Store household contents with self-storage
Storing household contents can be necessary for various reasons: a move, renovations, a longer stay abroad or simply the desire for more space at home. No matter why you decide to store your household contents – with the right tips and tricks, storing your household contents will be child’s play.
Why store household contents?
Storing household contents offers numerous advantages:
- Create space: Clear your home of items that you don’t currently need.
- Protection from damage: store your valuable furniture and memorabilia safely while your home is being renovated.
- Flexibility when moving house: If moving into a new home is not possible immediately, storage offers a practical interim solution.
The best tips for storing household contents
Planning is everything
Before you start storing, you should plan exactly which items you want to store. Make a list and assess the condition of the items. Think about which items you might be able to sell, donate or dispose of to save space.
Use suitable storage boxes
Use sturdy cardboard boxes and plastic boxes to pack your items securely. Make sure that the boxes are not too heavy and can be stacked easily. Label each box clearly so that you can quickly find what you are looking for later.
Observe climate and storage conditions
Make sure that the storage room is dry and well ventilated. Moisture can cause mold and damage.
Do not store any perishable or flammable materials.
Access and security
Choose a storage location that is easily accessible and has good security measures in place.
Professional storage facilities offer video surveillance and access controls to protect your household goods.
Storing household contents: tips for different items
Storing clothes: what is important?
When storing clothes, insects such as moths, mold and moisture can be a problem. To properly pack clothes for storage, you should wash and dry them thoroughly, place them in vacuum bags or airtight boxes and add mothballs or lavender sachets to protect them from pests.
Store furniture correctly
Dismantle furniture if possible to save space. Protect sensitive surfaces with blankets or upholstery foil. Store heavy items at the bottom and lighter items at the top to avoid damage. It is important to clean furniture thoroughly before putting it into storage. Protect your furniture from light, moisture and temperature fluctuations to prolong its life.
Storing electronic devices
Storing books correctly
Books are often particularly sensitive. To store them properly, you should protect them from moisture, sunlight and other environmental influences. Pest infestation and deformation should also be avoided.
Store household appliances
Clean household appliances such as washing machines and refrigerators thoroughly before you put them into storage and allow them to dry completely to prevent mold growth. Secure loose parts such as hoses and cables. Store appliances upright and avoid stacking heavy items on top to prevent damage.
Storing kitchen utensils: how it works
Wash dishes, cutlery and pots and pans thoroughly and dry them completely before storing them.
Use sturdy cardboard boxes or plastic boxes with padding to protect fragile items such as glasses and plates. Stack the crockery carefully and place layers of foam or paper between the individual items.
Store decorative items
Wrap fragile decorative items such as vases and lamps in bubble wrap or packing paper. Store pictures and works of art upright in special picture boxes to protect them from bruising and damage. Make sure that decorative plants are not stored in damp or too warm rooms to prevent mold growth.
Tool storage
Clean tools and garden equipment thoroughly and oil metal parts to prevent rusting. Store heavy equipment such as lawn mowers safely and stably to prevent them from tipping over. Hang smaller tools on a tool wall or store them in toolboxes to keep them organized.
Storing sports and leisure equipment
Clean bicycles, fitness equipment and toys thoroughly before storing them. Use padding or protective film to prevent scratches and damage. Store sports equipment in a dry place to prevent rusting and keep it away from direct sunlight to avoid material wear.
Storing household contents: avoid the most common mistakes
It can be tempting to simply throw everything you no longer need into storage. However, this quickly leads to chaos. Get rid of things you really no longer need to save space and money.
Incorrect packaging materials
Do not use cheap or unstable cardboard boxes. These can tear or collapse and damage your items.
Invest in high-quality packaging materials.
Lack of organization
Without a systematic approach, storing household goods can quickly become confusing. Label everything carefully and create a storage plan to keep an overview.
Ignoring the required storage conditions
Many people underestimate the importance of a suitable storage environment and store their belongings in damp, poorly ventilated or extreme temperature areas. Such conditions can lead to damage such as mold growth, rust, discoloration or material wear. To avoid this, it is important to choose a storage unit that is dry, well ventilated and temperature controlled to ensure the integrity of your stored items.
Alternative: Professional storage services
If you don’t have the time or ability to store your household goods yourself, professional storage services offer a convenient solution. These companies take care of the transportation, storage and often also the insurance of your items. You don’t have to worry about anything and know that your belongings are in safe hands.