Storing your unused things can be a great way to free up some space in both your home and your brain–out of sight, out of mind, right? However, that might mean you’re not able to check on things quickly if there’s a weather, structural, or completely out-of-nowhere emergency putting your belongings in harm’s way. This is especially if you’re storing your items outside the home.
This week on the blog, we’ve brought together
a few tips for making sure your items are as prepared for the unexpected, even
before it happens.
Water
hazard? Get it off the floor! Cardboard boxes are, of
course, a great way to both store and arrange your things when you’re putting
them away, whether it’s long- or short-term. However, boxes are susceptible to
taking on water in the event of a flood or leak. Check your local area for any
companies or neighbors disposing of wooden pallets, and line your storage
space’s floor with them to create a buffer between the ground and your boxes.
If pallets are in short supply in your area, you can also transfer your items
to rubber or plastic waterproof totes, and use one of those for the bottom of
your stack.
Look
up! It’s not just water creeping in from the
foundation or under the door that can–shall we say–dampen your mood when you
get back to your storage. Check the ceiling for any pipes or sprinklers that
might burst in the winter freeze, or loose items that might fall in the event
of an earthquake, structural accident, or even especially rowdy upstairs
neighbors. Move especially delicate items out from under pipes and valves, and
it can even pay to throw a few tarps across your things if you’re storing
long-term.
Protect
your documents, paintings, and softgoods. If you’ve
ever opened a box of photo albums to find that mold or mildew has gotten in and
ruined things, you’re not alone. Take into consideration the climate of your
storage and if you’re in an especially warm, humid area. Store photos,
sensitive documents, and mementoes prone to warping in sealed, plastic totes,
or at the very least, make sure all seams of your boxes are taped down to keep
the elements out. If you’re storing paintings long-term, make sure to take care
not to put weight on top of them, which can warp the frames, and to not store
them directly against an abrasive surface they may rub against during transport
of jostling. Our pro tip? Wrap an old bedsheet around larger artwork and store
it alongside other flat items.
Fires
can happen. Not to be alarmist, but we’ve probably all
heard stories of fires catching sheds, garages, and buildings, and taking
irreplaceable items with them when they do. Take some time to research
fireproof or fire-resistant storage such as safes, lockers, or even
flame-resistant document cabinets so you’re prepared in even the very worst
case scenario.
Keep it
close, keep it safe. Of course we’re big fans of
storage containers and units at Spartan, but we’re also big fans of keeping
your most precious and important belongings safe. Be mindful of things like
keepsakes, heirlooms, personal information, and financial documents, and where
it’s being kept. If you’re able, maybe think about storing these items in a
home closet, where you’re able to keep a closer eye on them in the event of an
emergency.
As always, if you’re looking for a great way
to keep your items safe from the elements, check out our
website for available units!