Tips for Storing Items in Non Climate-Controlled Storage

Whether it’s to make your house easier to sell or because you simply have too much stuff to move, you should consider renting a storage unit.  It will make the relocation process more gradual, and you will have much more space to work with. At some point during your move, you will probably find yourself needing and using a storage unit, as most people do. Luckily, many local movers Brooklyn offer storage services. There are plenty of options to choose from. They differ in size, accessibility, and price. But the most common solution is short-term non-climate-controlled storage. And if you do end up storing items in non climate-controlled storage, there are things you can do to ensure you’re getting the best out of it.

Storing items in non climate-controlled storage or a climate-controlled one. What is better?

The first thing you will need to do when looking for storage Brooklyn, is deciding on the type of storage you need. The benefits of climate-controlled storage are obvious. The whole point of it is that you don’t have to worry about the weather forecast. Your items will be stored at the same optimum temperature, whether freezing cold or blazing hot outside. And in most cases, those units are easily maintained, clean, and pest-free.

But there are upsides to non-climate-controlled storage too. For one, it’s far more accessible to people with a limited budget. You will find cheap storage New York much easier than searching for climate-controlled units. And you will surely find one wherever you are. On the other hand, climate-controlled storage may not even be available in your area. Non-climate-controlled storage is also usually more accessible. These are generally outdoor units that you can drive or walk to. While climate-controlled storage is usually located inside of a larger building and may be harder to get to. Finally, as we already said, non-climate-controlled storage will always be the better option when moving on a budget as it is the cheaper of the two.

Storing items in non climate-controlled storage is cheaper but it comes with a twist

The apparent problem with non-climate-controlled storage is the weather. This is, unfortunately, something you cannot change. The two things you should be focusing on instead are choosing the right storage unit and adequately packing your things for storage. You probably know that storing items in non climate-controlled storage is a budget version. The cheapest thing you can do is rent an outdoor unit without any perks. It can be effective when storing old furniture or items of no emotional value. And usually, those units are poorly maintained. They are already highly cheap to rent, which is the only perk you’ll have. And in most cases, such units are in a remote location and usually used as long-term storage, which you’ll rarely visit.

Although, some companies offer non-climate-controlled units that are in a good location. It all depends on the company. Check out your local movers NYC and figure out what they can offer. Maybe you are in luck and will find a good unit near your home.

Location matters a lot

Storing items in non climate-controlled storage can be tricky at first. While you cannot truly control the weather, you can, to a degree, control how much it affects your storage unit. Start with a location. As we have said. A unit located within the municipality area is a good thing. Also, choose an indoor storage unit facing a hallway or an outside unit in the shade. These units tend to be somewhat more relaxed and drier.

On the other hand, if you are storing your possessions during the cold months, check out some tips on storing your stuff during winter. But if you want to protect your items against humidity, dust, mold, and pests, sadly, the climate-controlled storage unit is the only solution. Although, you can prepare your unit and invest a bit to make it almost good as climate controlled one. Let’s take a look.

Prepare your storage unit

At first glance, all storage units might appear precisely the same. But what is inside is what really counts. So, it’s essential to check out the unit you will be using, make sure it fits your needs, deal with potential problems, and prepare the space. All of this will ensure that your possessions are stored in the best way possible. And if you are, by any chance renting a unit to support your business, you must rent one from Brooklyn commercial movers. They have suitable storage units that keep your assets, equipment, and other work-related items in check. Although, for this situation, you must prepare the storage unit even better. Cleaning, pest-proofing, and insulating are needed for sure.

Problems to look for and how to solve them

Humidity is one of the most common issues when storing items in non-climate-controlled storage. Excess moisture in a storage unit can damage your belongings. Especially furniture and electronics. It will shorten their lifespan or even make them unusable. This is why it is extremely important to know how to prevent moisture in a storage unit. This is especially important when storing items in non-climate-controlled storage as there will be no air conditioning to dry out the air. So, we advise investing in a good air moisturizer to help with this problem.

Another common issue with storage units is bugs and other pests. So, clean the space before moving your items into it. Regularly spray against bugs and check the unit for signs of other pests whenever possible. And place a few rodent repellants around the place. It might not solve the issue completely, but it can keep it at bay.

Can you insulate your unit?

When storing items in non climate-controlled storage, you may want to further insulate it before moving your items into it. You can cover the ceiling, walls, and floor with plastic. While this requires extra effort and time, it can help deal with moisture. Just visit your local Home Depot and consult with store personnel there. They will advise which kind of insulating materials you can use to make your unit more resilient to the forces of nature. Also, if you’re planning on long-term storage, consider being green about it. In the beginning, this will seem a bit costly. But if you look closer, you will see that it’s not that hard. And in the long run, it’s better for the environment.

Ultimately these additional steps are unnecessary for successfully storing items in non-climate-controlled storage. If you don’t have the time or budget to do so, you can skip it. But they are surely worth considering.

How to pack when storing items in non climate-controlled storage?

The best thing you can do when storing belongings in non climate-controlled storage is to pack them properly. Just placing everything in boxes is not enough. You should adjust your packing to different types of items. You will, for example, want to pack clothes for storage differently from how you pack your priceless and unique fine art. So, you must obtain all the packing materials first. You can do so at the nearest hardware store or purchase everything you need from your movers. Do whatever is easier just make sure you have the following:

• Cardboard boxes or plastic bins.
• Adhesive tape.
• Labels and makers.
• Packing paper and cushions.
• Covers.

You can pack your items safely if you have everything from the list. And remember, some materials are of better quality but also more expensive. Make a nice combination and purchase whatever you can fit into the budget.

Furniture

You should disassemble, clean, and wax all wooden furniture before wrapping it in or covering it with protective plastic. Do it safely if you must disassemble a pool table, a king-sized bed, or any other robust piece. Most furniture will be stored easily if you disassemble it. Also, keep any hardware you remove from a piece of furniture close to it to make reassembling it easier. And placing blankets or additional padded covering over the wooden furniture will protect it from scratches.

When storing upholstered furniture or mattresses, you must vacuum them before doing so. Wipe down with fabric cleaner and dry thoroughly before storing away. And do not place heavy items on top to avoid damage to the cushioning.

Electronics

If you are storing items in non climate-controlled storage, you should pay close attention to your appliances and electronics. Those items are easily damaged by moisture and improper packaging in general. So, you should use cardboard boxes or plastic bins. The best solution is to store electronic appliances in their original packaging. If you no longer have the original packaging, use a box of similar size and fill the empty space with bubble wrap or packing paper and packing peanuts. Do not wrap electronics in plastic. You might accidentally trap moisture inside, damaging your appliances over time. Also, avoid storing things on top of electronic appliances. This can cause permanent damage, especially when it comes to sensitive flat screens.

Moreover, always cover items you store. This way, you will protect them from dust, dirt, and scratches. Some storage companies will provide you with plastic or a tarp for the occasion. You can also use your own old sheets or blankets as well.

Organize your storage

Remember that anything you put in storage must eventually be taken out of it too. So organize your storage unit accordingly. Leave enough space to move around, label everything and keep the things you need most easily accessible. With a bit of thought and effort, storing items in non climate-controlled storage won’t be too hard. A good idea would be to install a shelving system and store all your boxes there. But again, it all depends on how you want to use your unit and how many boxes you have in the first place. If you are using your storage as an extension to your business or as a second garage, you may benefit from such a system. On the other hand, storing items on shelves is suitable for any occasion.

Furthermore, you can use one of the storage-organizing apps to track your items. Or you can simply label each box and create a list on paper. It is another thing where you must decide for yourself. But whatever you end up with, ensure you have a tracking system. Lastly, keep the hygiene levels in check. Do not ever store any perishables like food, juices, or chemicals. Clean your unit once in a while, and your items will be forever safe.

Now you know what storing items in non climate-controlled storage look like. It is ok to save up a bit and rent the regular storage unit unless you have costly items. If you pack everything correctly, there shouldn’t be any problems. Although, if you want to store artwork or delicate items, it is always better to use a climate-controlled unit. Good luck.