Preparing Your Belongings for Long-Term Storage: A Comprehensive Guide (Charlottetown, PEI Edition)

Storing your belongings long-term in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, requires some careful planning to protect them from the elements and ensure they’re in good condition when you’re ready to retrieve them. This guide will walk you through the necessary steps.

1. Take Inventory and Declutter:

Before you even think about packing, take a thorough inventory of everything you plan to store. This helps you stay organized and remember what you have. It’s also the perfect time to declutter! Be honest with yourself about what you truly need and use. Holding a yard sale or donating unwanted items can significantly reduce the amount you need to store, saving you money in the long run.

2. Cleaning is Key:

• Furniture: Clean all furniture thoroughly. Vacuum upholstery, wipe down wooden surfaces, and consider applying a wood polish or protectant. Disassemble larger items like bed frames if possible, and store hardware in labeled bags attached to the frame.
• Clothing and Linens: Wash or dry-clean all clothing, bedding, and curtains before packing. This prevents mold and mildew growth, which can be a concern in PEI’s humid climate. Use airtight containers or garment bags. Consider using cedar chips or lavender sachets to deter moths.
• Electronics: Clean electronics with a dry cloth. Disconnect all cords and store them in labeled bags. Back up any data from computers or hard drives before storing them.
• Appliances: Clean appliances thoroughly, especially refrigerators. Defrost refrigerators and freezers completely and leave the doors slightly ajar to prevent mildew.
• Other items: Wipe down all other items to remove dust and dirt.

3. Packing Smart:

• Boxes: Invest in sturdy, high-quality moving boxes. Use uniform sizes for easier stacking. Avoid using flimsy cardboard boxes, especially for heavy items. Local moving companies in Charlottetown often sell or rent suitable boxes.
• Packing Materials: Use plenty of packing material (bubble wrap, packing paper, blankets) to protect fragile items. Wrap furniture in moving blankets.
• Airtight Containers: For items susceptible to moisture damage (photos, documents, some clothing), consider airtight plastic containers. This is especially important in PEI, given its proximity to the ocean and potential for humidity.
• Labeling: Clearly label every box with its contents and the room it came from. This will save you countless hours when you need to find something later. Use a numbering system and keep a master list.
• Heavy Items: Pack heavy items in smaller boxes to make them easier to lift.

4. Considering Charlottetown’s Climate:

Charlottetown experiences moderate temperature fluctuations and can have high humidity, especially during the late summer and early fall. While the winters are cold, a major concern is moisture and potential for mold/mildew if items aren’t packed properly.

• Climate-Controlled Storage: If you’re storing items particularly sensitive to temperature or humidity (electronics, antiques, artwork, documents), strongly consider a climate-controlled storage unit. While it may cost more, it offers significantly better protection against the elements.
• Moisture Control: If you opt for a standard unit, use moisture-absorbing products like silica gel packs or DampRid to help control humidity within your boxes.

5. Organizing Your Storage Unit:

• Plan a Layout: Think about how you’ll arrange your items. Place frequently used items near the front.
• Create Aisles: Leave aisles for easy access to all boxes.
• Stacking: Stack boxes carefully, with heavier boxes on the bottom. Don’t stack boxes too high.
• Elevate Items: If your unit isn’t climate-controlled, consider placing items on pallets or boards to keep them off the floor and away from potential moisture.

6. Protection and Security:

• Insurance: Check your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy to see if it covers items in storage. If not, consider purchasing separate storage insurance.
• Security: Choose a reputable storage facility in Charlottetown with good security measures (surveillance cameras, gated access, individual unit locks). Use a high-quality lock on your unit.

7. Regular Check-ins:

If you’re storing items long-term, it’s a good idea to check on them periodically, especially after periods of heavy rain or significant temperature changes. This allows you to address any potential issues (like moisture) early on.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your belongings are well-protected during their long-term stay in storage in Charlottetown, and you’ll be able to retrieve them in the same condition you left them.