Simply shoving things into a storage unit is not the way to go. Unfortunately, it’s what happens when you’re overwhelmed by the chaos of a move triggered by a job change or the sale of a house.
You’ve got a million different things going on, and all you know is that your stuff has got to be cleared out by the end of the week or some other hard date. Once your items are in the storage unit, you’ll have time to breathe. You’ll circle back and organize things when things are a bit calmer.
Unfortunately, this is a story told by millions of Americans each year. There is some good and bad here.
The good is that storage units present a useful option for people in flux. Whether you’re buying a new home and need to be out of your old one before closing, you’re sending a kid to college, or you are leaving to travel the world for a year, storage units are an affordable, convenient option for many households.
The bad is that many storage units are a jumble of items strewn haphazardly without much planning. It’s not great for the long-term protection or condition of your property.
With the right approach to storage organization, you can keep your possessions in top condition for longer.
That not only maintains them and makes them a joy to have and use for longer, but it also saves you money long-term. The longer you can keep your things working or in good condition, the less you’ll have to spend replacing them.
This is true, in particular, with bedding, something most people care deeply about when it comes to quality and condition.
The Importance of Storing Your Bedding Properly
If you don’t care about your bedding, you should.
There is a lot of evidence to show that your bedding – everything from the mattress you choose down to the thread count on your pillowcases – affects the quality of your sleep. The better you sleep, the more productive, healthy, and happy you will be.
Everyone should invest in high-quality blankets, sheets, comforters, pillowcases, and other bedding items and see what a difference it makes. After all, we spend so much time in bed sleeping, it only makes sense.
But how you store your bedding also has a big impact on quality. Protecting your bedding and storing them correctly is easy using the following tips.
1. Vacuum-Sealed Bags
If possible, try putting your bedding in vacuum-sealed bags for long-term storage. This reduces the chance of mold growth or anything like insects from getting into your sheets.
Vacuum bags are easily available online and, for a rather affordable cost, you can save yourself from having to replace your bedding after a move or some other life event.
2. Place the Bags in Hard Containers
Once you have the bedding in the bags, it’s a good idea to keep them inside a hard container in your storage unit. This will help avoid them catching on something and tearing or having some other item in the storage unit fall on them and puncture holes in them.
They also make getting to your bedding or moving them around a lot easier. Try to buy some stackable containers that can be easily labeled so you know where your bedding is at all times.
3. Ask About Climate Controlled Storage Units
Depending on your location, you may want to inquire about a climate-controlled storage unit. Even though you’ve taken the precaution to seal your bedding in containers, climate control enables you to fight off musty smells and any mold growth.
For a minimal cost, you get peace of mind knowing that things in your storage unit won’t fester during the hot summer months. Keeping a stable temperature goes a long way in protecting the long-term condition of your property.
4. Do the Laundry
This tip may seem obvious, but it’s worth stating nonetheless. Make sure that any bedding you are storing in a storage unit is laundered and fresh before it’s put away.
Sometimes in a move or other situation where we have to get things into storage quickly, we put unlaundered clothes, bedding, and other linens into the storage unit thinking that they’ll only be in there for a couple of days. Then life happens and weeks or months go by.
If dirty bedding sits in a storage unit for too long, then any odors or stains can sink into the fabric. They’ll be harder to clean once you take them out and a lot of times your bedding will never be the same again.
5. Let Your Bedding Breathe
A lot of packers are concerned with space. After all, if you’re able to fit your things into a smaller storage unit, then you may be able to save money on rental costs, etc.
However, when you smash bedding together, it’s not great for your sheets and other linens. Instead, give them a bit of breathing room so they can keep their smooth, soft feel for longer.
You can do this by stacking them in containers and bagging them in a set number per bag and by avoiding placing heavier items on top of your bedding that may crush them.
6. Keep Your Storage Unit Dry
Dry sheets stay in good shape longer. Don’t store any liquid containers or leave open drinks or buckets with water inside of your storage unit with your bedding.
That’s a good way to promote mold growth that could seep into your bedding and discolor sheets and cause foul odors. Only store dry items in the unit as a best practice.
7. Place Odor Absorbers in the Unit
Odor absorbers are widely available at your neighborhood store or online, and are very affordable. They’re also effective at combating the gathering of any moisture in your bedding or other possessions inside the storage unit.
Buy a few and place them near your bedding and in the corners of your storage unit to keep things moisture-free.
8. Fold Your Bedding Neatly
You’ll save space in storage and protect your bedding by folding them neatly before you put them in any vacuum bags or containers. This may be an afterthought while you’re dealing with a hectic move, but it will pay off in the end.
Folding your bedding instead of shoving them in a box or storage container is the better choice, and it will be a lot more enjoyable taking them out when you’re unpacking in your new place.
9. Skip the Mothballs
Some people still use mothballs to fight off insects when they store things long-term. Unfortunately, mothballs can trigger allergic reactions for people using the bedding even after several rounds in the washing machine.
That’s the last thing you want to deal with as you settle into a new home or pull the bedding out for a guest that’s visiting. Just keep them stored in an airtight container.
Whatever you do, find the time to give your bedding the proper care. People who invest time and money into high-quality sheets, blankets, pillows, and other bedding know how valuable they are to great sleep and feeling refreshed every day.
With the right storage strategy, you’ll be enjoying your bedding for years to come and have room in your storage unit for anything else you need to put inside.
If you’re looking for a storage facility to store your belongings, Snell Mini Storage has got you covered in this department. Here at Snell Mini Storage, we offer a wide range of unit selections and top-notch security. To learn more about our self-storage facility, please check out our website at https://snellministorage.com/.