There are a variety of reasons you might need long-term storage. Maybe you need to store a classic car for several years. Maybe you’re deployed or living abroad for a while. Maybe you’re saving some furniture for when you move into a bigger house. Whatever the reason for long-term storage, it’s important to have peace of mind in knowing that your belongings are secure. We’ve compiled some tips and tricks for your long-term storage.
1. Decide How Much Stuff You Need to Store
Let’s talk about what you need. Are you in the market for a small unit that will store outdoor equipment? Do you need to store all of your furniture and belongings while you travel? Once you know exactly what you will store, you can figure out what size unit you need. At Silverado Self Storage, we offer a variety of storage unit sizes, from 5×5 to 10×30. If you’re not sure which size is best for you, check out our helpful graphic to figure out what will suit your needs. Or chat with our friendly staff to decide which size unit will serve you best.
2. Make Sure Your Long-Term Storage Items are Packed Securely
Properly packing your items will make a world of difference in their lifespan. Make sure all your breakables are wrapped carefully and that your boxes are stacked correctly (here’s some helpful packing tips!). If your boxes are packed sloppily, it may cause damage to your belongings over time. As you pack, take time to go the extra mile. You won’t regret it.
3. Use a Climate-Controlled Storage Unit for Long-Term Storage
When utilizing long-term storage, it’s important for your items to maintain their quality. Without climate controlled storage, your wood may warp, your belongings may grow mold and mildew, and your metal objects may tarnish. A traditional storage unit is subject to all temperature fluctuations, from heat and humidity to cold temperatures. Over time, this can ruin your belongings. If you are storing for more than one season, a climate-controlled storage unit is always recommended. It might be a little more expensive, but it’s always better to be cautious when it comes to storing your belongings. Our climate controlled units eliminate temperature fluctuations and keep the temperature from falling below 50°F or rising above 80°F.
4. Ask a Friend to Occasionally Check on Your Belongings
Designate a local family member or friend to check on your belongings every few months. If you ever need an item from your storage unit, this person can ship it to you. If there’s a problem with the storage unit, this person can be onsite to help sort things out. If you’re storing a car, this person can take it for a drive every so often to keep it from sitting for too long. Thank them with a Starbucks gift card or a nice dinner out.
5. Take Advantage of Auto-Pay
Don’t sweat the details when you’re utilizing a long-term storage unit. Set up an auto-payment, so you never miss a payment. That’s one less thing to worry about — and it keeps you super organized. As we like to say, “Simplify, simplify.”
6. Purchase Storage Insurance
What’s the benefit of storage insurance? It’s an additional layer of protection. We have many layers of safety here, like cameras, electronic gate access, and motion sensor lighting, but storage insurance takes it a step further. There is no safeguard that will guarantee security against all measures, but storage insurance gives you an added layer of security against floods, fires, or other detrimental events. If you treasure an item enough to put it in long-term storage, you should consider going the extra mile and establishing storage insurance.
Ready to take the plunge and set up your long-term storage? We’re here for you! There’s a reason we’ve been voted the number one storage unit in the Reno area — and we can’t wait to show you why. Our customer care team is waiting to talk with you and help you figure out the best way to store your belongings. Contact us today!