Using a storage unit can be a helpful way to keep your home clear from clutter. However, you don't want to head back to the unit and discover that your belongings have been damaged, which can happen if you don't take the proper precautions. Here are some ways to make sure that your items stay safe and free from damage while they are in the unit.

Get Cement Blocks and Pallets

If you're like many people, when you move things into your unit, you just start stacking your boxes on the floor. This can be a mistake, because liquids might be able to seep into your unit from outside or other units. You may return to your storage unit only to find soggy boxes and mildewed, moldy items.

To prevent this, it's a good idea to put pallets or cement blocks on the ground and then stack your boxes on top of those. If water or another liquid flows into your unit, your items will be protected.

Fill Boxes

You may already know to avoid stacking heavy boxes on top of those that are light-weight, but there is something else you can do to prevent boxes from collapsing under the weight of other boxes, which could damage your items. Filling the boxes as completely as possible will help the boxes remain strong.

Laminate Pictures and Paper

As time goes by, air can have an effect on photographs and other paper items. Because they are in your storage unit, you may not notice this. Therefore, before putting these items into storage, consider having them laminated. If you don't laminate them, be sure to place them in plastic baggies to protect them.

Label Items that are Fragile

This may seem like an obvious tip, but you may think that it is unnecessary, as you plan to remember where your fragile items are. However, if you ever send a relative or friend to get something out of your storage unit, they may be unaware of where your fragile items are and handle them roughly, causing them to break.

Consider Climate-Control

If you are storing electronics of any kind, it is critical that you remember that many components in electronic devices can melt or malfunction when exposed to high heat. Therefore, think about getting a climate-controlled unit so that the devices do not bake in your unit in the summer months.

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