How to Pack for Climate-Controlled Storage in Texarkana: Best Materials and Practices
Texarkana is a four-season city. We love our mild winters and our beautiful springs, but we also must endure the fact of our hot, muggy summers and the cold, wet winter snaps that roll around every so often. This diverse climate, as beautiful as it is, makes the storage of sensitive items particularly challenging. The drastic temperature fluctuations and high humidity can play havoc with furniture, electronics, valuable documents, and fabrics. A regular storage unit won't be sufficient to save your precious items from the Texarkana weather.
A climate-controlled storage rental in Texarkana is thus not a luxury, but a necessity for long-term preservation. A climate-controlled facility maintains the same temperature and humidity level year-round, which creates a consistent environment for your items. Simply renting a climate-controlled facility is not the whole answer, however. To truly safeguard your items, you need to combine the perfect storage conditions with smart packing techniques. This guide will take you through the right materials and processes you need to use to ensure your items are safe.
1. The Right Packing Materials: Your First Line of Defense
Proper packing begins with choosing the right materials. This is your first line of defense against moisture, dust, and potential damage.
Plastic Bins vs. Cardboard Boxes
When it comes to long-term storage, the decision is clear: plastic bins are superior to cardboard boxes. Whereas cardboard is cheap and readily available, it has a tendency to degrade with time, making it vulnerable to water seepage and pest attraction. Plastic bins are, on the other hand, durable, stackable, and most importantly, airtight. They form a tight, impenetrable barrier against the elements and invaders, keeping your belongings dry and clean. For a long-term Texarkana storage rental, it is worth investing in quality plastic containers that will save you from future damage.
The Need for Protective Wrap and Covers
With the correct containers available, you now need to protect individual items. For furniture, resist the urge to wrap it in thick plastic wrap, as this will trap moisture and result in mold and mildew. Instead, opt for breathable materials like moving blankets, cotton sheets, or specially made furniture covers. For delicate pieces like glassware or fragile decor, wrap them in bubble wrap, packing paper, or old newsprint to form a protective cushion. Fill empty spaces in boxes with paper or foam to prevent items from shifting and breaking during the move. To combat humidity, attempt to place silica gel packets or desiccants in your packed boxes to absorb any moisture.
2. Preparing Your Furniture and Valuables for Storage
The way you prepare some items for storing can have a tremendous impact on their condition when you unpack them.
A Guide to Packing Furniture
Dust wood furniture completely before storing it to remove dirt or dust. A light polish will also protect the wood from drying out and cracking. Break down any bulky furniture like beds and tables, if possible. Not only will this save your unit space, but it will also protect fragile parts like legs from cracking. Put all the screws and bolts in a clearly labeled baggie and tape the baggie onto the respective furniture. For upholstered furniture, make sure to vacuum it well and let it air-dry completely before storing it so that no trapped moisture can cause mildew. Lastly, always keep your furniture raised off the floor on wooden pallets to keep it safe from any moisture that may come up from the concrete floor.
Protecting Electronics and Appliances
Electronics are very sensitive to temperature and humidity changes. The best location to keep them is inside a Texarkana climate-controlled storage facility. Wipe down all equipment using a microfiber cloth prior to packing and take out batteries to prevent leakage and internal corrosion. If you still have the original packaging material, it's best to utilize it—it's designed to protect the item in a flawless manner. Otherwise, wrap each one in bubble wrap or an anti-static bag separately and put them in a sturdy plastic box. Mark each box as "FRAGILE" and "ELECTRONICS" to call for careful handling. For screens, place a foam or cardboard against the screens to prevent scratching.
3. Protecting Your Wardrobe and Fabrics
Clothing, linens, and other fabrics are also prone to mold, mildew, and insects, especially in a humid climate like Texarkana's.
The Right Boxes for Clothing and Linens
For specialty items like suits, dresses, and formal wear, use wardrobe boxes that allow you to hang up your clothes, which keeps them from wrinkling and creasing. For all other clothing, linens, and bedding, airtight plastic bins are perfect. They create an airtight seal that dust and moisture cannot penetrate. Vacuum-sealed bags are great for saving space, but use them carefully on natural fibers like wool, because the pressure can damage the fibers and cause permanent wrinkles. Ensure all clothing is clean and completely dry before packing to prevent mildew.
Preventing Mold, Mildew, and Pests
The consistent environment of a climate-controlled unit is your best defense against mildew and mold. That said, you can add extra layers of protection. Place cedar balls or blocks of cedar in your storage boxes and wardrobe boxes—they're a natural pest repellent that will leave your things smelling nice. You can also utilize dryer sheets as a simple and effective repellent. By taking these extra steps, you can ensure that your fabrics will be in great shape, no matter how long they are stored.
4. Your Texarkana Storage Unit Guide
Preparation is just as important as the facility you lease. By getting a few final things done, you can make your storage venture a success.
Knowing Climate-Controlled vs. Regular Units
A climate-controlled unit is an insulated, climate-controlled space that is maintained at a constant temperature, typically 50°F to 80°F, and a consistent humidity level (30%-50%). This is a necessity for items that are sensitive to extreme heat, cold, or moisture. If you're storing wood furniture, electronics, antiques, fine art, leather, or important documents, a climate-controlled unit is the only way to ensure their long-term survival. For less fragile items such as lawn equipment or metal tools, a standard drive-up unit will suffice.
Maximizing Your Space for Optimum Protection
The final step is to strategize the placement of items in your unit. Don't over-pack the space—leave your items and the walls a few inches of space to allow for air circulation. Create an aisle down the middle of your unit to easily access items without having to move everything. Finally, as mentioned previously, put pallets beneath all of your belongings to keep them off of the concrete floor, providing you with a valuable layer of protection against any potential moisture. By doing these things, you'll be able to make move-in day a breeze and have the confidence that your belongings are protected for the long haul.
Final Thoughts
Storing your belongings in Texarkana requires proactive measures due to the city's specific climate. By leasing a climate-controlled unit and following these professional packing tips, you can provide your valuables with the protection they require. From the right materials to utilize to the way in which to properly prepare each item, every measure you take will keep your possessions in prime condition, providing you with complete peace of mind. Don't let the elements dictate what occurs with your valuables—take control with a smart storage solution.
Lockaway Storage in Texarkana, TX, understands how important it is to protect your valuables from the Texas elements. Our state-of-the-art facilities offer a variety of clean, secure, and well-maintained Texarkana climate-controlled storage units. With state-of-the-art security features, drive-up access, and a staff of storage experts, we provide your belongings with their best home, so you can enjoy the peace of mind you need. Visit us today to find your perfect unit and start a safe storage experience.