How to Pack for Long-Term Storage: Efficient Long-Term Storage Tips

Whether you’re downsizing, moving out of town for a set period of time (on deployment, job assignment, long travel, etc.), or decluttering your home but not feeling ready to let go of currently unneeded but potentially useful or highly cherished possessions, you need a place where to keep your items safe and out of the way until they’re wanted again – be it in six months, after a couple of years, or when your children grow up and have homes of their own.

And when it comes to long-term storage, self-storage units are your best option – they provide convenience, efficiency, and safety that will ensure your peace of mind and save you plenty of headaches down the road.

Yet, you cannot just take your items to the nearest self-storage facility and throw them into the first empty cell you find – you need to choose a suitable storage space and prepare your items well, so that they remain in excellent condition while in storage. More specifically, you need to know how to pack for long-term storage, so that your belongings stay safe and sound until you need them again.

Packing for long-term storage is different from packing for short-term storage or packing for moving – your items have to be so well protected that they survive years in storage without sustaining any damage or losing their appeal. This is only possible when they’re properly prepared and safely packed.

Here are some insightful packing tips for long-term storage that will help you keep your items safe and sound, no matter how long they stay in storage.

Decide What to Put into Storage

Regardless of the reason why you need long-term storage, the first step to take is to decide exactly which of your belongings you want to keep – storage comes at a cost and not all your old items are worth the cost of storing. (See also: Top 5 self-storage problems)

So, before you start looking for a storage space or preparing your items for safe keeping, go through your possessions and assess every individual piece:

• Will you (or a member of your family) need it ever again?
• Is it functional and convenient?
• Is it in a good overall condition?
• Is it high quality and durable?
• Is it expensive?
• Is it difficult to find or impossible to replace (antiques, pieces of art, collector’s items, etc.)?
• Does it have any sentimental value (a family heirloom, a keepsake, a personal favorite, etc.)?

If you answer “yes” to more than two of these questions, then the item is worth keeping and you should find a safe and efficient way to store it for future use.

Find an Appropriate Storage Solution

Once you know exactly what you’re going to put into storage, you’ll be able to assess how much storage space you need and what storage conditions will be required to ensure the safety of your belongings.

As already mentioned, renting a storage unit is your best bet when storing items for an extended length of time. In a good self-storage facility your belongings will be kept secure and protected from the elements, so you won’t have to worry about them being stolen or damaged while not in your care.

Your primary task, therefore, is to find an appropriate storage space for your items – not all long term storage units are the same and choosing the right one requires some serious consideration:

1) Self-storage unit size – Your storage unit should be large enough to accommodate your items without them being crammed inside but not so big that you end up paying for unused space. Storage units come in various sizes, so you should be careful to choose a space that perfectly suits your needs;

2) Self-storage facility condition – It goes without saying that your items will be safer in a well-kept facility – the buildings should be in good repair, clean, and well maintained (so there is smaller risk of water leaks and pest infestations), there should be sufficient illumination, loading docks, drive-up access, and ample parking space (for greater conveniences), etc.;

3) Security – Undoubtedly, the safety of your items will be your top priority when choosing a storage unit, so you should select a facility with a strong fence and modern access gate, state-of-the-art surveillance system and fire prevention system, live guards, etc.;

4) Climate-control – Humidity and temperature fluctuations should be your greatest concern when storing items long term – dampness can result in rotting, rusting, warping, swelling, discoloration, and/or mold growth; extreme temperatures can cause some materials to expand, contract, dry out, or become brittle and more susceptible to breaking. Dust is also problematic as it accumulates in even the most well-sealed storage units and works its way into clothes, paperwork, tools, and other items, causing damage to fine wood surfaces, delicate fabrics, and exquisite materials. Insects, rodents, and other pests are another issue as they pose a real danger to your stored belongings.

All these problems can be avoided by storing your items in a climate-controlled unit. It may cost a little more, but climate control will allow you to maintain a constant temperature, keep humidity at an optimal level, and ensure good air circulation within the storage unit. Your items will be well protected from moisture damage and temperature damage and the steady air flow will keep dust from building up. What’s more, bugs and rodents are highly unlikely to be present in climate controlled storage units. Climate-controlled storage is, therefore, your best option when storing items for more than one season.

You can find more detailed information on how to choose a self-storage facility here.

Prepare Your Items for Long-Term Storage

Now that you’ve decided which of your items will go into long-term storage and found an appropriate storage space, it’s time to prepare your belongings for their extended stay away from home:

1. Organize the items you plan to put into storage in a systematic and meaningful manner;
2. Create a detailed inventory list of the belongings you’re storing away so that you don’t forget what you have in your storage space and have a written evidence of the type, number, value, and condition of your stored items (which will come very handy in case your possessions get stolen or damaged while in storage). Keep an electronic copy of the inventory list online for quick reference, but make sure you have several paper copies (kept at different safe places) as well;
3. Clean the items thoroughly to keep pests at bay and prevent stains from settling in permanently – wash fabric materials, wipe wood surfaces, disinfect appliances, vacuum upholstered furniture, etc.;
4. Make sure the items are fully dry before packing them up – any remaining moisture can lead to mold growth and/or other kinds of moisture damage;
5. Disassemble larger furniture to reduce the risk of damage to your bulkier pieces and save space in the storage unit;
6. Make sure all water is completely drained from the attached hoses and/or internal mechanisms of kitchen appliances;
7. Tie down and secure cables, hoses, and electrical cords;
8. Treat leather items with a leather conditioner;
9. Wrap fragile items, sensitive electronics, pieces of art, and any other delicate or valuable items individually in soft packing paper.

Click here for more specific tips on how to prepare different items for storage.

Pack Your Items for Long-Term Storage

Household items can easily succumb to humidity, temperature fluctuations, or physical damage if stored improperly, even for a short period of time. Needless to say, when it comes to long-term storage, the risk of damage is much higher and special precautions are required to ensure the safety of your cherished possessions. But what can you do to guarantee that your items stay intact and unscathed while in storage? How to pack for storage so that your belongings remain in excellent shape for months or even years on end?

The best way to pack for long term storage is to provide your items with adequate protection:

Use Appropriate Long-Term Storage Boxes

To keep your items well protected for the entire duration of the storage period, you need to use the right type of packing containers – strong boxes in excellent condition that are perfectly dry and clean.

Old boxes from grocery stores or other similar places won’t do – they aren’t sturdy enough and clean enough to keep your items safe (their integrity is compromised from previous uses and they may not be able to withstand stacking or may fall apart in a few months; there may be stains or leftover food inside which can attract pests or cause mold to develop; etc.).

It’s best to purchase new packing boxes that will last for years and will provide good protection to your items. Opt for strong cardboard boxes in similar sizes that will be easier to stack and will allow you to optimize the space in your storage unit.

Packing in clear plastic bins is also a good idea – they’re sturdy and extremely resilient (plastic boxes do not rip, collapse, or crush), transparent (which makes them very convenient to use), waterproof, and designed to stack on top of one another. Avoid using plastic bags though – they can trap moisture and cause mold to develop on your items (not to mention that they rip easily and cannot be stacked at all).

Pack Your Items with Extra Care

Proper packing can mean the difference between preservation and deterioration of your stored items. So, take your time, find out the safest and most efficient ways to pack different kinds of items for storage, and pack like a pro:

• Try to pack similar items (books, toys, kitchen items, etc.) together;
• Line the bottoms of the boxes with crushed paper for cushioning and insulation;
• Place heavier items on the bottom of a box and lighter ones on top;
• Fill boxes to their full capacity – otherwise they may cave in when stacked in the storage unit and cause damage to the items inside;
• Be careful not to overload the packing containers or make them too heavy, so they don’t tear or give out at the bottom;
• Provide plenty of cushioning inside the boxes – crumpled paper, bubble wrap, towels, old clothes, etc. (just make sure any padding materials you use are completely dry and clean);
• Seal the boxes well to prevent dust and moisture from getting inside (use quality moisture-resistant packing tape);
• Label the storage containers as fully, clearly, and precisely as possible, so you know exactly what each of them contains and can easily find specific items when you need them. Write FRAGILE, THIS SIDE UP, or any other necessary handling instructions on storage boxes that contain fragile, delicate, or sensitive items. Make sure the letters are large and easy to read (so that the writing is clearly visible) and the labels don’t fall off easily (use clear packing tape to attach them to the storage boxes – all corners and edges must be securely taped on). Do not use pencils or dry erase markers for labeling storage containers, as they rub off very easily. Also, be sure to label the boxes on their sides, not on their tops, so you can see the information even when the containers are stacked;

  

• Cover all furniture pieces, kitchen appliances, and other larger household items that can’t be packed in boxes with old sheets, blankets, drop cloths, plastic sheeting, or other appropriate covers to protect them from damage, dust, dirt, moisture, and fading. Hold the wrappings in place with plastic wrap or packing tape, but be careful not to use either directly on wood surfaces, upholstery, glass, or other delicate materials – the tape may leave sticky residue and the plastic material may trap moisture, causing damage to your items;
• Avoid storing valuables (documents, jewelry, irreplaceable items, etc.) in a self-storage unit;
• Do not store hazardous items (flammable, corrosive, or explosive materials), perishable items (food, medicines, etc.), or items that produce odors in a storage cell.

In addition to these general rules for packing for long-term storage, you need to know how to properly protect every individual item you put into storage. Needless to say, different kinds of items have their own specifics and packing requirements:

1. How to pack furniture for long term-storage – Clean the furniture and dismantle larger pieces. Rub down metal parts with oil, apply a coat of furniture polish or paste wax on wooden surfaces, and treat upholstery with fabric/leather protector. Wrap protruding furniture parts in soft cloths or bubble wrap and wrap the entire furniture items in thick blankets to keep the surfaces safe from scratches and dents, prevent the accumulation of dust and dirt, and allow air to circulate freely around the pieces. Place mattresses in specialized mattress bags (See also: How to pack furniture for moving);
2. How to pack appliances for long term-storage – Defrost refrigerators and freezers, drain the water from washing machines, dishwashers, and driers, clean the appliances (add baking soda to the cleaning solution for proper disinfection), secure hoses and cables, and wrap the appliances in thick blankets (See also: How to pack home appliances for moving);
3. How to pack electronics for long term-storage – Make sure the electronic devices are completely dust-free, wrap them in soft packing paper, and put them in their original boxes or ones of similar size and quality. Fill any empty spaces in the storage containers with crumpled packing paper and/or anti-static packing peanuts and seal the boxes tightly so no dust or moisture can come in contact with your stored electronics (See also: How to pack electronics for moving);
4. How to pack clothes for long-term storage – Wash your garments, let them dry well, hang them on a clothes rail, and store them in wardrobe boxes (leaving them folded up in a box will cause stress tears in the clothing material and won’t allow air to circulate around the clothing items). Garments that can’t be hung are best stored in vacuum-sealed bags (the same applies to bedding and curtains as well) (See also: How to pack hanging clothes for moving);
5. How to pack books for long-term storage – Leave the books you intend to put into storage in a room that gets plenty of sunlight for several days before packing them up. If necessary, run a dehumidifier in the room to ensure the books are 100% dry. Wrap valuable tomes or tomes with leather covers with packing paper, arrange the books flat in small boxes, and seal the cartons well (See also: How to pack books for moving);

   

6. How to pack dishes for long-term storage – Wrap each plate individually and pack the dishes in well-padded boxes. Place plates, saucers, and bowls on their sides and cups and glasses with their rims down. You can nest smaller dishes in larger ones, but only if they’re properly wrapped. Add extra padding in the boxes and seal them tightly. Store delicate and expensive dishes in specialized dish pack (See also: How to pack dishes for moving);
7. How to pack paintings for long-term storage – Paintings, mirrors, and framed pictures are best stored in specialized picture boxes. Use masking tape to make a big “X” on glass surfaces (to add strength and prevent shattering), wrap every piece of art individually in packing paper, then in bubble wrap, and place the bundles in the storage containers (mirror boxes or sturdy cardboard boxes of appropriate sizes) (See also: How to pack pictures and mirrors for moving);
8. How to pack tools for long-term storage – Clean the tools and wrap several layers of babble wrap around sharp edges. Pack small hand tools (screwdrivers, wrenches, hammers, pliers, etc.) into a toolbox or a strong small or medium-sized packing box. Bundle long-handled tools and wrap them in protective blankets. Pack electric power tools in their original boxes or use ones of similar size (remove any detachable parts and take out the batteries first). Drain the fuel from gas-powered tools before packing them for storage (See also: How to pack a garage for moving).

The above packing tips for long-term storage will help you keep your items safe and sound for the entire storage period. All that remains to be done now is to properly pack the storage unit.

Pack Your Storage Unit Safely and Efficiently

Your last step when storing items long term is to pack the storage unit in a safe and strategic manner:

1) Line the floor – Cover the floor of your storage unit with canvas tarp or plastic sheeting – the waterproof material will act as a barrier between the floor and the stored items, blocking out moisture and buffering extreme temperatures.

2) Raise your items off the floor – Keeping your items above the ground will protect them from leached moisture and will ensure better air circulation in the storage unit. Use wooden pallets or cinder blocks to build a protective base over which your items will be safe and dry, no matter how long they stay in storage.

3) Position the pieces correctly:

• Store furniture in the position that it was designed to sit in the home – horizontally, not vertically, however tempting it may be to put coaches and other long pieces on their edges in order to save space (doing so will create extra stress on the furniture joints and may cause them to break);
• Store pictures and mirrors upright and away from heavy items;
• Avoid placing heavy or sharp items on top of upholstered furniture, delicate wood furniture, or boxes containing fragile items;
• Be sure to stack larger and heavier items on the bottom and lighter and smaller things on the top. Do not make the stacks too high as that can destabilize the stack and result in objects falling and getting damaged or damaging nearby items.

  

4) Organize the storage unit strategically – Place your largest items at the back and near the walls of the storage cell and arrange smaller items in front. Leave some space between your stored belongings and the walls of the unit to ensure good ventilation. Leave aisles between the items, so you have access to the back and sides of the storage unit (make sure the labels of the boxes are facing the walkways). Be careful about where you place your items in regard to one another – storing gardening supplies next to a mattress or a fine furniture piece, for example, is a bad idea.

See also: How to pack a self-storage unit

Your properly stored items will remain in excellent condition and will be ready to use when you need them again. And that is the end goal, right?