Whether downsizing, traveling, moving, or decluttering, you may find you need a long-term storage solution to keep your items safe and organized but out of the way until needed again. A storage container is an affordable and convenient option, whether for a few months or years. You can store a variety of items, loading and unloading is easy, and they last for years when cared for properly.
Here is a list of things you can store in a container, as well as tips for packing for long-term storage, reasons why containers make good long-term storage, and what your ideal solutions can be.
Store A Variety of Items Long-Term in A Storage Container
Storage containers come in a variety of sizes, from 10-foot containers to 40-foot containers, based on how large your home is and how much space you need. A few things you may consider storing long-term in a storage container include:
- Clothing: Many of us swap out winter and summer clothes, and in the off-season, keep those clothes in bins in our basements or attics. Or worse, your closet is always cramped with clothes for year-round weather. Use a portable storage container to store your out-of-season clothes, shoes, and accessories so your closets remain clean.
- Holiday decorations: Keep your decorations neatly stored and organized in one place vs. in the attic, basement, closets, or all of the above. A storage container provides ample space to neatly store your décor during the rest of the year and allows you to use the freed-up space at home for other storage purposes.
- Lawn and garden equipment: A lawn mower, blower, and other lawn tools are needed in the spring and summer months, while shovels and snowblowers aren’t needed until winter. Keeping all of these large items in your shed or garage can quickly take up valuable space; instead, organize your equipment and keep it protected from the elements in a storage container.
Swap Out Your Items Seasonally
You can also store seasonal items like patio furniture. Ensure that the items inside of the container are mostly dry prior to placing them inside of the container in order to prevent interior condensation.
- Sports equipment: Whether for yourself or your kids that play sports, balls, bats, gloves, cleats, helmets, and other gear and equipment can quickly take over your garage. When not in use, keep your equipment in a storage container, which is large enough for the bulky items and equipment.
- Event supplies: Whether you have kids or volunteer for your city or local organizations, you likely know the number of fundraisers, festivals, church or school carnivals, and other events that require organizers and participants to keep a host of supplies, equipment, and materials. It can be tricky to keep all of these items organized, especially if they are only used a few times a year. Keep them in a storage container so they are easily accessible but not taking up space in your home.
- College items: It doesn’t matter if you’re preparing your child to go to college and gathering furniture and belongings now, or if they’ve come home for summer break and brought everything back with them – a storage container can be a convenient and affordable solution for storing and organizing.
Tips For Packing Long-Term Storage
Some of the top tips for packing a storage container and ensuring your items are organized, protected, and secure, include:
- Determine whether you’re renting or buying and where the container will go. Do you plan to leave it on-site? Store it at home? Put it elsewhere? Do you want to rent a container? Do you want to buy one you can use for years to come? Think through these answers and compare costs to determine which is more practical based on how long you need a solution.
- Decide what will go in storage. Start by taking inventory of your things. Get rid of items that are no longer needed or functional or are in poor condition. Knowing what and how much you have will help you determine the size of container you need, as well as customizations you may want such as shelving or climate-control.
- Prepare your items for long-term storage. Clean and wash each item, ensure everything is mostly dry, disassemble oversized furniture, and wrap fragile items.
- Pack your items. Use strong boxes in good condition or plastic totes to keep your items protected, ensure they stack nicely, and are protected from water damage. Don’t use dirty or old boxes or plastic bags.
Pack Thoughtfully
As you pack, keep similar items together. Place heavier items on bottom of box, and fill boxes to capacity without overloading. Provide plenty of cushioning in the box, especially for fragile items. Then, seal boxes completely with packing tape.
Once your items are packed, label all boxes with all relevant information, including what’s inside.
Use Caution
- Do not leave the doors open for long periods. While loading a container, avoid leaving the doors open unattended for a long time, as this is when rodents and insects could enter the otherwise sealed container.
- Load the storage container carefully. Items should be organized in a way that makes sense to you but allows for easy retrieval. Start by making a plan, including what goes first, what goes on the floor vs. shelves, and where fragile items will go vs. what items can be stacked. It can be helpful to make a map or outline to help you find items more easily when you need them.
As you pack the container, distribute weight evenly and pack the container tightly, but be mindful of access. Heavier and larger items should go toward the back. Items you need access to more often should be toward the front.
Use furniture dead space, such as inside drawers and cabinets, to take full advantage of all of the allotted space. Additionally, cover furniture with old sheets, plastic covers, blankets, or similar items to keep them from being damaged.
- Inspect the container when you get it. Ensure it’s free of any cracks, leaks, or condensation.
- Always lock and secure your container.
Additionally, if you’re using container to organize your space for long-term storage:
- When storing furniture and/or fabrics, leave an open box of baking soda to absorb unpleasant smells.
- Avoid storing items like pet food, food items, and plants.
- Never store chemicals or aerosol cans.
- Use a desiccant, like silica gel packs or an open box of cat litter, to absorb moisture.
Why a Storage Container Makes a Good Long-Term Solution
Storage containers are great for long-term storage. The steel material makes the container weather- and pest-resistant. This ensures everything inside is protected from the elements and critters that can ruin your items. They are also secure, making it difficult for thieves to access your belongings and offering you peace of mind.
Additionally, storage containers are easy to maintain. You won’t have to spend a lot of time or money with upkeep. This, as well as other things, like the ability to either rent or buy a container, make them a much more cost-effective storage option.
Finally, containers can be customized to meet your needs, such as adding shelves, electric, ventilation, or more.
Learn More About New England Long-Term Storage Solutions Today
When you need a long-term storage solution, trust your local storage container experts at Page Street Leasing. We can help you find the best storage container solution to organize your space and much more. Contact us today to learn more about the storage container options we have available in New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine & beyond.