Tips for Protecting Your Items In A Storage Unit

If you're planning on keeping your possessions in a storage unit, you may be wondering what steps you can take to help proactively protect them. To start, read our Storage Units Resource Guide for information on picking a great storage unit provider. Once you've selected a place, follow these helpful tips:

Place Boxes and Furniture on Wooden Pallets

Since concrete can trap moisture from the air and cause dampness to degrade your boxes and furniture, consider putting down a plastic tarp or wooden pallets before you load your belongings into a storage unit. A wooden pallet is great for keeping an airflow for moisture to move freely if there is exposure.

Mark Boxes and Plastic Tubs

• Make sure to mark boxes with dishes, glasses, electronics, etc., clearly with the word "Fragile."
• Place heavier boxes on the bottom and lighter boxes on top.
• Using the same size boxes for all items will make stacking easier to maximize your space.
• Label the contents of boxes with a list format; for example, instead of saying bedroom items list out "pictures, lamp base, floating shelves."

Sort Your Boxes for Convenience

• If you have just moved or plan to frequent your storage unit to add and remove items, you'll want to place frequently used items in the front for easy access.
• It may help to have a list or map of your storage items for efficiency.
• Clear containers will help you quickly locate their contents.
• Organize your Boxes and Storage Containers
• Be sure to label all sides of your boxes with content names to prevent confusion if the box is shifted to a blank side.

Save Space

• Empty containers like trash cans and laundry baskets can store smaller items like picture frames, books, and plasticware.
• Large furniture pieces with drawers or cabinets will make a great storage nook as well. Place odds and ends into small plastic containers and secure them inside.
• Turn large couches or loveseats on their flat end, so they stand upward.

Other Helpful Storage Unit Tips

• If you opt for an outdoor unit, you'll want to safeguard your stored items carefully. Be sure to winterize RVs and boats and consider protective covers for them too.
• Be sure to cover couches, mattresses, and other fabric surfaces with plastic to protect them.
• Leaving the doors of appliances slightly ajar will help to prevent mildew or mold growth.
• Spray your furniture pieces with a protective anti-moisture spray.
• Use plastic storage containers with an airtight seal when possible.
• Place electronics and books, and other moisture-sensitive items into large, sealed plastic storage bags to protect them from damage.
• Clothing can be zipped into plastic garment bags or laid in large storage containers to prevent mildew.

Idaho Storage has Convenient and Clean Top-Rated Storage Units in Boise, Eagle & Nampa.

Read our Self-Storage Guide, for answers to your other questions, or call one of our storage facilities in Boise, Eagle, or Nampa to schedule a tour!