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Moving tips

Preparing Your Items for Long-Term Storage: Do’s and Don’ts

By TLC Moving & Storage · Published 15 September 2021

Long-term storage keeps your belongings safe only if they go in planned, clean, dry and well stacked. Here are the do’s and don’ts that keep your items in the same condition you leave them in.

A row of storage units with blue roll-up doors along a paved lane

The do’s and don’ts at a glance

Before anything goes into a long-term storage locker:

  • Do: plan out what needs to be stored

  • Don’t: put dirty items into storage

  • Do: arrange and stack items strategically

  • Don’t: put perishable items or plants in storage

  • Do: hire a professional moving and storage company

What belongs in a long-term storage locker

A long-term storage locker is for things you want out of the house but don’t want to get rid of, whether you’re moving or have extra stuff. Appliances such as fridges, ovens or microwaves can go in once they are clean and dry. Food, plants and anything perishable cannot. What you store decides the unit size and the security you need.

Do: plan out what needs to be stored

Whether you’re moving or have extra stuff you want out of the house but don’t want to get rid of, renting a long-term storage locker is a great option. However, some planning is involved to ensure that your items remain in the same condition you leave them in and to keep everything organized. Even in a secure facility, how you prepare your items matters.

Many people make the mistake of holding onto things longer than they need to. When it comes to long-term storage, you lose a lot of the value of the space when it’s filled with things you don’t need. So it’s a good idea to go through everything beforehand and decide what’s worth keeping for a long time.

Consider each item’s condition and sentimental value, and then determine what size unit you’ll need for them. Depending on what you plan on putting away, consider the overall level of security in the facility. If the stored items are heading out of town later, see long-distance moving.

Don’t: put dirty items into storage

Before putting your stuff into storage, make sure everything is free from dirt, dust, and anything else that could stain or become ingrained in your items. Suppose you’re storing appliances such as fridges, ovens or microwaves. In that case, it’s imperative to make sure they’re clean to avoid attracting any bugs or other pests.

It’s also crucial to make sure everything is dry as moisture left behind can cause rust, rotting, and mould, depending on the material.

Do: arrange and stack items strategically

One of the worst mistakes you can make when loading a locker is just throwing everything in and calling it a day. Failing to arrange and stack your items strategically and in an organized manner can make unpacking and finding things in the unit more difficult.

When packing any boxes, make sure the boxes are in good condition and avoid stacking heavier boxes high up. You want to stack your items in a way that prevents anything from falling over or collapsing.

Why perishables and plants don’t belong in long-term storage

Food, plants, and anything else that is perishable overtime should not be kept in long-term storage. Not only will these items likely not survive, but as they start to degrade, they can permanently damage other items or leave a foul smell.

Do: hire a professional moving and storage company

Finally, if you have any worries or concerns about packing and preparing your items for long-term storage, a professional moving and storage company can help. Professional movers can pack and move your items safely and efficiently so that you have one less thing to worry about.

Your belongings are valuable and important to you. You deserve the peace of mind that comes with knowing that the professionals have your best interest in mind and will handle everything with the utmost care.

Questions about moving with TLC

How do I decide what to put in long-term storage?

Many people make the mistake of holding onto things longer than they need to. When it comes to long-term storage, you lose a lot of the value of the space when it’s filled with things you don’t need.

Do I need to clean items before storing them?

Before putting your stuff into storage, make sure everything is free from dirt, dust, and anything else that could stain or become ingrained in your items. Suppose you’re storing appliances such as fridges, ovens or microwaves.

What should not go into long-term storage?

Food, plants, and anything else that is perishable overtime should not be kept in long-term storage. Not only will these items likely not survive, but as they start to degrade, they can permanently damage other items or leave a foul smell.

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