In It for the Long Haul: Getting Your Stuff Ready for Long-Term Storage

Sure, you're going to know the reason why you need self-storage, but you won't always know how long your items will be locked inside the unit. Downsizing, spending time overseas or simply not having enough space at home while not wanting to part with the items—these are perhaps amongst the most common reasons for needing a storage unit. But whatever the reason, you won't always have an end date for when your items will be removed. It has been suggested that a common rental time for a self-storage unit in Australia is 30 months, or two and a half years. It seems a long time for your possessions to be locked away, doesn't it? Everyone's circumstances are different, and while you might visit the unit on a regular basis to retrieve a particular item, it could also be a case of once the unit's door is closed, you won't be seeing your possessions for more than two years. Have you adequately prepared your items for their long stay?

Mould

Moisture is your enemy, and it can be the literal mortal enemy of anything inside a self-storage unit. Even the smallest amount of moisture can lead to mould and rot, slowly affecting your items to the point of being beyond salvage. Any appliances that might require or produce moisture needs to be deactivated well in advance of transport and allowed to air dry, before also being manually dried with a towel for extra certainty. Some appliances (such as fridges and freezers) should be stored with their doors propped partially open to allow air to circulate, which can discourage the formation of mould.

Floor Moisture

Any moisture emanating up from the floor of the unit needs to be accounted for. This means that many items should not be placed directly on the floor, but should instead be given a slight elevation. Wooden pallets make a great base for a storage unit, and if any suitable furniture is being stored (namely tables and shelves), these can be placed on the base and then used to house smaller items.

Dust Covers

When items are entirely dry, they can be sealed in a plastic rubbish bag, secured around the individual items or their boxes. Remember that if the contents are not entirely dry, the trapped moisture can lead to significant damage inside the bag. If there's any doubt, just drape a sheet of plastic over the items that can act as a dust cover and will allow water to drain off in the unlikely event that said water makes its way inside the unit.

Fire Protection

While moisture can be a problem, you need to be mindful of the other extreme. Of course it's unlikely that a fire will hit the storage unit, but a fireproof box can give added peace of mind. It's not as though everything needs to be stored in such a box, but it's a great option for photographs and documents (which should be carefully placed flat inside the box to prevent wrinkling).

So while you might plan to use the self-storage unit for just a couple of months, it could easily stretch to a couple of years, or even longer. Make sure your items are ready for the long haul.