How to Prepare Your Items for Long Term Storage

When planning to store items long term, whether it’s due to moving abroad, downsizing, or simply decluttering, the right preparation is crucial to maintain the integrity and condition of your possessions. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the best materials and methods for packing, effective organising and labelling strategies, items that are unsuitable for long term storage, and how to ensure your belongings are properly insured. We also provide a downloadable packing checklist for storage.

What Materials and Packing Methods Are Best for Long Term Storage?

Choosing the right packing materials and methods is the first step in securing your items for long term storage. The goal is to protect your belongings from dust, moisture, and damage while they’re stored away.

• Materials: Opt for durable, high-quality, specialised packing boxes and containers that can withstand stacking and weight over time. Plastic bins with secure lids offer excellent protection against moisture and pests. For fragile items, use bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and foam pads to prevent movement and cushion against shocks. Vacuum-sealed bags are perfect for textiles like clothing and bedding, as they minimise space and protect against moisture and pests.
• Packing Methods: Fill boxes to capacity to avoid collapse when stacked but avoid overpacking, which can cause boxes to bulge and become unstable. Wrap fragile items individually and place them in the centre of boxes, surrounded by cushioning material. Seal all boxes tightly with heavy-duty packing tape to prevent dust from entering.

What Are the Best Practices for Organising and Labelling Stored Items?

Proper organisation and labelling not only make packing more efficient but also simplify the process of locating and retrieving items when needed.

• Organising: Group items by category and room to make unpacking easier. For instance, keep all kitchen items together and separate from bedroom items. Place heavier boxes at the bottom and lighter ones on top to prevent crushing. If possible, use shelving units in your storage space to keep boxes off the floor and make them more accessible.
• Labelling: Clearly label each box on multiple sides and the top with a detailed description of its contents and the room it belongs to. Consider using a numbering system where each box has a unique number corresponding to a more detailed inventory list. This practice is particularly useful for tracking your belongings and managing the contents over time. Download our Packing Checklist and Inventory Log Sheet, which gives you a template to record what’s in each box.

What Items Should Not Be Stored Long Term and Why?

Not all items are suited for long term storage due to their material composition or their need for a controlled environment.

• Perishables: Food items, even non-perishables, should not be stored long term as they can attract pests and rodents.
• Hazardous Materials: Avoid storing anything flammable, corrosive, or explosive, including paints, chemicals, and gasoline, as they pose a safety risk.

How Do I Properly Insure My Stored Items?

Insuring your stored items is essential to protect against potential loss or damage. Here’s how to ensure adequate coverage:

1. Review Your Homeowner’s or Renter’s Insurance: Check if your current policy covers possessions stored off-site and understand the extent of the coverage. Some policies may offer limited protection for items stored away from the primary residence.
2. Consider Purchasing Additional Insurance: If your existing insurance offers insufficient coverage, consider purchasing additional insurance specifically for your stored items. Storage facilities often offer insurance options, but you might find more comprehensive coverage through an independent insurance provider.
3. Document Your Items: Before storing, take photos and document the condition of your items. Keep receipts and appraisals for valuable items, as these will be crucial for insurance claims in the event of damage or loss.

Conclusion

Preparing your items for long term storage requires careful planning and execution. By selecting the right materials, organising and labelling effectively, understanding what not to store, and securing proper insurance, you can ensure that your belongings remain in excellent condition throughout their time in storage. At Doree Bonner International, we understand the nuances of long term storage and are here to provide expert solutions tailored to your needs. Whether you need advice on packing materials or assistance with transporting your items to a storage facility, our team is ready to help. We even provide decluttering tips for long term storage.

Doree Bonner – Your Expert Packing, Moving & Storage Partner

At Doree Bonner International, we take pride in offering superior packing and industry leading storage solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in every aspect of our service, from the initial consultation to the final delivery of your belongings.

1. Expert Packing Solutions

Our professional packing services are designed to ensure the utmost safety and security of your items during transit or storage. We utilise specialised packing materials to safeguard everything from delicate antiques to large pieces of furniture. Our team of experts employs a variety of techniques depending on the item’s nature, employing materials such as custom-designed crates, acid-free tissue, bubble wrap, and robust corrugated cardboard to provide maximum protection.

For items that require an extra level of care, such as artwork, or glassware, we offer custom crating solutions. Each crate is tailored to the dimensions and fragility of the item it holds, ensuring a snug fit and optimal protection against any physical shocks or environmental factors.

2. Minimising Damage with Direct Container Loading

Understanding the risks associated with multiple handlings of goods, Doree Bonner International emphasises a direct container loading process. By loading your items directly into the container at your residence, we significantly reduce the risk of damage that typically occurs during the loading and unloading phases. This method not only ensures that your belongings are handled with care but also enhances the efficiency of the moving process, allowing for a smoother and more secure transition to their new destination or into storage.

3. State-of-the-Art Storage Facilities

Our storage facilities are designed to cater to a variety of long term and short-term storage needs. Secure, dry and clean, these facilities provide an ideal environment for storing items of all types, from personal belongings to business documents and equipment. Whether you are renovating your home, relocating abroad, or simply need extra space, our flexible storage solutions offer peace of mind knowing that your possessions are well-protected.

Each facility is equipped with advanced security systems, including 24-hour surveillance, fire protection, and controlled access, ensuring that your items are safe from theft, environmental hazards, and pest infestations. Moreover, our storage services are customisable – you pay only for the space you use, and you can access your belongings with prior arrangement, providing both convenience and affordability.

4. Comprehensive Insurance Coverage

Recognising the value of your possessions, we provide comprehensive insurance coverage for items in transit and storage. This ensures that you are adequately protected against unforeseen circumstances, giving you additional assurance and peace of mind.

At Doree Bonner International, we are dedicated to providing a seamless and stress-free moving and storage experience. Our commitment to quality service and customer satisfaction makes us a trusted partner in the moving industry. Contact us 24/7 to discuss how we can meet your packing, moving, and storage needs with professionalism and care. You can also get a quick and easy free online quote.