Typically when it comes to planning your move, timelines don’t always match up. Maybe you haven’t found a new home yet but have sold your current house, or maybe you are trying to downsize during this move and aren’t quite sure what you want to part with just yet. Whatever the case may be, you may find yourself in need of a storage facility, and that’s where our team at Regency Moving and Storage can help!
However, before you place your belongings in a storage facility there are a few steps that should be taken to ensure they are safe and sound throughout the duration of their stay.
Prepping for the Storage Facility
The first, and most important thing for you to do before preparing your items for a storage facility is to do your homework. Not all storage facilities are created equal, and you may have some items that require special care. You want to be certain that your items are being stored in a warehouse or facility that meet your unique needs.
Once you have decided on a storage facility is when the real work starts, here are some things you should do before placing your belongings in storage:
Clean and Disinfect
Items that are going to be stored for a long period of time should be properly cleaned and disinfected before storage. This will help prevent any unwanted odors or pests from entering your storage unit, which can lead to damage in the future. Take the time to wipe down all surfaces, vacuum any upholstery, including couches and chairs, as well as any area rugs and carpets.
Use Air Tight Containers
If you are expecting to be using this storage facility for long-term storage it is extremely important that you use plastic bins or other air tight containers to hold your belongings. Insects such as silverfish, roaches, and termites like to feed on cardboard boxes. So while using cardboard for short-term storage is usually okay, plastic containers are best for long term storage needs because insects don’t like to eat plastic!
These plastic bins are also less likely to be exposed to potential water damage because of their tight seal. Our team at Regency suggests protecting your belongings in a storage facility by packing them in these bins!
Take Apart Large Furniture
If you have furniture, such as tables and chairs that must be dismantled in order to fit into storage containers or storage units then it is important that you take them apart before hand. Doing this will help to maximize on storage space and can even help your belongings dry out faster in the event of water damage. Taking apart these larger items before bringing them to the storage facility will help you safe time too!
Protect Your Belongings
Dust, mildew, and even mold can develop over time if your items are not properly packed up and taken care of. We already mentioned that plastic storage bins will help protect your belongings but there are a few other important steps that you need to take too. You should cover your large pieces of furniture should be covered with a sheet or blanket in order to keep dust and dirt off of the fabric. Wrap any mattresses up in protective plastic or storage. If you are storing appliances make sure to leave the doors slightly open in order to prevent moisture from building up.
Create an Inventory List
When you use our storage, facility our Regency Moving and Storage team will create an inventory list of all of the items you are storing. However, you should create a list too! It can be easy to loose track of what you have when it’s not readily available. Creating this inventory list is handy when it comes to locating items after a move, but also a great reference in the event of damage or theft. You should take photos of your items before they enter storage and keep these pictures with the inventory list. If for some reason you have to contact you insurance company or police department in the event of a break in, you will have an organized list of everything that you’ve stored.
Check with Your Insurance
Before fully moving your belongings into a storage facility you should call your insurance company to find out if your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy will cover items in storage. Just like your home is susceptible to theft, water damage, or fire damage, storage facilities are too. If your current insurance place doesn’t cover items in a storage facility see how much it would be to add it to your policy!
Understand the Restrictions for the Storage Facility
Understanding any restrictions that a storage facility has in place to is very important because these restrictions are in place to protect you, your belongings, and the other people storing their items in the facility. This list of restrictions typically consists of items that have been deemed dangerous to store in a facility. Some of these items include cleaning chemicals, gasoline, fertilizer, propane tanks, fireworks, and paint.
Get Help Moving and Storing Your Belongings
Once your items are prepped and ready for storage you may need some help getting them to the facility. You may opt for using your own vehicles with the help of friends, or rent a truck to help make the transition smoother. One of the unique traits that our company at Regency Moving and Storage is that we are a company that can help you with both! We can help you pack up your home and then transport the belongings you want to store to our storage facility!
We can Help You with Both!
Regency Moving and Storage is here to help you with all of your storage needs! We can provide storage solutions for both homes and businesses. Whether it’s a short term solution or long-term storage we will take care of your stored item with the same care and love as we would our own. Our team offers full moving services which include packing, unpacking, and storage. We can even help you with your long distance move!
Contact us today to find out more about our storage solutions and how our team can help make these big transitions easier!
