Moving in with your boyfriend

Posted on: 31 July 2015

If you are hiring a self storage locker to store your baby or child's outgrown clothing, toys, furniture and other items, there are a few storage tips you should keep in mind. Whether you are saving the items for a future child or as keepsakes, you need to take steps to ensure they are protected. Check out these tips:

1. Wash and disinfect clothing prior to storing it

If you store clothing with stains on it, the stains could surface and attract bugs. Unwashed sweat or food on clothing could also cause the fabric to disintegrate. Wash all clothing before storing it. Then, fold it and place it in an airtight plastic container or vacuum-sealed bags.

Consider using mothballs to keep moths away and avoid using scented detergents or fabric softeners as those odors could also attract insects.

2. Store photos and baby books in a sealed container with a desiccant.

Just as clothes should be in an airtight container, so too should your child's baby book and any photos you have. Ideally, your baby book should feature acid-free paper so it is less likely to yellow or age while in storage, but regardless of what type of paper it has, make sure you have chosen a storage locker with climate controlled facilities so nothing gets moldy.

If you are worried about humidity, place a desiccant in the box with your photos and albums. If your photos are on a USB stick or other electronic storage device, make sure the storage locker is not too hot or too cold. Otherwise, electronics can get damaged.

3. Remove batteries from toys

If you are storing any battery-powered baby toys, take the batteries out. If they corrode, that could render the toy useless.

4. Vacuum baby seats and fabrics

If you are storing a baby swing, a baby seat or any other item with fabric on it, make sure you vacuum it thoroughly before putting it into your storage locker. Babies can leave behind crumbs, and by vacuuming, you ensure bugs or mice aren't attracted to those items in your unit.

5. Check expiration dates on car seats

If you are storing a car seat with the intention of using it again, keep in mind that infant and child safety seats expire. Check the expiration date and if it is approaching, dispose of the seat rather than storing it. Using expired seats can be dangerous. 

For more tips or assistance, contact companies like Dawson Moving.