Storing your possessions might sound simple, but you can easily do a poor job if you’re not careful. You need to pay special attention to maximize the space available and improve organization. For instance, labels are a must-have. They help you stay on top of your inventory, as they denote what’s inside a box without opening it. Materials are also critical. Cardboard boxes are affordable, but they’re less durable than their plastic counterparts. If you want to take your storage practices to the next level, follow these 30 tips:
1. Scour your items to determine what you need and what you should discard.
2. Pack objects with wrapping paper.
3. Store possessions in paper boxes rather than cardboard units.
4. If you must use cardboard boxes, make sure they’re dry and undamaged.
5. Buy packing materials, including bubble wrap and packing paper, before you start.
6. Don’t store corrosive, explosive, or flammable items.
7. Take inventory of the belongings you want to store.
8. Only store dry items to avoid mold.
9. Clean your possessions before storing them.
10. Treat leather items with specialized products to extend their lifespan.
11. Disassemble bulky units.
12. Wrap fragile items in padded blankets.
13. Place screws and other furniture components in a sealable bag.
14. Put electrical products in anti-static bubble wrap.
15. Secure cables with cable ties.
16. Clean appliances with baking soda.
17. Place your mattresses flat into your storage facility.
18. Check if the mattresses are dry.
19. Keep portable gadgets with you to avoid losing them.
20. Slip jackets and coats into a vacuum bag.
21. Store winter clothes in the summer to save space.
22. Pack clothes in large boxes after vacuum-sealing them.
23. Clean and dry shoes before storage.
24. Be sure your books are dry.
25. Wrap fragile objects, like glasses, individually.
26. Make an X with your masking tape across pictures and paintings.
27. Put artwork in acid-free packing paper.
28. Remove batteries from electronic devices.
29. Put heavy boxes at the bottom.
30. Label your boxes.
Key Takeaways:
- Use plastic because it will last longer than cardboard boxes.
- To make it easier, you should sell the stuff you won’t be using.
- Use markers and labels to make it easier to find the items in the future.
“After a specific period of time, that process will be repeated in reverse order so you have to make sure your furniture units are well protected against accidental damage.”
Read more: https://www.themovingblog.com/prepare-for-storage/