It’s almost summer and the world is finally starting to open up! We know that it has been a really tough year for everyone, but we are making it through while helping each other along the way.
At TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®, we understand that most of us are itching to travel to our summer homes, cottages, see our families or simply just move. We also know that not every move is a home or office move and sometimes you just want to put things in storage for a while, especially if you’re going for a long vacation.
We have come up with ways you can pack and move your things into storage whether it’s just for the summer months or longer.
Choosing A Storage Facility
If you plan to store items in storage for more than three months, or if you plan to store items for changing seasons, a climate controlled storage facility is best. Although it can be more costly, it will provide you with a greater peace of mind as your items will have a much greater chance of not being damaged.
For short-term storage, of up to three months, a non-climate controlled unit will suffice; but we do recommend that you take precautions and look for ways to avoid mold and mildew from forming in the unit.
For an easy solution to your storage search, all TWO MEN AND A TRUCK ® locations offer on-site or off-site storage options.
Check into insurance
As with any valuables, insurance is important with stored items. Even if the facility that you’re going to be storing your items looks ok, ask to see what their security is like, as well as what their history has been for weather damage, and any other kind of hazard.
Packing
- Clearly mark each of the boxes that you’re storing in the unit.
- When packing your furniture, clean each piece before storing it in a unit to help prevent any mold growth. This means cleaning fabric chairs, sofas, and mattresses.
- If it’s possible, disassemble tables and bed stands before loading them into the unit or moving truck. Disassembling these items will help you to maximize the space you will have in both your truck and your unit.
- If you can, place any electronics in their original packaging. Electronic items like TVs can easily be damaged, so it’s important to make sure they’re packed safely.
Preparing the storage unit
- Before you begin putting items in your unit, we recommend that you first get plastic sheeting or wooden pallets for the floor. Laying each of these items down will help to keep any moisture at bay in the unit.
- If you plan to have items in storage for a long period of time, it may be wise to invest in some quality fabric covers for your furniture and appliances.
- When storing any furniture like washers, refrigerators, and other appliances, be sure to remove all of the water before you store it. In the winter, the water can freeze and can affect the internal mechanisms in each of these appliances.
Unloading
- Unload the heavier items that you won’t use often like appliances in the back. This will allow you to easily access other items that you may use more regularly.
- Prop freezers and refrigerator doors slightly to prevent the growth of moulds and odours.
- For long-term storage, remove any plastic wrap that’s been used to seal doors and drawers closed during the move.
- Box up or cover everything you can with moving blankets or sheeting to prevent dust and dirt from collecting.
- Be creative when you’re looking to maximize the amount of space that you have in your unit.
Once you’ve unloaded all of your items, take photos and a video of your storage area, just in case you need to file an insurance claim.