Basic Tips

Here Are A Few Helpful Storage Tips From KB Storage

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Basic Tips for Keeping Clothes in Storage

When the closet becomes full and room for new clothes is scarce, a self-storage unit can be just what you need for the clothes you’re not wearing but still wish to keep in a safe place. When placing clothing items in a self-storage unit, it is necessary to take every precaution to prevent your clothes from damage, whether by weather or pests. No matter if you’re storing your clothes for thirty days or one year, follow these tips to keep your clothes in great condition until you are ready to wear them again.

1. Wash your clothes before storing
Wash and iron your clothes before storing. Surfaces stains and dirt will set into the clothing overtime and when you do finally get them out of storage to use again the stain will be difficult to remove. Dirty clothing can also attract vermin and insects which may also damage your clothing. Wash all items as per their washing instructions and any dry cleanable items should be dry cleaned prior to storing. Make sure the clothes are rinsed properly before drying and storing to ensure that all bleaches, chemicals and detergents are washed out. This will not only make sure that your clothes are safe during storage, they will also be clean and ready to wear when you need them.

2. To vacuum seal or not to vacuum seal
There is a large range of vacuum seal bags out on the market, which are great space savers. There is a lot of speculation out there, however, that over a long period of time, storing your clothing in these bags could damage your clothes. The reasoning is that most natural fiber cloth needs air to maintain its structure and integrity and that by sucking all of the air out of the bag, you are compressing the garments and compressing the fibers. When removed from these bags, it takes a long time for the fibers to uncompressed with one person with a PhD in Fiber and Polymer Science even suggesting that the item will take the same amount of time to uncompressed to the amount of time it was in the space saver bag. I have used these bags in the past for seasonal clothing, thus the articles are only in the bag for a period of months and not years, and I have not had a problem. For any heirlooms, real expensive or sentimental items I would probably not run the risk.

3. Say no to plastic bags and cardboard boxes
Air tight plastic containers with a lid is the best thing to pack your clothes into. This will keep your clothes dry and stop the growth of mold and mildew, in most cases. If using plastic containers, ensure they are clean, dry and line them old (but clean) cotton sheets. Avoid plastic bags as these can trap moisture and cause mildew to form or cause the yellowing of fabrics. Packing your clothing in a cardboard box will not protect them against vermin as rats and mice can easily chew through the cardboard. Again depending on the expense and sentimental value of the item, acid free boxes and tissue paper should be used especially for heirloom items as not all plastic boxes are safe as they release chemicals which could have subtle to grossly negative effects on the clothing.

4. Mothballs
Not only do mothballs leave your clothes smelling terrible, they are not 100% effective and can be potentially dangerous if found bye children or pets. A much more appealing alternative are the natural wooden cedar balls. They not only smell better, they are just as effective as moth balls and are even more effective if used in conjunction with all of the tips mentioned. When using either moth balls or wooden camphor make sure that they not placed on the garments and are placed at the top of your storage container for further protection.

5. Clean, cool, dark and dry
The atmospheric conditions and environment you are storing your items in can cause damage if extreme. Ideally it is suggested that clothing should be stored in conditions that do not exceed 23°C with a relatively humidity of 55%. However, I would only follow this guide line if I was storing any heirlooms or expensive sentimental items. As long as the space is clean and protects the box the items are stored in from the elements they should be safe. For people like me that are storing items in their own personal space, just keep in mind that attics and garages can be home to fuels, grease and many other flammable items and may be damp and have vermin unlike a self-storage facility.

6. Check and do not protect!
It is important to check on your items in storage, wherever and whatever you are storing. If you check your items once a year, you will minimize the risk of the items getting damaged and may save them before they do. This point is especially important to me as I forget everything, and I will forget that I have even stored the clothing in the first place!

Tips for Storing a Boat

Does your HOA or city ordinance prevent you from parking your recreational vehicle or boat at your house? Do you need additional space for your toys? We are the place! Many self-storage locations offer you only the option to simply store your boat outside on a trailer. But you might want to keep it inside, just in case. If you’d hate to have your boat exposed to the elements, maybe one of our drive-up block construction storage units would fit your needs better.

If you have any questions about storing your boat, just give us a call! KB Storage is managed by storage professionals and would love to help you out!

1. Fuel
The first thing you’ll want to do is either treat the gas or remove it altogether from your boat. What you do will decide on how long your boat will be in storage. If you’ll use storage for just a few months, fill up the tank with a high quality fuel stabilizer. Then run the engine for a few minutes to ensure the treatment reaches the engine. You should be set to go.

But if you’ll be storing longer than a few months, especially closer to a year, you’ll want to drain all the gas. It turns out, just like food at the grocery store, fuel has a shelf life. And after a period of stagnation, the gas will form gum, clogging, blocking, and destabilizing lines, tanks, and carburetors.

2. Dry it Out
After you settle the fuel situation, you’ll want to completely dry out the boat. This is a great time, also, to check for leaks. Water can get in anywhere there’s a leak, especially your hatches or vents. Inspect your boat inside and out and dry anywhere water is present. If you find water in a spot it shouldn’t be, you can patch up or fix the issue, without having to learn about it while you’re on the water, in the middle of a lake.

3. Storage
Does your HOA or city ordinance prevent you from parking your recreational vehicle or boat at your house? Do you need additional space for your toys? We are the place! Many self-storage locations offer you only the option to simply store your boat outside on a trailer. But you might want to keep it inside, just in case. If you’d hate to have your boat exposed to the elements, maybe one of our drive-up block construction storage units would fit your needs better.

If you have any questions about storing your boat, just give us a call! KB Storage is managed by storage professionals and would love to help you out!

Tips for Hiring Movers

Moving can be tedious. It can also be fun: when someone else does all the work. But be sure to do a bit of research before you hire movers to protect your stuff. Or, just read this article: Here are the definitive tips you’ll need to follow when hiring movers!

1. Moving Policies
If you’re considering hiring movers, it is important to stay informed on their moving policies and practices. Are they liable if your fragile glassware arrives in pieces? It’s also important to know about the business itself. Sign a contract, and make sure all your stuff is protected in it. Don’t pay a huge deposit, as this is usually indicative of fraud. If you pay off the moving contract before the move is finished, what guarantees the movers will take all your stuff to the new house? Paying a large deposit could mean you won’t see your stuff again.

One sure-fire sign of a good moving company is one who takes inventory of all your belongings before the move. This inventory is how moving companies generally determine how much it will cost to move your stuff, as this will tell them how much space will be needed for the move and how much approximately your belongings will weigh.

2. Extra Fees and Move Time
Staying informed can be a chore. An estimate from a professional moving business requires, at times, complicated variables. What must be considered, and what you should ask about, is how long it will take to move your possessions and how will your stuff be handled. Ask about previous experience, and what sort of challenges come with each move. If they have to walk up stairs to move your things, will it cost extra? What about moving things from a side street as opposed to a driveway?

Before you pack up your stuff, you may want to visualize how you will arrange your things before you arrive. Put yourself in the best position by labeling which boxes belong in which rooms. Don’t set unrealistic expectations for your movers. If the new home is a thousand miles away, don’t expect a rush, next-day delivery. And if you do get that rush delivery, you may have moved too fast.

3. What to Avoid
Definitely do not use a moving company that changed their name recently. This is indicative of fraud or a bad company attempting to escape its well-earned bad reputation. Similarly, avoid extra packing costs by making the time to pack all your things yourself. What’s better, to have a party out of it, inviting friends and family to help you move, or paying $1,000 for the time and people it will take for a professional moving company to pack all your stuff? Similarly, extra moving costs can accrue if movers have to move your things from a parking lot on the other side of the block from where your new place is, walk up three flights of stairs to deliver a couch, or pay for parking.

This is why, ultimately, it is best to never sign a blank contract. You will want to account for every possible situation in the contract so that there will be no hidden fees in the future. Account for the possibility of damages, difficulties with navigating convoluted streets in dense areas of the city, and stairs, parking, and the weight of the packages themselves.

4. Insurance
As Moving.com states, you if things don’t go the way as planned, you have nine months to file an insurance claim. And, as they also mention, “All moving companies are required to assume liability for the value of the goods they transport.” You will want to view all the insurance options provided by your movers before the move. With full protection, companies will replace items they damage during the move or repair them. Alternative levels of liability make the mover responsible for about 60 cents per pound for each item. This option must be explicitly agreed to in the contract.

As you pack your things for the next big move, make sure to be cautious about which moving company you choose to handle your stuff. And following the tips above will put you in the best place to succeed.

Contact Us

Our Storage Facility is conveniently located in beautiful Auburndale, Florida just off HWY 559 on Old Lake Alfred Rd. at the heart of Polk County. KB STORAGE, LLC is a family owned facility and takes pride in customer service. We strive to provide a clean, safe and convenient facility to store your personal belongings.

KB STORAGE, LLC.
1180 Old Lake Alfred Rd
Auburndale, FL 33823

Tel: 863-875-9288