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5 Things You Need to Know About Keeping
Your Items in Long-Term Storage

There are plenty of reasons why you might need to keep your items in storage for a long time.

If you are a collector, then you might have a specific item like an antique that you want to keep safe until you decide to sell it on. Similarly, if you are living in-between properties or traveling the world you might need somewhere to store all of your furniture and clothing.

However, it is no secret that clutter can be frustrating to deal with. Besides, most of us own items that we do not need but cannot throw away due to sentimental value.

Although it can be tempting at times to throw things away and start from scratch it is reassuring to know that long-term storage facilities provide a potential solution to this dilemma.

Although there are scenarios where short-term storage is an adequate arrangement for your items, let us discuss everything that you need to keep in mind when putting your items into storage for a prolonged period.

1. Determine How Many Items You Need to Store

Although it might seem intuitive, your first step when looking for long-term storage should be to work out how many of your belongings need to be stored.

For instance, if you are going traveling, and have some unsecured sports equipment in your backyard, you might need to invest in a small storage unit to keep everything safe until you return.

Alternatively, if you have a lot of furniture that you do not want to get rid of but do not currently need, hiring a large storage unit might be significantly cheaper than paying the rent for an apartment or house that you are not using.

In major cities like Chicago self storage facilities offer a wide range of storage unit sizes so be sure to compare your options based on how many items you need to store before committing to any decisions about how to proceed.

2. Use Climate Controlled Storage If Necessary

One of most remarkable benefits of a storage unit is that it can provide a temperature-controlled environment for your belongings.

Electronics, wooden furniture, and fabrics are susceptible to damp, mold, and discoloration, but investing in a climate-controlled storage unit ensures that your items are safeguarded from these potentially devastating forms of damage.

If you are going to be away from your items for a prolonged time period, then storing your possessions in a climate-controlled environment is strongly recommended as some forms of seasonal damage can be irreversible.

3. You Will Probably Need to Ask Someone to Check on Your Items

Does someone you know and trust live close to a storage unit? If so, asking them to keep an eye on your belongings is a wonderful way to ensure that your items are safe and have not become damaged.

This is particularly beneficial when storing electronics, motor vehicles, and watercraft that can become damaged prematurely due to lack of use.

Correspondingly, if you are unsure about when you will next be able to check on your items in person, appointing someone else to do so in your absence can provide peace of mind.

4. Your Items Can Be Insured

Just because your items are currently in storage does not mean that they cannot be insured.

Put simply, when shopping for insurance for your belongings, make sure that any items that are stored in your unit are covered.

For maximum protection, your insurance policies should cover items that are stored in off-site locations for long periods of time.

5. Proper Packing Is Key

Packing and organizing your storage unit for long-term purposes is crucial.

This involves making sure any breakables are well packed and that any boxes and containers are stacked correctly to avoid any accidental damage.

Wherever possible, keep boxes and furniture off the floor and on shelves as storing items on the floor can encourage damp and pests and result in unnecessary damages.