How Long Can My Items Stay in Storage?

Jul 20, 2022 | Storage

If you are looking at putting some of your personal belongings or furniture into storage, you might be unsure of when you will be able to get them out again. Whether you’re in the process of moving or perhaps you’re going on an extended vacation, calculating a timeline can often be a challenge. One thing that is important to know when it comes to storing your personal belongings is how long your items can last. Here at USA Storage, contacts are flexible and are paid on a month-to-month basis; this makes it super easy to keep your items in storage for only as long as you need. Keep reading to find out more about items that you should avoid putting in long-term storage!

How Do I Prepare My Items for Long-Term Storage?

One of the most important things to do before packing your items in long-term storage is to make sure that your personal belongings are properly prepared. Most storage units will offer a variety of services and assurances. The most important tasks are obtaining proper packing supplies, disassembling furniture, and packing any delicate items in high-quality moving boxes.

  1. Packing Supplies: It is always recommended to use containers and padding to store your personal belongings; this helps to prevent any items from getting dislodged or falling.
  2. Disassemble Furniture: If you are planning on storing any furniture in your unit, disassembling the furniture first will make the entire process much easier. Preparing each individual part requires much less effort than trying to move the entire piece of furniture in one go.
  3. Pack Delicate Items: In order to safely secure any of your delicate items, it is advised to use high-quality, sturdy moving boxes, as well as packing materials (packing peanuts, bubble pack, etc.) to help pad them. Because delicate items require much less force to damage them, additional protection is always a great idea.

5 Items That Should Never Be Put in Long-Term Storage

  1. Important Documents, Papers, & Files – Although it can be okay to store certain documents in a climate-controlled storage unit, there are some documents that should never be put into storage. Items that are directly tied to your personal identity, such as birth certificates, passports, medical records, marriage licenses, and more, should be kept on hand in a fireproof document safe within your home.
  2. Dangerous or Corrosive Materials – Sure, it seems rather obvious to say, but items like explosives or those that include fuel, pesticides, propane tanks, liquor, guns and ammo, and even batteries should not be kept in a storage unit. The reason for this is because just about any liquid will expand or contract when exposed to the fluctuating temperatures and humidity. Also, batters can corrode over time. If you are storing any of these, make sure to exercise extreme caution.
  3. Family Heirlooms – Family heirlooms can be some of our most prized and loved possessions. If your storage unit is not climate-controlled, there can be heavy fluctuations in the temperature and humidity of the unit. These changes in temperature and humidity can cause not only mold and mildew, but also damage to your belongings. It is also highly recommended that you are insured for anything of value. Some of your family heirlooms can be stored short term in a climate-controlled self-storage or if they have been properly prepared; however, there are some that should not go into a storage unit under any circumstances.
  4. Illicit Items – Although most people already assume this, if it’s illegal, it does not belong in your storage unit, whether it’s for a day, a week, a month, or a year. If your self-storage provider does notice any illegal activity, they are required to report it to the police.
  5. Anything that Requires Regular Maintenance – If you have items that have an engine or complex moving parts, such as a vehicle or an antique clock, it shouldn’t be sitting in storage all year long.  When these devices aren’t used regularly, they tend to break down easier over time. If you are going to place these items in storage, ensure that you check on it a few times throughout the year to keep it working properly.

Contact USA Self Storage Today

Locally owned and family-managed, USA Self Storage is the perfect solution for you! We have locations all over central Arkansas and video surveillance to keep your belongings safe. Here at USA Self Storage, our contracts are flexible, meaning you can pay month-to-month. Contact us at 501-701-0707 to get your storage unit set up today!

Contact Us today

For residents in Central Arkansas, USA Storage is your go-to destination for all your storage needs, offering a variety of unit sizes and expert advice on how to best protect your belongings. Feel free to contact us for any storage questions or to learn more about our facilities and services.