Hello, my name is Pete Stone. Over the years, I have met a lot of interesting people and we have exchanged gifts. Many of these gifts are very unique and irreplaceable, with some being custom-made or created by the gift giver himself or herself. The problem is that I live in an apartment that is not very large. My only solution to this problem is to purchase storage space. There is an art to using a self-storage unit that I have discovered. With the right storage techniques, your belongings will last. Because I have learned so much, I have decided to create this blog to share my knowledge with anyone who needs it.
If you are short on garage space, it may make sense to store your home maintenance items off-site when they are out of season. For example, moving your summer lawn care equipment into a storage unit will provide you with the garage space in winter to keep your snowblower and holiday decorations close by. Come spring, you can swap out the winter items for the summer maintenance equipment. The following guide will help you store these items without damage.
Tip 1: Clean thoroughly
Don't make the mistake of tracking dirt and soil into your storage unit. Dirt and debris, particularly on lawn care equipment, can harbor insects or mold spores that can then multiply and ruin other items in storage. Hose off all outdoor equipment and scrub down cutting blades and tools so that they are perfectly clean. Applying a thin coating of oil over blades will also protect them from rust during storage. Items like patio furniture should be thoroughly cleaned and wiped down with a dilute bleach solution to prevent mildew, whereas holiday decor must be dried, and any dirt should be removed.
Tip 2: Drain fluids
Lawn and snow removal equipment needs to be properly prepared before you can store it. All the fluids should be drained, and filters need to be replaced. Don't ever store equipment with fuel in the tank, as the fuel can gel and become a difficult-to-remove residue when equipment sits unused for months at a time. Also, many storage facilities do not allow tenants to store volatile chemicals like gasoline. Moving parts will require lubrication to ensure they do not seize up when you try to restart the items again next season. Check the manufacturer's instructions for the specific piece of equipment to determine the best winterization method.
Tip 3: Box properly
How you box up smaller items for storage is also important. Soft items, like patio furniture cushions and some holiday decor items, should be placed in plastic storage tubs that have tight-fitting lids. This will protect them from pests that could be drawn to the fabric for nesting. Items like garden seeds and soil should also be kept in a plastic tub since these items are a food source for many insect and rodent pests. Label all boxes clearly with the contents, as well. This will make it easy work to swap out the items in storage as you need them.
To learn more, contact your local self-storage company.
Share27 August 2019
