How to Store Tricky or Special Items

Pouch Self Storage offers tips for storing tricky or special items.

When you’re packing a storage unit, some of the things you’ll put in are self-explanatory. It doesn’t require much thought to stick a storage bin, for instance, onto a shelf in your unit. For items that aren’t as straightforward, we offer these storage tips:

• Jewelry: It’s probably best to avoid storing priceless pieces. If you do need to store valuable jewelry, pack it in a jewelry roll, which can be easily hidden in something larger. For other pieces of jewelry, try these tips:
  • Store them as you do at home. If your jewelry is in a jewelry box or armoire, there’s no need to move it and pack it in a different container. Use stretch wrap to secure drawers and open compartments, then wrap the entire jewelry case in padding to protect it.
  • If you don’t have a jewelry box at home, organize small items with a pill case. This is a great way to store earrings and wrings. You can also hook earrings through buttons or foam, taping the backs so they won’t slip out.
  • Keep items separated. You can use re-sealable kitchen wrap for this, laying the jewelry on half of a piece of wrap and then folding and pressing to keep the items stabilized. You can also wrap pieces in packing paper or store them in zip-top bags, placing these smaller packages into a larger box to store them. Another idea is to use straws to store necklaces, threading each chain through its own straw and clasping it on the outside.
• Batteries: Because they’re important, batteries need to be kept in good working condition. To keep them protected and free from corrosion, store them as follows:
  • Take them out of the equipment. Never store batteries inside the equipment they power. When you store them separately, they’ll last longer and be less likely to damage your devices if they leak or corrode.
  • Store them somewhere cool and dry. If you’re planning to store batteries, go for a climate-controlled facility. Batteries fare best in a dark, dry place, at room temperature.
  • Contain your batteries. Storing them in the original packaging is ideal, but you can also opt for a battery storage box. The most important thing is to keep them from coming into contact with metal, which can cause them to leak or rupture. If you don’t have a box or the original packaging, store batteries by bunching them together with a rubber band and putting them into a plastic bag. When you do this, though, make sure all of the positive ends are pointing in the same direction.
  • Keep them separated. Mixing old and new batteries in a device can cause damage to the device or battery leakage, so store old and new batteries separately.
  • Store rechargeable batteries correctly. To allow them to gradually discharge, store at 40 percent charge.
  • Protect your other belongings from your batteries. Especially if you plan to store them for a long time, keep batteries away from anything that could be damaged by leakage.
• Paintings: Store artwork without devaluing it with these tips:
  • Minimize human contact. Wrap it in plastic, protect it with Styrofoam, and pack it into a close-fitting box, filling any space with bubble wrap.
  • Store it correctly. Keep the painting vertical and never stack paintings on top of each other.
  • Keep it somewhere climate controlled. Store paintings out of direct sunlight, in a place with consistent temperature and moderate humidity.
  • Check on your paintings. It’s easy to stick them in storage and not give them another thought, but this is a mistake. Check in on your artwork regularly, watching for any signs of rodents, moisture, or other hazards.

When you’re looking for quality storage space for your special items, choose Pouch Self Storage. We’ve been operating mini-storage facilities since 1979 and we’re committed to keeping our clients’ belongings safe. Founded by John Yelland, who hails from Australia, Pouch Self Storage is named in honor of the kangaroo’s pouch- nature’s safe and secure storage spot. We’re an industry leader in design, building, and maintenance of self-storage facilities, and we strive to give our occupants the most advanced security systems available. At our nine Southern California facilities, you’ll find state-of-the-art computer monitoring systems that allow our self-storage managers to monitor the opening and closing of every storage unit door, 24 hours a day. Currently, we’re abiding by CDC recommendations and implementing social distancing, but you can still reach us by calling (800) 378-4598 or contacting us through our website.