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

Sponge Painting Your Furniture

Your furniture can get boring after a while, and you might be looking for a change. Why not try a little do-it-yourself ...

Discover More

Clean Toilets

Do you hate to clean the bathroom, and especially the toilet? Learn the easiest ways to get great cleaning results!

Discover More

Car Cleaning Products

When it comes to cleaning your car, you need to have the right items available. Get ready to wash your car by getting ...

Discover More

Find the Right Tool Right Away Finally, a homeowner's set that includes all the tools needed to complete basic DIY projects at an affordable price! The tools are stored in a molded case for security and portability. Check out Stanley 65-Piece Homeowner's Tool Kit today!

More Organizing Tips

Choosing a Shelving System

Organizing your home does not have to become a major ordeal. Making your home space-efficient can add much value to your ...

Discover More

Media Storage

In today's world, it is extremely easy to find yourself with a huge collection of media, and no idea what to do with it. ...

Discover More

Shoe Storage Ideas

If you have many pairs of shoes in your home, you may be unsure of how to keep these shoes stored and organized in the ...

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 five more than 3?

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