Ask The Experts: Long Term Storage Tips

Long term storage can take a toll on your belongings.

Here are some easy preparation tips to ensure your items remain in good condition while in storage.

Packing Supplies

• Purchase professional grade, sturdy boxes to prevent crushing and breakage that may damage your items.
• Purchase multiples of the same size box (example: 10 smalls, 10 mediums, 10 large, etc.) to maximize storage space.
• Be sure to fill boxes to capacity to further prevent crushing and breakage of items.
• Clearly label all boxes. Keep a detailed inventory boxes and their contents as well as larger pieces.
• Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap. Be sure to clearly label the box “FRAGILE”. Include an arrow pointing upwards so the box is not stored on its side accidently.
• Try to pack electronics in their original boxes. If not available, be sure to get a similarly sized box. Use bubble wrap and newsprint paper to pad around the electronics.
• Avoid packing in plastic bags as they can lock in moisture and cause dampness and mold.

Furniture

• All furniture should be clean and dry before storing.
• Vacuum any fabric furniture with brush attachment to remove any excess dirt, dust, or crumbs.
• Apply furniture polish to any wood pieces to seal and protect.
• Apply machine oil to any metal surfaces to prevent rust.
• Apply leather conditioner to leather pieces to prevent drying and cracking.
• Break down any removable pieces. Store pieces and their adjoining screws, nuts, bolts, etc. in a small bag for easy reassembly.
• Stack upholstered seat chairs seat to seat to minimize damage to fabric and legs scratching against each other.
• Nest lampshades together and pack in one large box.
• Purchase mattress bags to protect mattresses. Tempurpedic mattresses must be stored flat.

Clothing

• Ensure clothing is clean and dry before packing for storage.
• Hang clothes on hangers inside wardrobe boxes. Wardrobe boxes allow air to flow unlike a sealed tote or plastic bag – which can create moisture, mold, and damages.
• Skip the vacuum seal bags which can compress your garments and their fibers.

Appliances & Electronics

• Store electronics in their original boxes whenever possible.
• Wipe down electronics to remove any dust and contaminants.
• Remove ALL batteries from electronics. These can burst and corrode overtime.
• Remove all wires and cables from electronics. Curl cables into a loop and store with or near your electronic items.
• Store TVs upright. The screen and internal elements can be damaged if it is laid on its side for a long period of time.
• Wrap electronics in bubble wrap but allow room for air to flow between the wrap and your piece. Excessively tight wrap can trap moisture. Include a few packets of silica gel in your boxes to help keep moisture at bay.
• Make sure appliances are clean and dry to prevent mold and mildew buildup. Drain water from any hoses.
• Opt for climate controlled storage to protect your appliances and electronics against temperature changes which can cause cracking, rust, and damages.

Keep a detailed inventory of each piece and box contents. Check on your storage periodically. By properly preparing your cherished goods for storage, they should be just as you left them when you are ready to move them back in.