or thrown away properly. Also, a safe deposit unit or insurance policy might be a better way to store things that can’t be replaced, like family keepsakes or rare collectibles.
When you store gadgets or other things, make sure to take the batteries out first so they don’t leak or corrode. If you want to store clothes or fabrics, don’t use plastic bags because they can trap moisture and cause rust.
5. Stack Items Properly
How you pack and stack your fragile items in the storage unit is just as important as how they are packed and ready to go. To keep fragile things from getting crushed, put bigger units at the bottom and lighter things on top. Also, leave room between things so air can flow. This keeps moisture from building up and makes it easy to get to your kept things when you need to.
Cover your tools and furniture to keep dust and dirt off of them while you store them. To keep your fragile furniture from getting scratched or dented, you might want to wrap it in moving blankets or protective covers.
6. Consider Insurance
Even with all the precautions in place, it’s always a good idea to consider purchasing insurance for your items. Many storage facilities, like Scottsdale Storage, offer insurance plans that cover damage, theft, or loss of your items while they are in storage. While storage units are generally safe, having insurance can provide peace of mind, knowing that your sensitive items are covered in case of an unforeseen event.
Conclusion
Protecting sensitive items in a storage unit is all about preparation and the right precautions. Choosing the right storage unit, investing in proper packaging, labeling your items, and following best storage practices can go a long way in keeping your belongings safe and secure. Whether you’re storing important documents, fragile antiques, or electronics, the right precautions will ensure that your sensitive items remain in excellent condition for the long haul. Remember to reach out to storage professionals like Scottsdale Storage to ensure you choose the best option for your valuable possessions.
