Storage spacesThere many reasons why you might need to store things for the long-term. Maybe you move around regularly, or you’ve been relocated to another country for study abroad or a job, or perhaps you just can’t fit everything in your current home. While some kind relatives or friends might sacrifice some of their garage or basement space to help you out, the best option is to use long-term storage.

Before you rent a storage space, there are some things to consider.

How to Pack
If your possessions need to be safe for months at a time, it’s best to get your hands on relatively new and sturdy boxes or to invest in plastic storage bins. Wardrobe and dish boxes are good ideas to make sure your items are well-protected and won’t be crushed. Get wrapping paper and bubble wrap to help protect fragile items. Make sure your boxes can stack easily so that you don’t lose space to oddly-shaped boxes.

Try to get everything in tight and close to each other for extra stability. You don’t want to come back to find out that your stacks of boxes fell over months ago. One useful option is to buy several sets of cheap plastic shelves that you can assemble. These can support your most important or fragile items, while boxes of books or clothes can be stacked.

Also, think long-term for containers or appliances. Make sure all fluids are drained and everything is clean and dry.

Label Boxes
While this is common advice any time you pack and move, always remember to label your boxes. When packing for storage, make sure your labels are on the sides of the boxes and all sides so that you can easily see them. You don’t need to be fumbling around in the storage unit, moving boxes haphazardly, while you check the back sides or tops of the boxes to see what is in them.

Consider stacking the boxes according to sections or rooms. For example, all the books and furniture might go in the back, kitchen items in a corner, and bedroom stuff in the center, so that you know where to start looking.

When Will You Need Your Items?
Is the storage unit a place you plan on visiting often to grab things you need now and then? Or is it going to be unopened for a long time? When you return, are you planning to get a few boxes, or will you be moving everything out and into a new home?

Packing the storage space with a plan for what will happen in the short- and long-term is a good idea. Items you’ll want to retrieve often should be near the front. Think about what you’ll need, and when, and list what items should be priorities when it comes time to move out.

Finding the Right Space
Finally, make sure your storage space meets your needs. If you have a lot of clothes or art, then you’ll want climate control, or at the very least make sure the unit doesn’t have leaks. Find out whether there are pest issues. Look into their fire safety. Check on the storage company’s security and guarantees against loss or damage.

Also, remember that Gerber Moving & Storage offers long-term storage.