Storage Tips
Smart Storage Tips
Planning your storage experience might be intimidating, but we at Purely Storage have a collection of storage tips to help you out with common issues people face when planning to use a storage unit. Even if you’re moving to a new home, our storage tips will help you learn how to pack and move your items in the best possible way to avoid damage.
Whether you're a student leaving for the summer or a member of the military preparing for deployment, you’re sure to find something useful here. Browse through our tips and learn something new!
Storage Basics
Packing Tips
Pack Smart and Stay Organized
Use uniform-size boxes when possible, fill empty spaces with paper or bubble wrap, and avoid overpacking. Label boxes clearly on multiple sides and include a short inventory.
Prepare Furniture and Larger Items
When possible, disassemble beds, tables, and lamps. Cover furniture with sheets or tarps to prevent scratches and protect wood, leather, and metal from damage.
Clean and Condition Items
Clean clothing, blankets, and furniture before storage. Polish wood, condition leather, and wipe metal items with rust prevention to maintain their condition during storage.
Protect Fragile
Items
Wrap glassware, dishes, artwork, and mirrors individually. Store items vertically when possible, stacking heavier boxes at the bottom. Consider using wardrobe boxes for clothing and fabric items.
Plan for Seasonal Changes
Rotate seasonal items so they are easy to access. Store summer gear in the winter and vice versa. Consider climate-controlled or dust-free units for sensitive items like electronics, furs, or wine.
Check Insurance Coverage
Verify whether your homeowner's or renter's insurance covers stored items. If not, ask the facility about storage insurance or purchase separate coverage, especially for high-value or sentimental items.
Personal Storage
Decide What to Keep at Home
Hold onto items you use regularly, such as seasonal clothing, practical household items, frequently used furniture, photos, wall décor, and everyday toys. Keep items that contribute to your daily life or home design.
Store Items You Don’t Use Often
Store out-of-season clothes, extra furniture, collectibles, and seldom-used décor. Rotate toys or seasonal items so your home doesn’t feel cluttered, while keeping them accessible when needed.
Protect Seasonal Decorations
Use boxes, tissue paper, and egg cartons to store fragile ornaments. Wrap lights around tubes to prevent tangling, and label garlands or decoration segments for easy setup. Keep food-based decorations in sealed bags.
Prepare Wedding or Heirloom Items
Follow professional instructions to clean and preserve delicate garments, like wedding dresses. Use acid-free tissue and boxes, or hang in a padded cloth bag. Check yearly for damage and keep in a cool, dry location.
Prepare Appliances for Storage
Clean, dry, and disinfect appliances. Drain hoses, remove glass shelves, and secure doors. For climate-sensitive appliances, consider a climate-controlled storage unit. Load large items last and unload them first for easy access
Rotate Seasonal Gear
Store sporting equipment, gardening tools, or seasonal furniture when not in use. Label boxes and bundle tools, and place items that are rarely needed deeper in the unit, keeping frequently used items near the front.
Storage Organization Tips
Sort and Categorize
When packing, organize items by type: kitchen, clothing, toys, linens, sporting goods, appliances, etc. This makes it easier to locate items later and saves time during moves or garage sales.
Pack Smart
Use uniform-size boxes, avoid plastic bags, fill empty spaces with paper or bubble wrap, and clearly label each box with contents. Store fragile items on top and heavy items at the bottom.
Protect Valuables
Polish wood, condition leather, and wipe metal items. Disassemble furniture, remove fragile parts, and cover with breathable sheets or tarps to prevent damage.
Consider Climate Control
For items sensitive to heat, cold, humidity, or dust, like electronics, documents, or textiles, a climate-controlled unit can prevent damage and preserve your belongings longer.
Use Self Storage for Spring Cleaning
Clear space in your home during cleaning projects by temporarily storing furniture, seasonal items, or tools. This helps maintain organization and allows for deeper cleaning or redecorating.
Make Storage Work for Sales or Moves
Sort items as you pack to keep storage organized for garage sales or moves. Label boxes and racks by category, making it easy to set up displays or retrieve items efficiently.
Document Storage
Choose a Secure Facility
Look for a self storage unit with strong security features such as gated entry, surveillance cameras, good lighting, fencing, and on-site management or guards. The more layers of security, the better.
Consider Climate Control
Documents are highly sensitive to temperature and humidity. Select a storage unit that offers climate control to prevent moisture, warping, or mildew. Ask if the unit has individual controls or if climate settings are managed for the entire facility.
Check for Pest Prevention
Insects and rodents can damage paper, so ensure the facility practices pest control. Inspect for weeds, cracks, or signs of infestations before storing your documents.
Ensure Easy Access
You may need to access your documents frequently or unexpectedly. Confirm the storage facility allows convenient access hours so you can retrieve files when necessary.
Use Proper Storage Materials
Store documents in acid-free folders, boxes, or filing containers to prevent yellowing or deterioration. Label boxes clearly for quick identification and easy organization.
Choose Specialized Storage Options
Some facilities specialize in document storage and offer features like fireproof containers, enhanced climate control, or secure filing systems. These options provide extra peace of mind for high-value or sensitive documents.
Military Storage
Plan Ahead
Start your move as early as possible. Even if you only have a week’s notice, a little organization can prevent last-minute stress and unnecessary expenses. Identify which items you’ll take, store, or leave behind.
Know Your Benefits
Visit your military financial or transportation office to learn about travel and moving stipends. Programs like the Do-It-Yourself (DITY) move may reimburse you for moving your belongings yourself, helping you save money.
Determine Your Storage Needs
Use our storage unit size guide to estimate the size storage unit you’ll need for your belongings. Consider climate-controlled storage units for sensitive items, and check for additional amenities such as vehicle storage or high-security features.
Look for Discounts and Specials
Many storage facilities offer military discounts and long-term rental specials. Pre-payment options may also save you money, especially if your deployment or assignment is extended.
Evaluate Additional Services
Some facilities provide online or automatic payments, truck rentals, and packing supplies. These services can make your relocation easier, especially if you’re stationed in a remote location or have a long-term assignment.
Choose Reliable Movers Carefully
Store sporting equipment, gardening tools, or seasonal furniture when not in use. Label boxes and bundle tools, and place items that are rarely needed deeper in the unit, keeping frequently used items near the front.
Student Storage
Plan Ahead
Reserve your storage unit in advance, especially near the end of the semester or over summer break. Popular storage facilities fill up quickly, and early booking ensures you get a storage unit that meets your size and access needs.
Choose the Right Storage Unit
Consider features like climate control, 24-hour access, and security measures such as cameras and fencing. If you’re storing electronics or sensitive items, a climate-controlled storage unit will prevent heat, humidity, or moisture damage.
Sort and Pack Smart
Wash and dry clothes, blankets, and linens before storing. Place fragile items on top, and least-used items in the back. Use boxes or containers that allow airflow to prevent mildew or odors.
Label Everything
Clearly label all boxes with contents and dates. This will save time when you need to rotate seasonal clothes, find textbooks, or retrieve items for a project. Consider grouping items by category: books, clothes, electronics, or personal items.
Use Space Efficiently
Leave walking space between rows of boxes and consider adding shelves for vertical storage. Stacking boxes safely and leaving space around items will make it easier to access what you need without damaging anything.
Rotate and Access Items Easily
Choose a storage unit close to campus so you can retrieve items as needed. Rotating seasonal clothing, storing furniture during breaks, and keeping last semester’s books handy will make your college living space more organized and functional.
Vehicle Storage
Choose the Right Storage Location
Use an enclosed, climate-controlled facility for long-term storage to protect against moisture, rust, heat, and pests. Keep your unit close to home for regular checks, and for boats, ensure the storage area has proper ventilation and drainage.
Clean and Prep Your Vehicle
Protect Mechanical Components
Change oil and filters before storage. For cars, add a teaspoon of oil to the cylinders, check the brake and transmission fluids, fill the gas tank with stabilizer, and protect the battery. For boats, drain fluids, add antifreeze, fog the engine, and maintain battery charge.
Prevent Moisture and Pest Damage
To reduce humidity, use desiccant sacs or baking soda. Seal openings with cotton cloth, cover exhaust pipes, and place mouse traps or mothballs around the vehicle. Keep convertible tops up and ventilate interiors to prevent mildew.
Tires and Exterior Care
Slightly overinflate tires to prevent flat spots and avoid tire shine products that can dry rubber. Cover the vehicle with a breathable tarp and keep boats tightly covered while allowing ventilation. Inspect and grease stern drives, propellers, and other moving parts on boats.
Regular Check-Ins
Visit your vehicle at least once a month. Start engines for a few minutes, inspect for leaks or damage, and move vehicles if possible to prevent flat spots and keep parts lubricated. Remove any temporary coverings before use.
Reserve Your Storage Unit with Purely Storage Today
With organized, protected, and easy-to-access storage, you can reclaim space at home or work. Purely Storage offers a variety of storage unit sizes, climate-controlled options, and drive-up access. Call, visit, or reserve your storage unit online today and simplify your storage experience.
