While some items may need a temperature-controlled environment, when packed properly, many items will still be protected in a non-temperature-controlled storage unit. Below are tips on how to best pack for non-temperature-controlled storage.
FURNITURE
Sometimes it is necessary to store your furniture, whether it’s a temporary situation like a remodel or a longer-term solution such as a relocation or military deployment. If you plan to store furniture in a non-temperature-controlled unit, how you prepare the furniture is important to help its longevity. For added protection, apply sheets or drop cloths to your furnishings and secure with tape, being careful not to tape onto the furniture itself.
For wood items
- Disassemble as much as you can, removing table legs, armore doors, headboards or drawers.
- Store and label the coordinating hardware in a small bag and keep with the piece for easy reassembly.
- To protect from moisture and dust, clean and wax all wood pieces before wrapping or covering and storing.
- Place blankets or padded covers between pieces to help avoid scratches while transporting or damage when in storage.
For mattresses, upholstered chairs and sofas
- Wipe the surface with fabric-safe antibacterial cleaners.
- Allow plenty of time for the material to dry in a well-ventilated area before placing into the storage unit. This will help prevent moisture being trapped when you cover the furniture, which could cause marks of discoloration over time.
- Vacuum all surfaces to remove surface dirt and dust.
- Store mattresses flat on a tarp or blanket to prevent inner coils and materials from shifting.
- Do not store heavy items on top of mattresses, couches or chairs. This could cause damage to the cushioning.
ELECTRONICS
- Before you begin to unplug all your electronics, take a photo of the connections to remind you of which wires belong in which outlet. It can be hard to remember your exact setup and confusing if you’re connecting 5 devices and all the cords look the same.
- If possible, when boxing your electronics, it’s best to store them in their original packaging materials.
- If you no longer have the original packaging, fill all empty space in the new box with bubble wrap or packing peanuts.
- Never cover or wrap electronics in plastic as this can trap moisture and damage your devices.
- When detaching wires and other accessories, bundle and keep together with the device they belong to.
- Store your electronics near the back of the unit to help protect from the elements and temperature changes.
- Keep large flat-screen televisions off the floor.
- Do not place items on top of electronics as this could cause permanent damage.
APPLIANCES
- Drain all liquid from any hoses, tubing or internal components to prevent mold or mildew.
- Clean all internal and external surfaces of food or debris to safeguard against unwanted pests.
- To avoid damaging fragile parts, remove glass shelves from refrigerators or freezers and wrap with blankets or bubble wrap to store safely.
- Keep refrigerator or freezer doors ajar to allow airflow.
MISCELLANEOUS TIPS
- Leave space between items. This will avoid accidental damage and allow air to flow between your items. Plus, you’ll be able to easily retrieve pieces as you need them.
- Consider purchasing moisture-absorbents to place throughout the unit to help protect against moisture build-up inside of your storage unit, no matter what you may be storing. You can find these types of products at most big box stores or home improvement centers for a relatively small cost.
A number of moving and packing supplies mentioned here are available at Providence Self Storage. When you stop by to meet our experienced resident managers (owners) and discuss what size unit would be best, don’t forget to purchase the boxes, tape, furniture covers, and bubble wrap you need to help prepare your belongings for storage.
ABOUT PROVIDENCE SELF STORAGE
Providence Self Storage is a family owned and operated self-storage and truck rental business. Our facility was built on a tract of property that was family held since 1934, and we are the third-generation owners.
We offer a safe, clean, and well-maintained facility which is fully fenced, gated and under twenty-four-hour video surveillance. Our facility provides standard drive-up units from 5×5 to 15×40 as well as temperature-controlled units from 5×5 to 10×20, all located on one floor for easy access.
When you contact Providence Self Storage, you are dealing with one of the facility owners, not an employee which you are likely to find in one of the big box storage companies.
We provide a solution for your personal and business storage situations, as well as rental truck needs and moving and packing supplies.
Our facility is conveniently located minutes from the Oaks Exit of Route 422 in Upper Providence Township, serving Phoenixville, Oaks, Mont Clare, Collegeville and surrounding areas of Montgomery and Chester counties, in SE Pennsylvania.