Our customers choose Security Public Storage for both short and long-term storage. Short-term storage serves as a solution when you only need storage for a limited period of time. For example, short-term storage is used when you’re between leases, for student storage, while your home is undergoing a remodel, or seasonally depending on your needs. Long-term storage, on the other hand, is often used when someone is away on a deployment, relocating across the country for a long or undetermined amount of time, or simply decluttering your home.
Long-Term Storage Preparation Tips
Use Plastic Containers or New, Sturdy Boxes — We have previously discussed the instances when you should use plastic containers versus cardboard boxes, and long-term storage is one where we suggest the sturdiest option available to you. We don’t recommend used boxes for long-term storage, as they may degrade even more as time passes. If you’ll be using long-term storage, invest in new, sturdy boxes that will hold up better over time, or durable plastic containers.
Pallets Help Keep Items Off the Floor — Prevent possible moisture exposure and damage to your items by storing them above the floor. Pallets are a great resource for storing your items long-term. Some grocery stores and hardware stores have free pallets available. If you’re unable to acquire any pallets, a canvas tarp can be used as a barrier between your belongings and the floor.
Label Your Containers and Make a Map of Your Storage Unit — When it comes to long-term storage, sometimes you won’t stop by for months, or even years! When you return to your storage unit, it may be hard to remember where everything is located. By labeling the exterior of all of your boxes and containers and making a map or inventory list, you’ll be able to take the guesswork out of your visit to your storage unit.
Cover Furniture with a White Cotton Sheet — As with any surface, the longer it sits, the most dust accumulates. Cover furniture and other items in your storage unit with a 100% cotton sheet. We recommend white sheets, as colored sheets might bleed onto your furniture over time. The gentle feel of the white cotton sheet will help protect your belongings from dust accumulation.
Clean Furniture & Appliances Before Long-term Storage — Vacuum between your couch cushions, wipe down and polish wooden furniture. Cleaning your items and storing them dry helps discourage mold and mildew. This applies to furniture, as well as appliances. Scrub your appliances with a cleaning solution and remove residue that could result in mold or mildew. While in storage, leave the appliance doors slightly ajar for air flow.
- Leather furniture
- Collectibles and antiques
- Clothing
- Media storage equipment
- Electronics
- Temperature-sensitive items
Strategically Pack Your Storage Unit — The heaviest boxes should be stored at the bottom of a stack in order to prevent it from falling over. We don’t recommend stacking boxes higher than your shoulders. As you move items into your storage unit, keep labels facing out, so it’ll be easier to find what you need down the road. The items you’ll need most frequently should be stored towards the front of the storage unit, in case you don’t unload your whole storage unit at once.
Signup For Online Autopay — Setting up autopay and ensuring that your credit card information is up-to-date before leaving the area for a long period of time is essential. Online autopay allows you to make your payments effortlessly and on time. You’ll be automatically billed each month and you won’t have to worry about potential late fees. Set a reminder to update autopay settings when you receive a new credit card to update the expiration date or account number.
Find the Right Long-Term Storage Unit
As you prepare for long-term storage, several factors will affect your decision. Current availability of the storage unit sizes and type, as well as price, security amenities at the storage facility and more. The helpful managers at all of our SPS locations are ready to help answer any additional questions you may have about long-term storage. Find an SPS facility near you to check our current availability and lock down a long-term storage unit.