Cleaning Self Storage? 5 Experts Tips To Help You!

For a lot of people, self storage units are a ‘set and forget’ solution. While this might work for some, it is not always a good idea. In a lot of instances, neglected belongings can slowly deteriorate without your knowledge. This is why periodically cleaning your self storage unit is always a good idea. But with so many things packed away, it can seem a little daunting. However often, cleaning self storage units is not as hard as it seems. Simply follow a few basic steps and you will probably find that the entire process is fast, easy and effective.

Throw away things that you don’t want or need

The most notable issue that self storage users experience is prioritising their possessions. In fact, this often leads to overcrowded storage units and wasted space. If you haven’t used – or even thought about – some items for months, you may want to consider getting rid of them. Understandably, this is never as easy as it seems. But if you can overcome the invisible barrier that seems to stop a lot of people from throwing their things away, you will enter a new phase of clean and easy self storage.

Invest in a moisture prevention solution

Moisture is one of the largest contributors to mould and deterioration in any long-term storage scenario. Self storage is no different. Even the most secure and well-maintained facilities can experience the negative effects of dampness. Fortunately, there is an easy solution. Many homewares and hardware stores offer moisture prevention solutions. These can take many forms, but one of the most effective is a desiccant system. This simply absorbs moisture from the air and renders your unit dryer.

Check inside cabinets and appliances to ensure there is no mould

So you’ve entered your self storage unit and everything seems fine. That’s fantastic, but it always pays to look deeper. Some of the most commonly stored items in self storage include cabinets, boxes and white goods. All of these can maintain an immaculate appearance on the outside while harbouring damaging mould and mildew on the inside. White goods such as fridges and washing machines are particularly bad in this sense. If you store them with even the slightest bit of water hidden away inside, the effects can be remarkable. To avoid a nasty surprise when removing these items for use, consider checking them with some degree of frequency. And of course, always leave sufficient time for them to dry after use before you return them to self storage.

Repack items to prevent pests from establishing nests

In terms of self storage issues, pests are a close second to mould. Fortunately, well-maintained and secure self storage units prevent pests from getting in. But that does not eliminate the possibility altogether. Sometimes, cockroaches or insects can sneak into your storage unit, hidden in a box or cupboard. To make sure that they do not get too comfortable, you should rearrange your goods every once in a while. Doing this has a few benefits. Firstly, it will allow you to spot any evidence of the pests’ activity. Secondly, it will prevent pests from establishing a long term nest and infesting the area.

Check your linen or leather items for deterioration

Finally, when cleaning self storage units, you should always remember that some items are prone to deterioration. Foremost among these, are natural fabrics such as leather and cotton. You should always store these in the correct manner and ensure that they can breathe effectively. This means no plastic coverings. To make sure they are going well, check on them when you do your periodic clean. At the first sign of deterioration, you can act and potentially save your goods from irreparable damage.

Need more expert advice for your Gold Coast self storage needs? Contact More Space Storage today on (07) 5598 3355 or (07) 5594 9739.