Long Term Storage

Written by Karen Bates (last updated May 6, 2021)

Over the years, most people tend to accumulate many things. Sentimental objects, gifts, furniture, hobby supplies, clothing, and other things can begin to pile up. When you own a lot of things, you might want to reduce the amount by holding a yard sale or donating some of the items. But what do you do when you want to hold on to these things instead?

Choosing to store your items long term allows you to keep your items without them being in your way around the house. Long term storage is a great way to hold on to important things and keep them safely packed away.

For those interested in long term storage, there are some different options to choose from. Here are some ideas for storing items long term:

  • If you are planning to store an item of clothing long term (such as a wedding dress), be sure to have it cleaned first. This will help it to stay in the best possible condition over time. Some dry cleaners can clean and pack clothing in a protective box where they will be safe for years, so find out if this is an option at your drycleaner.
  • You can store things long term in your garage, basement, or in a closet. Since you won't need to get to these things for a long time, you can store them high on a shelf or in the back of the closet. Be sure to pack all items safely and securely in a box or bin, and keep them away from moisture or extreme temperatures.
  • For larger items, consider renting a storage unit. These units provide space to store pretty much whatever you need from boxes and heirlooms to cars and furniture. Storage units come in various sizes and some are even air-conditioned. Do some research to help you choose the best storage unit for your items.
  • Some foods can be stored long term for later use. If you want to store food (such as canned goods), keep it in a cool, dry place. Some properly stored foods can last up to 30 years or more.
  • If you have a shed, this can be a good place to store some items long term. Keep in mind that a shed may not be the best place to keep delicate items, as this area might not protect from extreme temperatures very well.

Storing your items long term is a great way to hold on to important items that you don't want piling up in your home. Find a storage method that will be best for you and your items.

Author Bio

Karen Bates

An English student who enjoys writing and art, Karen has had her poetry published in her university's literary journal and has several novels in the works. ...

MORE FROM KAREN

Area Rug Cleaning

Area rugs can get stained and dirty over time. Make sure you are careful when cleaning them and leave the big jobs to a ...

Discover More

Stylish Homemade Shades

Want to add some style to your home decor? Think about making your own window shades with fabric you choose yourself.

Discover More

How to Clean Tile

Tile can make a beautiful addition to your home, but it can be hard to keep clean. Take care of it correctly and it will ...

Discover More

Cordless, Compact, and Powerful! DeWalt's 20-volt drill-driver kit packs a big punch in a small package, with a powerful high-performance motor tucked away inside a compact design. A great addition to the tool chest of any professional or DIYer! Check out DeWalt 20-Volt Drill/Driver Kit today!

More Organizing Tips

Storage Systems

By doing a simple search engine check on the phrase "storage systems", you can come up with an amazing and confusing set ...

Discover More

Overhead Storage

Overhead storage is a really simple option if you know what you're storing, how much it weighs, and where you want to ...

Discover More

Adding Storage to Any Room

We all have a room in our homes that could probably be best described as "cluttered." Many of us are filled with dread at ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is two more than 3?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)