Using Storage for the Long-Term

For many people, renting a self-storage unit is a short-term solution while they move or remodel. They just need a space for a few months while they settle into their new home or finish updating their current house. At EZ Storage® in St. Louis, we can help you find the right unit for however long you need, whether that’s one month or the entire year. If you’re looking for a long-term storage solution with an indeterminate end date, we can help. We offer month-to-month leases on every unit, so you can rent for as long as you need!
There are some things to consider before putting your belongings into long-term storage. Keep reading to learn more and feel free to contact us with any questions!
Thoroughly Clean Your Items
We all know that dust and debris can cause damage when left unaddressed for too long. Electronics that gather dust can stop working after a while, and metal that sits unprotected can start to rust. So, before you put anything into your storage unit, make sure it’s clean and dry. You’ll likely have to do some research on how best to clean your sensitive electronics or metal furniture, but once you know, you can clear away dust, dirt, water, and more. Take the time to ensure everything is dry before you bring it to your storage unit, so water can be extremely detrimental to your belongings while they sit for several months on end.
If you’re going to store fabric or paper items, be sure they’re free of lint and dust as well. You may need to wash or dry clean certain clothing before packing them for storage, and taking that extra time can make a big difference in the long run.
Use Proper Packing Materials
Speaking of packing things for storage, it’s always a good idea to make sure you have the right materials on hand. Cardboard boxes and plastic totes can be the best options, and you’ll want to choose sturdy options that can be stacked easily when in storage. You’ll want to have bubble wrap and packaging tape as well so that you can wrap your fragile items and secure each item before putting it into a box.
If you have the original packaging for your electronics, such as your TV or computer, that can be the best option, provided the box isn’t damaged and you still have the padding materials that came with the box. Modifying other packing materials or using makeshift padding could leave your electronics vulnerable to damage, and the last thing you want is to open your storage unit in 10 months and find your flat screen TV on the floor.
Label Everything
When putting things into long-term storage, you’re likely not going to look at those boxes and tubs for several months. You might be leaving the state or country for work, or you may be traveling abroad as a student for the semester. When you finally come back to your storage space, the last thing you want to do is sort through everything just to find those one or two boxes you need. By labeling the outside of each box, you can find your kitchen or bedroom items quickly and easily.
It can also be beneficial to make an inventory list of what’s in each box or tub. You don’t have to get specific with each item, but writing down “bathroom towels” on your inventory and noting which box they’re in can help you find them after several months. Instead of moving dozens of boxes around just to find one thing, you can know exactly where everything is.
Find Storage Today
If you need long-term storage for some of your belongings, then visit EZ Storage® in St. Louis today. With multiple locations across the greater metro area, we can help you find a unit that’s close to home. Once you’ve rented a space, you can access it on any day of the year, so if you decide you need something out of your unit, you won’t have to wait. If you have larger items such as furniture or appliances that you need to store, be sure to ask about our free* local move-in truck.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
*At participating locations. Some restrictions apply.