Long Term Storage Solutions for Military Members

Did you know there are 1.29 million people serving in the US military? That’s a lot of dedicated folks sacrificing their own lives for their country. That also means there are a lot of things they have to secure before going overseas for work.

If you serve in the military, you might not have someone at home to take care of your stuff. It’s especially important when you’re getting deployed for long periods of time. With that, a good solution is to use long term military storage solutions to keep your possessions safe.

Don’t know how to pack for storage? Uncertain which storage solutions work for you?

Read on and find out more. You can also read this guide to know what to expect from professional self-storage facilities to help you prepare.

1. Decide the Things You Need to Put into Storage

Regardless of how long you’re planning to be in service, your first step is to decide which belongings deserve the storage. After all, using professional storage services will cost you a pretty penny. Remember, not all your old items are worth the price tag associated with storage.

Before you look for storage space, peruse them and check each depending on a set of criteria. Ask yourself whether you’ll ever need the item once you’re back from deployment. Check whether it’s functional and convenient to make it worth your while.

Put into consideration its quality and its rarity. In most cases, antique pieces of art and durable items are worth storing for long periods of time. Check its condition and see if the storage will preserve it until you’re back.

Most of all, your checklist should assess whether the item has sentimental value. If you have keepsakes, family heirlooms, and favorite items, you can keep them.

2. Get the Right Storage Solution

You now have the means of knowing how much storage space you’ll need for the items you choose to keep. This will also let you know the type of storage conditions needed to maintain the pristine quality of your items. That way, once you’re back from deployment, you won’t have to worry about whether your favorite keepsake is in good condition.

For military personnel, your best bet is to rent a self-storage unit since you’re away for a long period of time. With a good facility, you’re guaranteed to have security and protection from both the elements and human tampering. That means your items aren’t going to get stolen or damage while under the facility’s care.

Your main task is to find the right storage space for your chosen items. After all, not all storage units offer the same level of quality. That means you need to do some serious thinking to choose the right one.

Here are some things to consider:

Unit Size

Your storage unit should have the space to accommodate all your items without cramming. Strike the right balance so you don’t end up paying for space you won’t use anyway. Storage units will come in a lot of sizes, so it’s important to pick the right one that suits all your needs.

Facility Condition

It’s common sense to look for a facility that’s well-kept and clean. You need to ensure that the facility you’re choosing has good maintenance to decrease the chances of water leaks and vermin infestations. Also, you need to make sure that you have enough lighting, loading docks, parking spaces, and other amenities to make it more convenient for you.

Security

Your items’ safety is your top priority when you’re trying to get the best storage unit. That means you need to pick a facility with strong access gates and fences. They need the latest surveillance systems and fire prevention systems at the very least.

You don’t want your items to get stolen or burnt in a fire, after all. In the Chicago area alone, there were about 286 storage burglaries each year. If you pick the wrong storage, you might end up becoming a victim of break-ins.

Climate Control

Your greatest concern when storing items is the changing humidity and temperature. If your items get exposed in the damp, it can result in rotting and warping. If it’s heat, your items might become brittle and dry out.

You’ll also need to watch out for dust since it’s a big problem even if the facility has a sealed environment. If you don’t pick the right storage area, dust will end up on clothes, paperwork, and other items. This will damage your fabrics and exquisite materials.

3. Use the Right Long-term Storage Boxes

Your items need the right type of packaging containers if you want them to stay well-protected. That means you need to get new strongboxes with perfect dryness and cleanliness. Don’t use old grocery store boxes since they aren’t sturdy and might not hold up while stacked.

In most cases, these boxes can fall apart within a few months. That’s why it’s important to get strong cardboard boxes with the same sizes. That makes it easier for you to stack while optimizing your storage unit’s space.

Another good alternative is to use clear plastic bins. They’re sturdier and more resilient compared to cardboard boxes. They’re also waterproof so you don’t need to worry about possible water damage.

If there’s one thing you should avoid, it’s plastic bags. These often trap moisture, meaning mold can develop on your items within a few weeks. They’re also easy to rip and has no stacking capabilities at all.

Get Long Term Storage Today!

Regardless of the reason for packing for storage, you need to make the necessary precautions. That way, you won’t end up getting your items damaged while you’re in service. That’s why it’s important to prioritize your choice of storage solution.

Do you need a good facility for your long term storage needs? If so, you can contact us today and we’ll help you out. We have the right set of features and capabilities that will make your investment worthwhile.