When relocating your storage area, aim at keeping it simple and organized. You should be able to locate all your valuables with ease afterward. Use the following seven steps.
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Decide On Your Storage Style
What is the nature of the items that you want to store? Do you want a permanent or a temporary storage area? What weather elements should you take into account? Which storage option works best for you? Explore these factors then decide on any of the following storage styles.
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A Mini Storage
This storage suits homeowners who want an additional functional and affordable storage space. It complements the garage or closet space, enabling families to de-clutter their homes.
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A Vehicle Storage
Vehicle storage on mezzanine floors or garage helps to retain the condition of stationary vehicles. The storage space will safeguard the cars from vandalism, bad weather, and damage from pests and rodent infestation.
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A Climate Controlled Storage
When you live in areas with extreme weather or have items sensitive to slight weather changes, keeping them in an air-conditioned or heat-controlled storage unit is the most appropriate option.
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A Boat Storage
Choose between indoor and outdoor boat storage for your boat, depending on your budget and how long you intend to use it.
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Clean The Items That Need to Be Stored
Dirt in storage items can be a breeding ground for germs. In turn, bacterial or fungal growth will damage your valuables and leave them with a foul smell. To prevent this, dust and clean all the items that need storing. Ensure they are dry before you move them to the storage site. A wet wipe works best on wooden furniture. And, a polishing cloth will keep your metal appliances free from corrosion or tarnish.
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Disassembling
After dusting and cleaning, disassemble the items as per the manufacturer’s user guide. This step minimizes the chances of breaking or scratching while in storage. Also, it allows you to use the storage space economically. Use labeled containers and bags to keep the bolts, screws, and other smaller parts intact. Tape each receptacle to the relevant disassembled furniture, home appliance, or auto.
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Apply Protective Wrappings
Use a protective cover or wrapping to shield the disassembled items from scratches, breaking, humidity, or dust. Typical protective wraps include adding a cushion or mattress at furniture joints, keeping sofas in a mattress protector, or having picture frames in a bubble wrap. Still, be cautious about wooden antiques that require ample ventilation while in storage. For such items, wrap them in breathable dust sheets.
The Precautions
The last three steps involve precautions you need to take when handling glass items, perishable items, and arranging the things in the storage space.
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Packing Items with Glass Components
Glass items require extra precaution to keep them from breaking. To do so, use appropriate cardboard for glassware or dishes, air pillows, or any other materials to absorb any vibrations when moving the items. Pad each box before you insert the glass components. Wrap the glass items individually before using a bubble wrap on similar parts. Insert the pieces into the boxes then fill any empty spaces with air pillows or pieces of cloth. Use packing tape to seal the boxes. Label each box as fragile.
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Storing Perishable Items
Note that, foodstuff and other perishable items need to be in freezers or other specialized facilities, away from the rest of the household things. The food items can get contamination, and the liquids may leak and damage the rest of the stuff in the store. Remove these perishable items from your home appliances before shifting to the storehouse.
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Avoid Over-Stuffing the Storage Space
When deciding on the appropriate storage space, consider its size relative to how many items need to be stored. The storage space should have ample space for all these things, without cramming them. For the best results, aim at leaving room for a central aisle in the store. You will use this space as your standing point when retrieving anything from the store.
Conclusion
Now, do you have a checklist of the items you need to relocate to the storage area? Analyze and group similar items. Next, remove any perishables and store them separately. Use readily available cloth, old mattresses, and pillows to wrap and pack the disassembled items. Aim for a functional storage area that your entire family can access with ease.
