Whether you are storing clothing that’s out of season or setting up long term clothing storage, there are some tips to follow.

1.  Clean and prepare the clothing for storage.  Whether you wash and tumble dry or dry clean its essential to remove any food, tiny flakes of skin, or perspiration (or other liquid stains) from the potential stored clothing.  These “food” items will attract hungry insects and ruin your clothes.  Remove jewelry and empty all pockets of clothing to be stored to prevent any staining or stretching etc.  Once the clothing is set, make sure it is completely dry before storing.  Moisture equals mold and mildew.
2. Decide where and how you will store your clothes.  Any areas with dramatic temperature fluctuations probably aren’t the best places since that can case condensation and moisture (which again, is the enemy of stored clothing).  Cotton clothing can be folded (or rolled) and placed in plastic bins or bags, silk and wool clothing need to breathe so they should not be stored in anything air tight for a long term.  To be protected from moths these items should be stored in a cedar closet, cedar chest, or other “breathable” receptacle with cedar chips.  The cedar naturally repels the adult moths so they don’t invade, lays eggs and infest your stored clothes.  If you think there may be moths in an area you are using for storage use moth balls to remove them.  If you place the moth balls up high away from the clothes the vapors will drift down and remove the moths.  Hanging clothes should be stored on plastic or cedar hangers (no metal), and stored in breathable garment bags.  These garments can be stored in a cedar closet or in wardrobe boxes with cedar chips in the bottom if no closet rod is available.  Try and keep stored clothing up off the floor for air circulation (unless sealed) and mark containers and bags with as much description as possible.  This will make retrieving stored clothing easier.

If you are storing clothing for an extended period of time (like over 2 years) you may want to ask yourself if you really still need the stored clothes.  There are many charities that will happily accept your donation, and resale shops that will pay for gently used items.  Both of these options will give you a less cluttered home.  If you choose to keep the stored clothing follow these tips, and your stored clothing should be fine.

When placing your items into a storage unit or storage facility, you want to make sure you will be able to come back to your items in the condition you left them, and not have to worry that they are in a safe place.  Depending on what region you are in or what type of storage unit you are looking at, storage security options will vary.

Remember, no alarm system or security system is 100% secure, but there are different options your facility may offer, and certain things you can do to protect yourself.  For instance, it’s always a good idea to have an extra padlock or security lock on your actual unit. The facility’s security may be tight, but you want to make sure you goods are extra protected.

Security Options To Check Out:

• Check to see if your storage facility is lighted.  A well lit storage unit is important, especially if you need access after hours or at night.
• Check to see if your facility is a fenced in storage facility, or if there is a code needed to get into the gate of the facility.  Some outdoor facilities will have a security guard or guard dogs.
• Check to see if there are surveillance cameras in the facility, and where they are located to make sure your storage space is secure, and that cameras are monitoring who is accessing the storage units.
• Check to see if the storage unit is open 24 hours, or if there are certain open and close times.
• Staff on Duty- Check to see if there is staff present at the time of accessing your storage unit.
• Manager on Site-Some storage companies will have a manager running their storage facility, in case of any questions or problems.
• Check to see, if an indoor storage facility if there is a burglar alarm.  Some facilities have door alarms, motion detectors, and even alarms on your individual storage unit door.

When It Comes To Deliveries:

• Do trucks have easy access to facility in the storage facility? Is someone present or is the site unsecured and unmanned?  Will an attendant be there to accept deliveries or does someone need to be present on your behalf?  Are deliveries limited to certain times of the day, and can they go directly to the storage unit, or do they need to check in with an employee or management?

Remember, when it comes to having a secured storage space there are many security questions you can check into.  You need to determine the value of your goods to be stored, the accessibility you need, and the level of service required.  You can also check with the facility to see what different types of security options are available.

Like everything else in the storage arena, do plenty of research on secured self storage facilities to get the right fit!

When storing computers, it’s always a good idea to use original packaging (box and Styrofoam, etc) if possible.  It was designed to protect your computer during transport and storage.  Consider this, your computer was shipped by truck or train and its packaging kept it safe during its potentially bumpy trip.  When dealing with mechanical items like hard drives and printers, jarring the internals can cause the equipment to lose alignment and cease functioning as expected, so proper packing is critical.  If original packaging is not available; use foam wrap or static free bags or bubble wrap to wrap your components and place in corrugated boxes filled with packing peanuts.  Make sure to fill the boxes to the top to prevent shifting.  Once your computer is packed for storage, use pallets or some other way to elevate the boxes to enhance ventilation and protection against potential flooding, etc.

The other area to remember when dealing with computer storage is climate control.  Heat is the number one cause of electronic failure, especially non mechanical items like the circuit boards and computer chips.  Always protect your computer in storage from prolonged heat exposure.  For long term storage, you may want to consider climate controlled storage where the temperature is maintained between 50°-80°F. This is best for storing computers because they also dislike cold.  Wild fluctuations in temperature can lead to cracking and damage to components due to condensation so consistent temperatures and consistent humidity is critical.  Humidity should be kept around 50RH.

Another thing to remember for portable or battery powered devices is do not leave batteries completely charged or completely empty when storing your computer.  Usually batteries such as the lithium ion variety found in laptop computers do best if stored at a 40% charge.  You can find some other helpful tips by reading How To Store Flat Screen TV’s and Other Electronics.

Depending on your region of where you live, one thing you must consider when storing your valuables is what kind of temperature or weather will there be while you are storing, how long you will need your storage space for, whether climate controlled storage is the best option for you.

Climate controlled storage facilities can protect artwork, documents, wood, leather, electronics, fabrics, and other personal and business possessions.  If you live in an area where humidity is high, too much moisture can cause mold, pathogens, bacteria, & rotting if the storage space is poorly ventilated or  storage temperatures are unregulated.  Just because your storage unit facility claims they have temperature controlled units does not mean your valuable items like artwork, wine, and antiques will be protected, you should know the variables the unit goes through and what temperatures and humidity levels your goods are stored at.  When renting a climate controlled storage space, there is usually an increased fee for these units as this is an additional expense your storage facility has to maintain.

Climate controlled facilities are usually in a finished building with indirect cooling and heating protection, and usually offer greater levels of protection against flood, dirt, and dust, than your average storage facility.  Temperature levels usually do not fall below freezing or rise above 90 degrees F.

If you live in extremely hot temperatures, or have items that need to be kept in cool temperatures, refrigerated cold storage units may be the best option for you.  Temperatures are usually kept between 50-80°F, with the average humidity about 50%.  These units are generally used to protect artifacts, paintings, food storage, and other cold storage items.  Some cold storage facilities are sometimes underground to keep better control of the climate and also assist with prevention of moisture and dew to your items.  Most cold storage units will offer additional security to prevent access to your storage space.  Underground cold storage can also protect from man-made or natural disasters and can also offer more protection from storms, fires, floods.  The security levels systems are usually maintained with video surveillance, security systems, fire alarms, and metal doors.  Another type of cold storage unit is a portable storage unit, which is used to provide good cooling systems with effective insulation.  Some portable storage units can be built to suit a custom size room, can be kept indoors or outdoors, or may be at an off site storage site.  Whether its food, or other items that need to be kept in the portable cold storage units, they are designed for needs which can range from -15°-75°F.  Security levels may vary for these types of storage units depending on where you have them, and if on personal property what type of security you have onsite.  Other items that should be considered for cold storage would be wine, you can reach storing wine to get more tips.

In cases of severe freezing temperatures, or extreme cold, you may want to consider a heated storage facility.  This can help insure your items will not get damp, or collect mold/mildew.  When humidity is too high liquid droplets can form in your storage items, and cause them to get warped or get filled with mildew.  You also want to make sure your furniture items stay dry.  Some heated storage facilities will offer indirect heat instead of heating units in each unit, and may include using radiant floors or radiant heat which can be useful for storing antique furniture and other valuables.  Heated storage facilities generally maintain a consistent temperature so your items do not go below 50-55°F.  This can be useful for storing books, records, electronics, leather, wood, music, clothing, pharmaceuticals, vehicles, boats, motorcycles, and other valuable items.  When looking for climate controlled storage, know what your belongings need to maintain their value and condition, if unsure, you can always check with an expert to see how an individual piece would best be stored.

Over the years we all accumulate our “stuff”.  Pictures, books, clothes, trophies, etc are part of who we are and are often difficult to part with.  Our need for storage grows as our collection of stuff grows and one storage option that most of us don’t utilize anymore is our attic.  If our items for storage are condensed, prepped and our space properly set, our attics can be a useful, viable, Free storage option.

Before you start preparing your storage space its best to figure out what items you will store.  Go through and purge what you don’t need and only keep items you cannot part with.  Make sure you consult with other family members so any decision is a consensus.  Once you decide what you want, you need to properly pack and secure the items so they are properly preserved in storage.  Loose items like books, papers, and photographs should be packed in corrugated boxes or plastic bins and sealed.  Clothing, if possible, should be packed in plastic tubs or in sealed air tight storage bags to keep free from infestation.  Furniture can be covered with blankets, sheets or brown paper pads to protect the finish.  Once all the items are prepped, figure out how much storage space is needed to store your goods efficiently and effectively.

Now you should know that attics in homes built prior to the 1970’s are easier to use for storage space than newer homes because they were made with steeper roofs.  New homes offer the least amount of storage space.  Remember, no attic is suitable for storage unless the proper type of ventilation is used (along with proper insulation).  While there are some goods that aren’t temperature sensitive, all attics should be properly ventilated.

Proper ventilation prevents excessive heat, and high humidity which can occur naturally with temperature changes.  One solution for ventilation is mechanical ventilation which uses electrical fans to draw in fresh air, and release old air.  The fans automatically start up as soon as the attic reaches certain temperatures, usually over 100° F.  If you decide to have a mechanical ventilation system installed, make sure it has an automatic shut off feature.  Increased air currents caused by attic fans can feed house fires so shut off valves allow the system to shutdown when temperatures rise dramatically.  Some attic fans can also be equipped with a humidistat that kicks the system on when the relative humidity exceeds 70%.

Along with good ventilation additional insulation is recommended for long term storage in the attic.  Insulation acts as a barrier slowing down the temperature changes and is rated by its efficiency.  Ventilation, insulation, and moisture buildup should be big considerations when converting your attic into storage space.  Proper set up is the start of insuring a usable storage space.Before starting your project of preparing your new storage space, make sure there is enough light to work with.

Before starting your project of preparing your new storage space, make sure there is enough light to work with.  Any items currently in the attic should be put to one area of the attic, use a shop vacuum to clean dust, debris, dirt and loose insulation.  Mop the area with warm soapy water, open windows to ventilate, clean under any boxes, and make sure to remove any areas that are torn or sagging.  Secure any loose items into airtight storage containers.  Get rid of unwelcome critters like, mice, bugs, harmful spiders, squirrels, birds, bats, raccoons, wasps, and bees.  If not taken care of, these creatures can be harmful and destructive.

When preparing your attic for storage, these other factors are also of great importance:

Check for other problems like roof leaks, cracks in the floor, walls, etc.  Remove any debris, loose boards.  Nail any loose floor boards.  Make sure to check for any moisture, or mold that has entered the area.  This can be potentially dangerous to you and your family.

Make sure the floors are strong enough to hold the weight of items to be stored.  There can be trouble if floors can’t support the weight of the stored items.  New floors may need to be installed.

Have an easy access to the storage space.  You may want to consider a pull down ladder or a new staircase may also be added.

Check with the city for permits which may be required if electrical or mechanical work needs to be done.

Now that the major work for your attic storage area is complete, you can decide if you want to create cabinetry, use storage shelving units, hanging shelves, etc to complete the space.  Shelving units can be attached to the exterior walls for easy storage organization or hanging shelves used for smaller goods.

Remember, items that will go for long term storage should be placed farthest away from easy access, and items you only need for short term storage should be closer and easiest to get to. 

Don’t stack heavy boxes on furniture, mark items fragile, and the use of air sealed containers is recommended.  You have now created the most efficient use of your attic storage space.

When storing books (antique or otherwise) it’s important to put them in an atmosphere that reduces the chance for mold growth.  The following are some tips to help prevent mold growth on books in storage.  If, however, you find that mold has grown on your books in storage there are ways to clean up the books and stop the mold from returning.

What is Mold? 

Mold is a fungus grown in spores that can be found on organic materials like paper, books, cloth, and leather.  Mold is dormant, usually, unless humidity exceeds 70% and or temperatures exceed 65°F.

Inactive mold is often white, dry, and powdery; active mold is usually green, orange, purple or black.  If the mold is in very humid or damp conditions, it may be “slimy”, otherwise its usually “fuzzy” looking.  Mold can spread easily on people, pets, and through the air.

Mold Prevention:

Mold can be prevented by keeping books in a low humidity (<70%),  consistently cool, (65°F) area with good air circulation.  You can’t prevent mold spores from being in the room where you’re books are, mold spores are everywhere.  You can, however, prevent mold spores from becoming active by maintaining the right conditions.

Salvage of items attacked by mold:

When dealing with mold, remember there can be health risks, especially for people with respiratory problems, so proper protective action should be taken before handling the items affected.  Work outside or in a well ventilated area whenever possible and wear rubber gloves, eye protection, and a mask to protect yourself. Any clothing worn should be washed in hot water only. Any work surfaces should be covered in clean unprinted paper, to be disposed of as soon as the salvage project is complete.

Although a few types of mold are toxic; many can cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction.  If you are concerned about the toxicity of the mold, call a local hospital or mold Remediation Company to find a mycologist (mold specialist). 

If you have a large quantity of books in storage to salvage or you don’t have the time to dedicate to the project, the affected books can be frozen until you are available.

Segregate the mold affected items to a clean area with low humidity below 45%RH.  The books can be moved in sealed plastic bags to prevent the mold from spreading but should not be stored in the bags long term.

The books will then need to be dried out either by increasing air circulation (don’t blow fans directly at the books because this can spread the mold and damage the books) or drying outside in the sun in short interims (30-60 minutes or less at one time).  Clean newsprint or acid free paper can be placed between pages to absorb moisture and if the books are sturdy enough they can be stood up and the pages fanned out.  Just don’t turn up the heat to dry the books, this will speed up the mold growth.

Once the books in storage are dry and the mold is inactive, they can be cleaned up.  A small soft brush can be used to wipe away the dried mold residue.  Cleaning products like bleach can damage books so they should not be used.  Sometimes with antique books alcohol on a cotton swab rolled across the mold can help, but salvage of valuable antique books should require consultation of a professional conservator.

When the books are cleaned up, before you return them to storage, make sure you clean and disinfect the storage areas.  Also, make sure that the conditions are acceptable for storing books.  Fix any problems that exist and verify that air circulation is good, the temperature is consistent and cool <65°F, and the relative humidity is low <70RH.  If you don’t rectify problem storage conditions, the mold will return.

Always monitor conditions in a book storage area often so adjustments can be made if necessary.  For professional help, you can get a free referral of a conservator from the American Institute for conservation of Historic and Artistic Works.

If you haven’t decided on RV storage, check Different Options for Boat and RV Storage.  Once you have chosen your RV storage location, these tips should help keep your RV in the best possible condition during it’s down time.  These are general tips, not all campers and RV’s have all these systems, etc.

WATER SYSTEM:

• If storing your RV in a cold climate, follow your manufacturer owner’s manual to winterize your RV.  This usually includes draining all water and refilling with special RV antifreeze.  If storing your RV in a warmer climate, drain and sanitize the water system, again following your owner’s manual directions.

LP GAS SYSTEM/ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:

• Close the valve(s) on the LP gas bottle(s), cover the regulator to prevent moisture from freezing and damaging.  Light a burner on the stove to burn off any remaining gas in the line.  Once the flame burns out, turn the burner off.
• Turn the thermostat to the furnace off.  Turn off the main breaker and unplug all appliances.

MECHANICAL SYSTEM:

• Disconnect the battery and store in a cool, dry, ventilated area away from extreme heat and sparks.  Check water levels (if necessary) and charge if necessary before reinstalling.
• Change oil and oil filter in engine and generator.  (Follow owner’s manual for generator maintenance.
• Fill up the fuel tank and add a fuel stabilizer.
• Inspect the tires for condition, and fill them to proper levels. Get wheel covers if outside to protect from UV rays.  If long term storage is needed, put the RV up on jack stands (not hydraulic jacks, they can leak and go down over time).  If parking on the tires themselves move slightly once a month so the tires don’t develop flat spots.  Chock wheels and don’t set parking brake.

EXTERIOR:

• Depending on what type of RV storage you choose you may need a cover, different options are listed at Different Options for Boat and RV Storage.
• Close all exterior vents and seal off all openings to prevent small animals from nesting.
• Wash and wax before storing.
• Check all roof seams and windows for cracks.  Any cracks should be filled with manufacturer approved sealant prior to storage.
• Service all locks and hinges with lubricant.

INTERIOR:

• Defrost refrigerator and leave door open.  Place a box of baking soda or moisture remover inside.  Moisture removing agents can be purchased at appliance dealers or moving supply vendors.
• Remove any perishables from cabinets and leave doors open for ventilation.
• Leave any interior doors, closet doors open for ventilation.
• Close blinds or cover windows to keep sun out (only if you don’t have a cover).

These tips can make your RV storage a successful project.  Use these and refer to your manufacturers owner’s manual for any specific instructions.

When it comes to choosing your storage, you must first determine which option is the best choice for you for storing your goods.  We have provided some general information on outdoor storage units, indoor storage units, and drive up storage units so you can figure out which best suits your needs.

OUTDOOR STORAGE UNIT:

• Usually the cheapest option for storage.
• Generally the size of a parking space.
• This is generally used to store RV’s, work trucks, boats, seasonal items.
• There may be electrical hookups for recreational vehicles available, as well as sanitary stations for toilets.
• Only good if your items are not temperature sensitive, and don’t need to be stored in a climate controlled storage facility.
• Security is minimal, fences, gates, but anyone inside the storage can have access to your items.

INDOOR STORAGE UNIT:

• Generally the most expensive option, but you do get the highest level of service with this option.
• Stored inside a building structure, so not outdoor storage unit.
• Sometimes are inside elevator units if not all on main level.
• Can be climate controlled storage unit, or non-climate controlled storage unit.
• Usually a variety of sizes to choose from, can range from 10x5x8, 10x10x8, 10x15x8, 10x20x8, or 10x30x8 is generally standard size units.
• Usually need dollies for easiest access inside and outside of unit (most storage facilities will have carts to use).
• Good for electronics, antiques, artwork, furniture, other household goods, etc.
• Most secure option, and well lit up areas to access units.
• May have restrictions on access-hours, and days depending on facility.

DRIVE UP STORAGE UNIT:

• Usually mid range on pricing, not the cheapest, not the most expensive option to choose from.
• Most feature roll up door.
• Can pull the vehicle right up to, this is very convenient for loading and unloading vehicles.
• Can come with climate controlled storage options depending on the storage facility.
• Most commonly used amongst customers.
• Can store equipment, cars, household goods, tools, appliances, supplies, business stock or inventory, etc.
• Companies that need stock but have no warehouse can utilize this type of storage and expand and contract as needed (flexible).

Remember when choosing your storage facility, there are a few options you can choose from, depending on what your needs are.  Check with your facility, see what their legal terms are, access times in and out, security measures, insurance options, and liability of the facility.  Get everything in writing, and if you’re not sure if an item should or should not be stored, don’t forget to check with the United States Department of Transportation, Hazardous Material Information Center (HMIX) at 1-800-467-4922.

If you live in an area where temperatures are extreme, from freezing to excessive heat, or if you have items that are valuable and are temperature sensitive, climate controlled storage may be the best option for you when it comes to storing your business or household goods.  Remember items like electronics, wines, furs, documents, wood, leather, and much more can be destroyed if not kept in the proper temperature setting.  If you live in a geographical area that is generally humid, your items can warp, crack, or split from moisture if the temperature is too hot or cold.  Bacteria, mold, and other species can grow on your items over certain lengths of time if not properly stored.  Bees, Wasps, Mice, etc can also be attracted to areas that are not a climate controlled storage environment. 

Many self storage facilities offer climate controlled storage units, that also have humidity control, this is also very important.   Temperatures should generally range between 58-80 degrees,  avoiding freezing levels, and anything in excess of 80 degrees Fahrenheit.  It’s best to check with the storage facility to make sure temperatures are constant and not fluctuating more than 5-10 degrees at a time.  The temperature in most climate controlled storage facilities is generally maintained by indirect heat, rather than heaters, or air conditioners in each unit.   The big thing in any climate controlled self storage unit is that the temperature and humidity is consistent.

Along with protection for you furniture, remember a climate controlled storage facility can ease the process of moving whether it is a scorcher outside, or freezing with below zero temperatures.  Climate controlled self storage can be a little more comfortable for whoever is doing the moving.  So to recap, check with the storage facility first, find out what options they have for climate control, humidity levels, and restrictions before you make your self storage decision.

• Few people have a building or garage large enough to house their boat or RV and outdoor storage somewhere else on your property can be a mess (if in the grass) or awkward (if the boat or RV is in the way).
• Many villages, associations, apartment complexes, condo buildings, etc  have restrictions against using your driveway for long term boat storage or long term RV storage.  Even if it is legally ok, for the sake of convenience, it’s a good idea to find a suitable storage facility to store your boat or RV.
• Security for your boat or RV is considerably better at a specialized RV or Boat Storage facility because of security fences and quite often the use of security cameras and key pad entry access.

Just like storage for trucks and cars, storage for your boat or RV comes in different price points and different levels of services offered.

 Open air Boat and RV Storage:

 This is the cheapest option for storage and gives, the least protection from elements.  A cover for the boat or RV is recommended and service (or “winterizing” in cold climates) is very important to prevent damage to water lines, waste system etc.  Check your manufacturer for exact instructions but water lines should always be drained back,  flushed, and special antifreeze (not car antifreeze) added to protect the system.  As for covers, there are also different types of covers like vented covers that help circulate air flow, Tyvek covers that repel 100% of the suns UV rays, or covers that are zippered and form fit to your boat or RV.  Tire covers are also highly recommended to protect RV tires and boat trailer tires from the sun and dry rot.

Covered Outside Boat and RV Storage:

This is very similar to open air but has the added protection of a cover over the top.  This option is more expensive usually than open air, but less expensive than an indoor storage facility, and still requires a cover for protection.

Inside Boat and RV Storage:

This is the most expensive option, and provides the highest level of protection from the elements.  Some storage units can be 10-15 feet longer than your boat or RV, so additional equipment can be stored at the same location.  Some storage facilities even offer electrical plug-ins and sanitary stations for portable toilets. 

Remember, depending on your budget, regional climate, and storage requirements, the use of one of these types of boat and RV storage can be tailored to fit your needs.