Do you need to put your bedroom or kitchen items into long-term storage? If so, you'll want to take special precautions so that no damage occurs. Here are the best ways to prepare bedroom and kitchen items for storage over a long period of time.
Preparing Bedroom Items for Long-Term Storage
- Mattresses and box springs should be stripped of all bed linens. Remove the mattress from the box spring and lean it against a wall. Apply a spray disinfectant to both sides of the mattress and box spring. Allow to dry. Place the mattress and the box spring in separate plastic sheeting or bags designed especially for mattresses. Remove as much air as possible and seal with packing tape.
- Clothes should be freshly laundered. Remove items from hangers. Fold each item. Fold delicate fabrics, place inside white tissue packing paper and seal with packing tape. Place small bundles of folded clothing inside vacuum sealable bags if possible. If not, place clothing inside clear vinyl bags with zip enclosures.
- Shoe tops and soles should be clean and free of dust and dirt. Wrap each shoe inside tissue packing paper and store as pairs inside clear plastic shoeboxes. Ensure that the lid is snapped on tight.
Preparing Kitchen Items for Long-Term Storage
- Counter appliances should be thoroughly cleaned and dried. Ensure that any crumbs and other food debris are removed from toaster trays, filters or inner mechanisms. Store counter appliances individually inside their original boxes, if possible. Otherwise, store inside sturdy cardboard boxes. Pack the bottom, sides, and top with bubble wrap or another type of padding. Seal the boxes with packing tape. Label the box on all four sides with an arrow indicating the correct "up" direction.
- Clean eating utensils and allow to dry thoroughly. Band like utensils together and secure with a rubber band. Wrap bundles a clean towel, being certain to enclose the top and bottom. Secure with another rubber band.
- Knives should be stored separately. Wash and dry thoroughly. Insert the blade of each knife into a cardboard slip (available online and from most hardware stores). The tip of the knife should be at least a quarter of an inch down from the end of the slip. Place knives in a plastic shoebox, and snap the lid on securely.
These solutions for long-term household storage will help to keep your most common household items safe from insects and mildew until you are ready to use them again.
