Do you have some white goods—think fridges, washing machines, dishwashers—that you need to stash away in a self storage unit? Maybe you’re moving, renovating, or need them out of the way. Whatever your reason, storing them in a self storage unit is a good decision. Here are some ways to keep your appliances safe, clean, and ready for use when you need them again. This is your ultimate guide to appliance armor, or how to protect your white goods during self storage.
The Importance of Proper Storage in Self Storage Unit
Firstly, why does it matter how you store your white goods? Well, these appliances are quite an investment. They’re not just big-ticket items but also crucial to your daily life. Storing them incorrectly can lead to damage, mould growth, and even permanent malfunction. Proper storage ensures they stay in good working condition and can be up and running as soon as you need them.
Clean Before You Store
The most important step before moving any appliance into storage is cleaning it thoroughly. Here’s a quick rundown:
Refrigerators and Freezers
Empty all contents, defrost and clean both the interior and exterior. Use a mild detergent or baking soda solution to wipe down surfaces. Leave the doors slightly ajar to prevent mould and mildew.
Washing Machines and Dishwashers
Run a final cycle with water and vinegar to clean out any residual detergent and grime. Dry out the interiors completely to prevent mould growth.
Ovens and Microwaves
Remove any food particles and clean them with a suitable cleaner. Ensure they are dry before storage.
Air Conditioners and Dehumidifiers
Remove filters and clean them. Drain any remaining water from the units.
Cleaning ensures no lingering food, detergent, or moisture that could cause unpleasant odours, attract pests, or encourage mould and mildew.
Disconnect and Disassemble
Once cleaned, disconnect and disassemble your appliances where possible. This includes:
- Unplugging all power cords and securing them.
- Disconnecting hoses from washing machines and dishwashers and draining any remaining water.
- Removing any removable parts like trays, shelves, and drawers. These can be wrapped separately to prevent breakage.
Disassembling can make the appliances easier to move and can help prevent damage during transport and storage.
Dry Thoroughly
Water and moisture are your worst enemies when it comes to storing appliances. After cleaning, ensure every part of the appliance is thoroughly dried. Leaving doors and lids open for a few days can help air out any residual moisture. You might also use moisture absorbers like silica gel packs inside the appliances to keep them dry during storage.
Protecting and Packing
Now that your appliances are clean and dry, it’s time to consider protection. Here are some tips to keep your white goods in tip-top shape.
Wrap Them Up
Use moving blankets, bubble wrap, or plastic covers to protect the exterior surfaces from scratches and dents. Avoid using plastic sheeting directly against the surface of the appliances as it can trap moisture and lead to mould growth.
Secure Moving Parts
Tape down any loose parts like doors and cords to prevent them from moving around and causing damage. However, remember to leave the refrigerator doors slightly ajar.
Label Everything
Label any parts you’ve removed and wrapped separately, clearly. This makes reassembly much easier.
Choose the Right Storage Unit
Not all storage units are created equal, especially when it comes to storing appliances. Here’s what to look for –
Cleanliness
Choose a facility that is well-maintained and clean. This reduces the risk of pest infestations, and dust settling on your appliances.
Accessibility
Consider how often you need to access your appliances. If it’s frequent, choose a unit that’s easily accessible and has enough space for you to move around and get to your items without hassle.
Placement and Positioning
How you place your appliances in the storage unit can make a big difference.
Follow these tips –
Off the Ground
Keep appliances off the ground by placing them on pallets or wooden planks. This prevents moisture from the ground from seeping into your appliances and causing rust or mould.
Upright Position
Store refrigerators, washing machines, and other large appliances in an upright position to avoid damage to internal parts.
Space Around
Leave a bit of space around each appliance for air circulation. This helps prevent moisture buildup and makes it easier to access them when needed.
Avoid Stacking
Don’t stack heavy items on top of appliances as this can lead to dents, scratches, or even structural damage.
Regular Check-Ups
Out of sight doesn’t have to mean out of mind. Regular check-ups can prevent small issues from becoming big problems. Visit your storage unit every few months to
- Inspect for any signs of mould, rust, or pests.
- Check that doors left ajar (like on fridges) are still open and no mould or odours are developing.
Moving Out of Self Storage Facility
When the time comes to retrieve your appliances from storage, here are a few final tips-
Inspect and Clean
Give your appliances a thorough inspection for any signs of damage or pest activity. Clean them again before use, especially if they’ve been in storage for a long time.
Reassemble Carefully
Follow the labels you made earlier to reattach any parts. Be gentle to avoid any damage during reassembly.
Test Appliance
Plug in and test each appliance to ensure it’s working correctly before moving it back into your home.
Storing your white goods properly in a self storage unit can save you a lot of headaches down the line. A little effort in cleaning, drying, and packing can go a long way to ensure your appliances stay in perfect working order. Remember, the key to appliance armor is protecting them from moisture, pests, and physical damage.
So, in conclusion, take the time to prepare your white goods properly. Your appliances will thank you!
Stop & Store Fareham : Yours Self Storage Unit Nearby
When you have some white goods (in fact, any goods) you need to store in self storage nearby in or around Fareham, please check out our storage facility.
- Our storage facility is completely secured and protected by monitored CCTV cameras and intruder alarms, so you can be sure your belongings are safe.
- Purchase your packaging materials from our online Box Shop for your convenience.
- Our units vary in size from 12 sq ft to 200 sq ft, so please contact our friendly staff for advice.
- Our units are safe and dry.
Stop & Store Fareham is centrally situated in the Thackeray Mall, in the heart of the town. We are user friendly making the unloading and loading of your goods easy. Our road access is handy.
Address: Thackeray Mall, Unit C (First Floor) 26a, Fareham PO16 0PQ, United Kingdom
Tel: 01329 556174