Are you moving house, relocating to new business premises or preparing for the overseas adventure of a lifetime? There are all kinds of reasons why people use storage units and often, you find that certain items end up in storage more often than others. Here are ten of the most popular storage items and some tips to help you get the most out of your storage unit.
The top 10 storage items and useful storage tips
- Furniture: furniture is the most popular storage item. If you’re storing desks, chairs, sofas or beds, disassemble larger pieces, wrap individual items and organise your furniture in a way that enables you to maximise the space you have available. Tables, for example, can be placed top down on mattresses. Keep an eye on your pieces and take steps to preserve and maintain furniture that features metals like brass or copper or soft furnishings.
- Electronics: if you haven’t got room for electrical items at home, you don’t have to throw them away. Storage is a popular option for those who aren’t ready to part with spare TV sets or consoles just yet. If you are storing these items, keep them in their original boxes and make sure you put the right wires and plugs with the corresponding electrical item. This will prevent confusion when it comes to unpacking.
- Home appliances: you never know when you may need a spare washing machine, toaster or fridge. If you’re storing home appliances, make sure they’re empty and give them a clean before you move them. Store larger items up against the walls of the unit. It’s a good idea to leave the doors of fridges and washing machines slightly ajar to prevent a musty smell.
- Files and documents: if you have papers or files you wish to store, it’s wise to keep them in an airtight plastic box to prevent damage caused by humidity.
- Antiques, decorative items and art: if you have valuable items you don’t want to keep at home, it’s important to try and protect them as best you can. Wrap pictures in storage tissue, roll rugs and keep canvases off the ground. Wrap items individually to protect them from damage and reduce exposure to moisture and make sure your items are insured.
- Vehicles and cars: are you going away or have you run out of room on the driveway? If so, storage units are an excellent option. Rust can be a major issue, so keep some gas in the tank. Clean the car inside and out before you store it, and disconnect the battery to prevent leaks.
- Festive decorations: Christmas comes but once a year. If you don’t want decorations taking over your spare room or loft, store them in a secure unit. Wrap delicate items, such as glass baubles, and keep your decorations in sealed boxes if possible.
- Photographs and magazines: if you’re storing photographs or magazines or papers that have sentimental value, it’s wise to try and protect them from light and heat. Place tissue paper between the pages of magazines and store newspapers and photographs in acid-free boxes.
- Books: books take up valuable space in homes and offices. If you want to store books, it’s best to keep them in sealed boxes. It’s worth spending a few minutes labelling and organising your books before you take them to your unit.
- CDs and DVDs: if you’ve got CDs and DVDs you don’t want to throw away, keep them in airtight bags to prevent moisture damage.
