Storing your items in long-term storage can be hard for many people. This is because without your belongings close by it can be hard to know if they are in good shape, if they are being damaged or ruined. Even though there are locked in a storage unit, there are still things that can happen such as weather damage or even theft. Here are some things that you need to know to care for your things in long-term storage.
1. Don't Go Through Your Storage Unit With Strangers Around
If you need to go through your storage unit and you notice that there are people around the unit, take a drive and wait until they leave. One of the easiest ways to become a target for theft is to show people what is in your unit. This is especially the case if you have furniture or items that aren't in boxes. They might see the potential worth of your belongings and choose a time to come back and break into your unit. Although this doesn't happen often, it does happen. This is why you should take extra measures to protect yourself.
2. Prep Your Furniture For Weather Changes
Before you store anything, you have to prep it for weather changes. Even if you get a climate-controlled unit, which is ideal, you still should prep the furniture before it goes into storage. Here are a couple things you should do.
First, polish all of the wood and leather furniture. Polish provides a great barrier between the leather or wood and the elements. It will prevent the materials from cracking or absorbing the moisture in the air. In addition, as the air dries out it could easily shrink the wood or leather. Having polish on the surfaces helps to hold them in place. If your things are going to be stored for a very long time, make sure to apply a fresh coat of polish often.
Second, don't put your furniture directly on the ground. If possible you should try to prop it up. You can use stone or wood blocks or even boxes if you have nothing else. Having the furniture directly on the ground will prevent air from passing through these areas. This could cause mold and damage under the furniture.
Lastly, you need to be sure that you cover all of the furniture. Don't cover it tightly with plastic, but drape a sheet or fabric over it. This will protect it from dust.
By doing these simple things you can make sure your belongings are safe. To learn more, contact a self storage unit company like Pearl Street Self Storage.
