Whether it’s clothes, electronics or musical instruments, everything we own will likely require packing, transporting and storing at one time or another. Self-storage units are growing in popularity as a convenient, climate-controlled place to securely store a vast range of belongings, for both short and long term.
Here at Vanguard, we’ve put together the ultimate glossary to teach you how to pack and store a vast array of objects – ensuring you keep them in immaculate condition for years to come.
How to store batteries (9v)
- If possible, try to keep batteries in their original packaging, and leave the plastic caps on any 9v ones until it’s time to use them.
- Keep all batteries in a dry, cool place.
- Store old and new batteries apart
- Store all batteries with the negative and positive terminals away from each other to prevent conduction and therefore power drainage.
How to store books
- Books are delicate and should be kept in well-ventilated places away from direct sunlight and windows, and in places that maintain a steady temperature.
- Don’t bag up books as this encourages mould and mildew – instead pack them in acid-free archival boxes that are fit as closely to the books’ shape as possible.
- Place any unboxed books on sealed wood, as unsealed shelves may emit acid vapours that can damage books.
How to store clothing
- Wash and iron your clothes first before packing them in clean, airtight plastic containers with lids.
- If storing your clothes for a long time, use natural wooden cedar balls to keep your clothes smelling fresh.
- Ensure your chosen storage facility is clean, cool and dry.
How to store Christmas decorations
- Wrap your Christmas lights around cardboard to prevent tangling – your future self will thank you.
- Dust sheets or shrink wrap work well for artificial trees, and then pop it back in its original box.
- Separate baubles by colour and place into clear, sealable bags.
- There are many creative ways online to hang and store ornaments to prevent damage or crushing e.g. egg boxes.
How to store documents
- Extremely important documents, such as birth certificates, should be placed in a lockable, fireproof box.
- Store documents in acid-free boxes, and pack as densely as possible.
- A dedicated document storage facility will be able to offer extra services including shredding, categorisation, delivery and much more.
- A humid-free and temperature-stead environment is essential for document preservation.
How to store duvets and bedding
- Begin by washing duvets and bedding and vacuuming them.
- Then place the bedding inside a vacuum-sealed plastic bag – this will save space and preserve its quality.
- Keep bedding in a place that has stable temperature and low humidity.
How to store electronics
- Backup any important data on your electronic devices as a precaution
- Dust the surfaces.
- Remove any cables and small batteries to prevent leaking during long-term storage.
- Pack up electronics in the original packaging where possible
- Place sachets of silica gel with the electronics to soak up any moisture in the surroundings.
How to store furniture
- Clean and disassemble your furniture for easy transportation.
- Breakable furniture should be bound in bubble wrap
- Sturdier items should be swathed in cloth sheets or blankets – this will protect the items from dust whilst allowing air to circulate.
- Place the furniture into climate controlled storage, leaving enough space between items to make removal easy.
How to store guitars
- Purchase a case for your guitar if you haven’t already, preferably a hard case.
- Transport the instrument with care and don’t allow it to be knocked about or have weight put on top of it.
- Ensure the guitar is kept out of extreme heat and humidity, as this could warp the body.
How to store jewellery and watches
- Gemstones can scratch easily, so wrap jewellery items individually with fabric and place them in their original pouch – ask a jeweller for advice, if in doubt.
- Keep necklaces apart to prevent knotting
- Place extremely valuable jewellery or watches in a locked box for security reasons.
How to store mirrors
- Tape an ‘X’ across the glass of the mirror, ensuring the tape fully reaches into the corners – should an accident happen, this will prevent the glass from shattering into multiple small shards.
- Fit corner protectors, and place a layer of styrofoam and cardboard over the mirror surface.
- Proceed to wrap the mirror with bubble wrap
- Insert the mirror into a close-fitting box.
- Always store mirrors in the upright position.
How to store mattresses
- Give your mattress a clean to get rid of dust and mites.
- Wrap your mattress in plastic to guard it from staining and moisture.
- Always store a mattress flat – storing it on its side may distort the shape.
How to store paintings and other art
- Wrap the painting in plastic, bubble wrap or a blanket.
- Secure tightly with packing tape.
- Then pack the painting in a close-fitting styrofoam box, and then inside a cardboard box.
- Store artwork separately, not in a big pile.
- Avoid places with high heat and sunlight.
- Artwork can degrade if neglected, so ensure you take your paintings out for an occasional airing.
How to store pottery and ornaments
- Always dust your pottery or ornaments first, perhaps giving glazed items a gentle wash.
- Bind each individual item with bubble wrap
- Place the ornaments in a box lined with bubble wrap.
- When putting ornaments into self storage units, ensure delicate ornaments are never placed below heavy boxes.
How to store gym and sports equipment
- Clean as much as you can before storage, and dry thoroughly.
- Because there are so many types of sporting equipment, each will have their own requirements.
- It’s therefore important to thoroughly research the individual care your equipment requires.
How to store soft toys
- Place stuffed animals into vacuum bags which will protect them from bugs, temperature and humidity.
- Storage units play the same role as vacuum bag, by protecting the items from temperature fluctuations – if using a unit, simply pop the toys into a bin bag and seal at the top.
How to store tools
- Bundle and bind long-handled garden tools together to prevent toppling.
- Drain any power tools of gas or oil before storage, and remove the attachments.
- Ensure any sharp tool edges are covered up with adequate wrapping.
How to store vinyl records
- Slot records inside their original sleeves, and source a record case to place them in.
- Aim to store them vertically – avoid laying them flat in a pile.
- And most importantly, keep them in a cool, dry place such as a climate-controlled storage unit.
For general self storage tips and tricks, check out this article!
If you’re searching for state-of-the-art storage facilities across London, Manchester, or storage in Bristol, look no further than Vanguard. Established 55 years ago, we’re a trusted self storage provider, offering a broad range of climate-controlled, secure units that are kitted out with 24/7 CCTV systems. Get in touch to discover more.