Tips for Long Term Storage
Sometimes moving means putting some of your beloved possessions into long-term storage. This can be stressful, especially if you pick the wrong removalist or storage company and items get lost or damaged. We’ve put together the following handy strategy to ensure you don’t lose your head when it comes to long-term storage.
Create an Inventory:
Prior to putting your possessions into long-term storage, make sure that you list off and itemise all of your possessions. It’s also a good idea to keep a digital copy of your receipts and various warranties within your inventory just in case.
Be careful with your whitegoods:
Moving overseas and leaving the fridge? Make sure you’ve properly cleaned, disinfected and disconnected all whitegoods. Items such as dishwashers and fridges can be a breeding ground for bacteria and mould. Prep all your whitegoods before putting them into long-term storage by giving them a thorough clean.
Use protective wraps:
When it comes to rips and tears, these look better in a Yeezy collection than on your furniture. Using packing blankets can prevent wear, tear, and damp and mildew growth on your belongings. Make sure you pre-treat leather furniture before storage to prevent cracking and seal wooden pieces. Plastic wraps and bags are typically not a good idea, as they can cause an increase in moisture in items.
Pack Your Electrical Items Properly:
When it doubt, keep the box. It’s best that electrical items being stored long-term are restored to their original packaging. This ensures maximum protection within packaging designed for that particular item. If this isn’t possible, try to ensure all items have been well-packed according to long-term storage standards, and that no batteries with the potential to cause leaks are trapped inside. Double-check those television remotes!
Vacuum seal all fabrics:
Nobody has time for dust mites! Or any other kind of creepy-crawly that might sneak into the folds of your favourite curtains, or childhood teddy bear collection. To ensure this doesn’t happen while your items are in long-term storage, make sure to vacuum seal all fabric items and soft furnishings, from cushions, curtains, and the rest. This will help to prevent the tell-tale dusty, musty storage scent and keep your items in tip-top condition while they wait.
Keep Your Items of the Floor!
The floor is lava, and you don’t want your sofa singed! When it comes to long-term storage for items big and small, stacking them up is the way to go. Storing items in shelving units, or on pallets allows for more air circulation, this means there’s a lesser likelihood of moisture or dampness buildup, keeping your big-ticket items mould-free and in great condition.
Pack and label your fragile items carefully:
Nobody wants to unpack a box labelled, ‘grandma’s vintage wine glasses’ and discover that they’ve inadvertently broken a treasured family possession! That’s why the same rules apply for fragile items in long-term storage, as they do when packing for a short trip on the removalist truck. Pack your fragile items carefully in tissue-paper, newspaper and bubble-wrap, label the box carefully and make sure to note which side should be facing up.
When it comes to keeping items in long-term storage, your best bet is to work with a trusted removalist to advise you on your best packing and storage solutions.
If having a next-level experience sounds like the type of experience you would like to have in your next furniture move, it’s time to get in touch with Next Level Removals. You can contact our furniture removal consultants in many different and convenient ways:
- Give us a call on 1300 005 400
- Send us an email on info@nextlevelremovals.com.au, or fill out the contact form on our contact us page
- Visit us at our office – 369 Illawarra Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204
