Cleaning Tips for Maintaining Your Storage Facility
When you go to the effort of storing your personal belongings in a self-storage unit, you want to maintain their integrity and protect them from environmental factors that could degrade them. However, if you fail to properly clean your storage area and plan for long term storage, you could experience damage to some of your cherished items anyway.
However, by taking the proper steps in preparation the space and packing your belongings, you can do a lot towards protecting your items in storage even for long periods. Affordable self-storage in Metairie, LA, when combined with proper cleaning and packing techniques, can provide an excellent way to safely store treasured belonging in a way that doesn’t inhibit your current lifestyle or take up living space in your home. Keep reading to learn more about how you can clean your storage area and keep your goods in pristine condition for the long term.
Give It the Once Over
Before you move anything into a self-storage unit, it’s important to prepare it thoroughly. Most storage units offer few frills, as they feature concrete floors and rigid walls. Fortunately, all those hard surfaces mean that you can easily and efficiently clean them when the unit is empty. All it takes is a broom or dust mop and a little effort.
Make sure to remove as much dust from the floor and walls as possible. If you have access to electricity, you may even be able to use a vacuum cleaner to pick up any loose debris and dust. It’s best to get a clean start when moving your items into a storage unit, so make sure to take advantage of the space while it’s empty.
Dust Everything
Just as you must prepare your storage space, so too must you prepare the items to be stored. Dust isn’t just unsightly, as it can also be dangerous to anyone with a sensitivity. It’s not just about the actual particles that comprise the dust, but the tiny dust mites that feed on them. Many items that find their way into storage units have been stored in the home for some time, which means they’ve had ample opportunity to pic up dust of their own.
That’s why it’s important to stop the chain of dust propagation before storing your belongings by cleaning them thoroughly beforehand. You can use a microfiber dusting cloth to wipe the dust from all exposed surfaces prior to storage. Doing so will make sure that you don’t bring any dust and dust mites along for the ride.
Avoid Cardboard
For years, cardboard boxes have been the container of choice for storing items in a self-storage unit. However, though they are cheap and easy to find, cardboard boxes introduce some specific problems to your storage unit when it comes to maintaining cleanliness. They aren’t airtight, so they offer little protection from dust. Cardboard boxes are also porous, which means they will soak up odors that come into contact with them.
They can also serve as a food source that attracts all kinds of unpleasant creatures such as roaches, silverfish, rodents, ants, and spiders. It’s best to opt for plastic bins that are easy to seal. That will protect your items and keep the area clean of pests.
Don’t Forget about It
Some people place their items in storage and forget about their belongings, as out of sight equals out of mind. However, keeping your storage unit isn’t a one-time event. It’s a recurring task, as you should regularly check your storage unit for issues that could jeopardize the conditions of your property. Even a five-minute inspection can help you determine whether you need to dedicate some time to cleaning. Make sure to visit your storage building once a month to assess the situation.
Keeping your storage unit clean and orderly is an important part of protecting your belongings during long storage periods. To learn more tips for keeping your storage space clean and tidy, contact Affordable Self Storage at (504) 833-1717.