10 Items to Never Put in Storage Units Without Proper Prep

When it comes to renting storage units, simply tossing your belongings inside and locking the door isn’t always the best strategy.

While Albuquerque Self Storage offers units that are secure with controlled access during business hours, protecting your items starts with how you prepare them. Some belongings require a little extra care to remain in excellent condition during storage.

Whether you’re downsizing, moving, or just need extra space while renovating, knowing how to prep your items properly can save you money, frustration, and heartache down the road. To help, we’ve compiled a list of items that should never be stored without taking proper precautions first.

#1. Upholstered furniture

Dust, moisture, and pests are particularly fond of couches, chairs, and mattresses. So before placing them in storage units, you should vacuum them thoroughly and treat them with fabric protector. It is also important to wrap everything in breathable furniture covers, not plastic. Why? Plastic can trap moisture, allowing mildew to grow. Use pallets to keep your belongings up and off the floor.

#2. Electronics

Temperature fluctuations and humidity are tough on computers, TVs, and stereo equipment. To prevent corrosion, remove all of the batteries and pack the devices in their original boxes whenever possible. If you don’t have the original packaging, wrap the electronics in bubble wrap and store them in a climate-controlled environment. To stay organized, keep all cords labeled and bundled together.

#3. Wooden furniture

Temperature changes cause wood to expand and contract, leading to warping or cracking. To help extend the life of wooden furniture, clean and polish it before storing, and consider using furniture wax for added protection. To save space and reduce stress on joints, disassemble larger pieces into smaller ones. Store wood furniture away from walls to allow for air circulation.

#4. Appliances

Thoroughly clean and dry refrigerators, washers, and other appliances before placing them into storage units. To prevent mildew and odors, leave the doors slightly open. Be sure to drain all of the water from washing machines and dishwashers, and secure any loose parts. To keep everything organized, coil power cords and tape them to the back of the appliances.

#5. Musical instruments

If you’re storing musical instruments, keep in mind that guitars, violins, and other instruments are delicate and require special attention. Loosen strings slightly to reduce tension on the neck, clean instruments thoroughly, and store them in hard cases. For extra protection, place moisture-absorbing packets inside the cases. Keep instruments away from exterior walls where temperature changes are more drastic. 

#6: Important documents

Moisture and pests can wreak havoc on papers, photographs, and legal documents. That’s why it is important to store everything in waterproof, airtight containers such as plastic filing boxes with secure lids. To protect against hazards like water damage, moisture, and pests, do not store documents directly on the floor, even in the most secure storage units. For added protection, consider making digital backups before storing the originals. 

#7: Clothing and delicate fabrics

Garments that are stored improperly can develop musty odors, yellowing, or damage from moths and other fabric-eating pests. Wash and completely dry all clothing before packing. Use wardrobe boxes for hanging items, and fold others in plastic bins with cedar blocks or lavender sachets. Cedar blocks and lavender sachets naturally repel moths and other fabric-damaging insects, while leaving clothes with a pleasant, subtle fragrance. If you’re storing textiles and clothing for long-term preservation, avoid using vacuum-sealed bags, as they can be damaging to delicate fabrics.

#8: Leather items

Without proper conditioning, leather jackets, boots, and furniture can eventually dry and crack. That’s why it is important to apply a high-quality leather conditioner and allow items to dry completely before placing them in storage units. To help bags and shoes maintain their shape, stuff them with acid-free tissue paper. Be sure to store leather items in breathable garment bags, not plastic.

#9: Artwork and mirrors

Paintings, prints, and mirrors are delicate and can be particularly vulnerable to damage if not handled correctly. To extend the life of these items, wrap each piece individually in acid-free paper and then add a layer of bubble wrap for extra protection. They should be stored upright or flat, not leaning at an angle. For additional protection, place cardboard corners on any frames and use foam or blankets to keep pieces separated.

#10: Tools and metal items

Your tools are an investment, so it is important to protect them from rust. To do this, clean the tools thoroughly and apply a light coat of oil to all metal surfaces. Store hand tools in toolboxes and wrap larger equipment in moving blankets. If you are storing power tools and lawn equipment, drain all the fuel before storage to prevent leaks and fire hazards.

At Albuquerque Self Storage, we provide month-to-month storage units with ground-floor access to make your life easier. If you’re considering storage, contact us today to learn more. Our team is ready to help and answer any questions you may have.