Long-Term Storage: Tips for Keeping Your Belongings Safe

A woman packing a button-down shirt into a cardboard box for storage.

Preparing to move your belongings into storage involves more than merely throwing things in boxes and shutting the door. When it comes to long-term storage, the ultimate goal is to preserve your items somewhere you can trust so they are right as rain when you retrieve them. Whether you plan on storing seasonal clothing, grandma’s furniture, or personal documents, knowing how to do so responsibly is key.

Anytime Storage has compiled expert tips on how to protect stuff in storage for the long haul, including packing advice, storage unit tips, helpful tools, and best practices so you can store confidently.

Preparing Items for Long-Term Storage

A woman folds sweaters to place into cardboard boxes.

Regardless of whether your chosen storage spot is your basement, attic, or residential storage unit, the preparation for storage begins long before you start loading in the boxes and bins. Different items require different procedures, so read on for advice on the best methods for packing away common storage items.

How To Store Clothes in Boxes and Large Storage Bins

To keep those sweaters in good shape over the summer and sundresses tucked away nicely during winter, you’ll need to follow some tried-and-true tips for storing clothes. Follow these steps to shut away your wardrobe appropriately:

Clean those clothes. Storing dirty clothes shortens their life span by potentially inviting mold and pests, so wash or dry-clean everything, including cashmere, to remove dirt, stains, and odors. Be sure all items are completely dry before packing to prevent mildew, and throw in some silica gel packets to help eliminate water in the air.
Know when to fold. When at all possible, lay delicate clothing like sweaters, cashmere, and denim flat inside their respective storage containers to avoid permanent creasing. If you lack the room to do so, place acid-free tissue between folds and creases.
Label everything. Labeling saves time when retrieving stored clothes, so organize items by type, season, or frequency of use. If storing for multiple people, store each person’s clothing separately and label accordingly.

Best Storage Containers for Clothing

The same boxes you use for stowing away knickknacks and silverware may not be ideal for your clothing. See below for standard storage methods as they relate to maintaining the quality of your garments:

Cardboard boxes. While OK for the short term, cardboard boxes absorb moisture and smell over time, inviting in mold growth and potential bugs. This includes garment boxes which, while nice for hanging clothes, can’t be reused effectively. For long-term storage, we advise steering clear.
Plastic bags. Although nice for transporting clothes to and from storage, plastic bags trap and accumulate moisture, which can lead to mildew and possibly ruin your apparel.
Large storage bins. A large storage container, such as a plastic bin, is among the more efficient ways to store clothes over long periods, as it seals tight to block out dust, moisture, and pests.
Clothing rack with shelves. Outerwear, dresses, and other delicate items should be hung up in heavy-duty garment bags using velvet or wooden hangers to aid in their longevity.

Storing Furniture Long Term

Furniture pieces and boxes arranged inside and outside of a moving truck.

Does your living room furniture need someplace to go during a renovation, or are you downsizing your home and need a spot for guest room furnishings? Here are some rules of thumb to follow when using long-term storage for furniture:

Protect and pad. Wrap furniture legs with Bubble Wrap or pads to prevent scratches. Individually wrap glassware and plates, stacking them on the edge. Cushion wall decor, mirrors, and artwork and store them in large boxes for added protection.
Place on pallets. If storing in a basement or storage unit, put furniture on top of wooden pallets to allow for airflow underneath.
Cover your bases. Use furniture covers or plastic bags to shield wooden furniture, upholstery, and mattresses from dust and damage.
Keep legs off the floor. Remove furniture legs before storing to prevent damage and save space. When possible, store tables and couches on their ends, wrapping the surface that touches the ground for protection.
Prepare appliances. Clean and dry appliances before storage, being sure to tape doors shut for transport. Pad any movable parts with packing paper for added protection.
Stay organized. Use storage bins and shelves to keep track of smaller miscellaneous items you may be storing alongside your furniture. Take care to line fragile items with Bubble Wrap or towels.
Safeguard metal surfaces. Wipe down metal items with a cloth and a few drops of machine oil to prevent rust and corrosion.

Long-Term Storage Unit Tips for Documents

Have volumes of papers for your business, hobby, or family that need filing away? When preparing paper documents for long-term storage, it’s important to take steps toward their preservation. Keep these key tips in mind:

Store someplace cool. Heat and humidity can cause documents to wrinkle, become brittle, or develop mold, while prolonged exposure to sunlight can lead to fading. To preserve them, store documents in a cool, dark, and temperature-regulated environment, such as a climate-controlled storage unit.
Invest in the right tools. Store documents in safe, damage-resistant containers. Archival containers are ideal, but boxes, paper sleeves, and folders made from low-lignin or lignin-free materials also work. Additionally, protect papers in plastic slips to prevent tearing or moisture damage when stored in bins.
Keep things flat. Store documents flat to prevent fading, tearing, or warping. Avoid paper clips, which can cause rust stains and tears, and rubber bands, which can deteriorate and damage papers.

Secure Your Belongings With Anytime Storage

While your basement or shed may seem like quick fixes for any belongings that need to be stowed, it’s important to note the impact of the elements on sensitive storage items made from wood, paper, or fabrics. At Anytime Storage, we provide industry-grade, climate-controlled storage units so your possessions can reside somewhere reliable throughout the year. Our cost-effective, conveniently located storage facilities aim to open up space in your life, making room for new memories without tossing out the old ones.

Contact us today to discover your ideal space solution, and find us at a location near you!