What Items Are Best Suited for Storage Units? A List

If you have been using a storage unit, you likely know how important it is to keep items in top condition. This can help you avoid expensive repairs or replacements.

This can include anything from furniture to rugs and even large vehicles like cars or trucks. The best option for these is climate-controlled storage.

Electronics

Whether you’re looking to store a few extra pieces of electronics from your home or you run a business and need additional space to store inventory, a storage unit is the perfect solution. However, be sure to choose a facility that offers month-to-month rental options and provides a clean environment free of pests.

If you need a large amount of space, consider renting a 10×15 unit. This size is almost the equivalent of a one-car garage and can fit most furniture, boxes, sports equipment and small businesses’ inventory.

You’ll need to take a close look at your inventory and create an itemized list of everything you want to store. You should also figure out how much you need in terms of square footage and height to determine what size unit to rent, or in some instances, even rent to rent. Keep in mind that many facilities offer a variety of different sizes, so it’s best to visit the location and view the units before you sign a contract.

When packing your items for storage, it’s important to label each box clearly with what’s inside. It will save you a lot of time and energy in the future when you’re searching for certain items. Try to be specific, like “kitchen silverware” or “Christmas tree ornaments.”

If you’re storing larger items such as sofas and beds, it’s often best to disassemble them prior to storage. This will help conserve space and prevent the items from getting damaged in transit and while in storage. You can further protect your belongings by wrapping each individual piece in plastic, towels or blankets. Also, make sure to place any items that you use more frequently towards the front of your unit and those you don’t in the back.

Furniture

Whether you have too much furniture in your home, inherited some from family members, or just don’t use it often, you can benefit from storing household items in storage units. These include sofas, dining tables and chairs, beds, mirrors, picture frames, and other furniture that’s not being used. However, it’s important to protect these items while they are in storage to avoid any damage or deterioration.

First, you’ll want to thoroughly clean all the furniture pieces you plan on storing in your unit. Fabrics like couches and chairs can harbor dust, dirt, and mildew that will eventually damage them, and table surfaces can have food residue or stains that will cause the wood to break down. Lastly, all furniture should be completely dry before bringing it into the storage unit.

Next, you’ll need to wrap any furniture pieces that have a glass or wooden top with bubble cushion or furniture blankets to protect them from scratches and moisture. You’ll also want to use furniture covers to protect any leather items in your storage unit.

Finally, it’s a good idea to keep an inventory of the furniture and other items you store in your unit. This will help you determine what size unit you need, and it will also make it easy for you to locate items when you need them in the future.

You should also label your boxes well, making it easy for you to identify what’s inside them and what furniture or other items they contain. You can even use masking tape to create descriptive labels, such as “kitchen silverware” or “Christmas tree decorations.” This will save you a lot of time when it comes to searching for these items in the future!

Documents

A storage unit is a great option for documents, especially those that need to be stored long term. If you plan on using a storage unit for this purpose, make sure it’s climate controlled, as the paper can be susceptible to moisture damage if not properly cared for. Start by reviewing your paperwork and sorting it into three categories: recycle, shred, and store. The documents that you will need frequent access to can be stored in filing cabinets toward the front of your storage unit, while those you won’t need as often can go further back in the storage area.

A metal file cabinet is the most reliable and durable option for storing documents, but storage shelves with files or plastic bins can also work. Whatever you decide to use, make sure to label everything and keep an inventory list at home and in the storage unit. This will help you recall what you have and where it’s located in the future.

Also, when storing books, be sure to air them out before packing and pack them flat, not with the spine or binding pointing up. This will prevent warping. And don’t forget to wrap them with acid-free archival wrapping paper as well.

Vehicles

When it comes to storing vehicles, you have more options than just renting the standard storage unit. There are many types of vehicle storage that can vary in price and utility, depending on the type of vehicle and your individual needs. For example, some types of vehicle storage include shared enclosed units (a warehouse-style garage where multiple vehicles are stored, with full protection from outdoor elements) and covered parking spaces. These are usually within a larger parking lot at the facility, and they may be paved, gravel, or dirt.

Another option is to rent a non-shared enclosed storage unit, which is similar to the garage you own at home and offers full protection from weather conditions. You can also choose to store your car or other vehicle in a non-enclosed, open storage space on the ground. This is the cheapest way to store your vehicle, but it does not provide the same level of protection from the elements.

Regardless of the type of storage you choose, be sure to take the time to properly prepare your vehicle for storage. Cleaning it thoroughly and vacuuming the interior can help reduce the risk of odors, mold, and other damaging substances that can form over time. Additionally, it is important to make an inventory list of all the items you store. This will help you stay organized, and you can keep a copy both at home and in the storage unit. It is also a good idea to leave a path down the center of your storage unit, so you can easily access all of your items.

Lastly, if you are using your storage unit for business documents, Muccino recommends opting for a climate-controlled unit to protect your files from humidity. Moisture can cause documents to fade, discolor, or dissolve.

Other Items

Storage units are a great place to store seasonal swap-outs, such as wardrobe and winter gear. It’s also a good idea to use a storage unit for items that you don’t need immediately, such as oversized furniture pieces and extra boxes. This way, you can keep them out of the way while still having access to them if needed.

However, it is important to know what items do and don’t do well in storage. Moisture build up, extreme temperatures, and pests are just a few of the issues that can occur. The best way to avoid these issues is to store your belongings in a climate controlled unit.

While some items can withstand hot and cold temperatures, many will not. High heat can cause wood to warp, plastic to melt, and metal to corrode. Humidity can also cause paper to wrinkle, fade, and grow mold. It’s best to choose a climate controlled storage unit for delicate and valuable items.

Before putting your belongings into storage, give them a good clean. Wipe down surfaces and vacuum furniture. Also, use moving blankets to protect items such as TVs and mirrors or any breakables that are too large for a box. Finally, make sure you have a list of everything that goes into your storage unit. This will help you locate items more easily when you need to retrieve them.