Household Storage


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April 29th, 2025


Curtains and Linens

Putting Appliances in Storage

It can be difficult to make space in your home or garage for unused appliances. But because new appliances are expensive, many people prefer to hold on to old ones for hand-me-downs, vacation homes, or back-ups. A self storage rental can be a convenient, affordable solution -- short-term or long-term. However, if you don't properly prepare your appliances for remote storage, you may return to find useless, moldy boxes. Below is some useful advice for securely storing washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators, ovens and more. If you have additional questions or concerns regarding appliance storage, remember that your storage facility manager may be a great source of information and guidance.

Checklist: Moving and Storing Your Appliances

  1. Run a final cycle. Consider running an empty clothes washer and dishwasher through a complete wash cycle using either a cup of bleach or white vinegar instead of detergent prior to placing in self storage.
  2. Drain liquid. Empty any water from hoses, holding tanks, plastic tubing and other internal components. This will help prevent freezing and mildew.
  3. Clean the interior. Scrub and dry the interior completely -- especially in refrigerators, dishwashers and ovens. Food and sugar remnants can attract bugs, even in interior storage units. In refrigerators, clean and dry the defrost pan -- you'll find it underneath or behind the refrigerator. In water-using appliances, wipe the rubber cushion seal around the perimeter of the door. Mildew tends to collect in this area.
  4. Treat for insects. Insects that infest food are found almost everywhere. To prevent an infestation, be sure to spray your clean appliance for bugs.
  5. Clean the exterior. Any motor-driven appliance will have an intake area (lint filter, tube or grid). Be sure to clean this vent. A vacuum may do the trick, but if the opening is greasy, you might use an old toothbrush.
  6. Remove glass and protect finish. If your appliance has glass shelves or fragile parts, remove them and transport them separately. Appliances with finishes that can scratch or dent should be wrapped in blankets or bubble wrap. Refrigerators should be transported upright.
  7. Secure with tape. Use a strong tape to hold the appliance door closed. Even though the tape should only stay in place during the move, you may want to choose a type that won't leave residue (such as blue painters tape). Once in storage, remove the tape and prop the appliance's door open to prevent mildew.
  8. Choose a suitable storage unit. If you are storing your appliances in a region that experiences high temperatures, low temperatures, wide temperature swings, or high humidity, you may want to consider a climate controlled storage unit. Because climate control temps are kept constant, the mechanical/electronic parts of your appliances are better protected from rust and fissures.
  9. Place on the truck last. If you're moving more household items into your storage unit, put the large appliances on the truck last. This way, they will be the first to come off the truck. Refrigerators should be transported upright.
  10. Place in the unit first. By placing appliances in the back of your storage unit, you'll have easier access to smaller items that you retrieve more frequently.
  11. Power off. The large majority of storage facilities will not offer electricity outlets in your storage unit. But if yours does have power, do not use it. Leave your appliance off for the duration of the rental.
  12. Protect fragile parts. If you store appliance parts separately (glass panels, shelves, etc.) remember to mark them as fragile and avoid stacking or leaning heavy items on them.
  13. Prop open the door. Find a way to keep the appliance's door ajar for the duration of the storage rental. This will help deter mildew.
  14. Avoid unwanted odors. Place an open box of baking soda in stored appliances.
  15. Conserve space. Although some storage and moving companies advise against stowing items inside your appliances, careful preparation will offer additional storage space. A clean, dry, open appliance is a good spot to store lighter items, including fragile things. Do not jam-pack your appliance with heavy items, like books.
  16. Cover and protect. Use a breathable material such as a tarp or sheet to shield your appliance from dirt, dust or accidental scratches.

Best Way to Store Books in Boxes

When storing things such as newspapers, books, magazines, CDs, DVDs, and video tapes, it is very important to take proper precautions so your materials can stay in good condition for as long as possible. No matter what you are storing, storage locations should be clean and dark, with a relatively even temperature if possible. Garages, attics, basements, and closets on exterior walls are poor choices for storage. Garage and attic temperatures can be too warm; basements can be cold and are prone to moisture, flooding, and mildew; and closets on the exterior walls do not have even temperatures.
  1. Books. The best way to store books is in boxes. Be sure to label your boxes for future reference. You can stack them if you like. Put what you think you will need most on the top of the box. When putting them in boxes, alternate which direction the spine faces (right or left). Place a piece of cardboard or wood between books to keep them from sticking to one another. Never wrap books in newspaper, as the newsprint might transfer onto the book. Read more about storing rare books.
  2. DVDs, CDs, video tapes and other media. Pack these types of media in airtight bags or containers in their original cases if possible. Airtight containers and bags prevent moisture from damaging your media.
  3. Newspapers and Magazines. Newspapers are made from a type of wood pulp that degrades very quickly, making the paper brittle and yellow. The best way to store them is in acid-free boxes, putting tissue paper between the pages. Store magazines in the same manner.

How to Store Curtains and Linens

Curtains, drapes, and linens need to be stored very carefully. There are different precautions to take depending on the size and type of material.

Linens

The best way to store your linens is in an acid-free box with acid-free tissue paper, as the acid in cardboard can cause the material to yellow. Be sure to use a large box to prevent wrinkles and folding. Line the box with tissue, polyester wadding, or white cotton sheets. If using tissue, be sure it is acid-free. White tissue is recommended, as other colors can bleed onto fabric. Completely wrap the entire linen in the tissue, sheet, or wadding so none of it is exposed. If you must fold the linen, be sure to put the acid-free tissue or sheet between each layer. Then add the lid and seal it completely. Be sure to put some slits in the box to allow air to circulate. Avoid plastic bags or cellophane "windows," as they prevent air movement. They can also cause moisture to form inside and mildew to grow. Once packaged, linens should be stored on rust-free metal shelves or in drawers. If you wish to store them in wooden drawers or on wooden shelves, you must first seal the wood with a water-borne polyurethane varnish and place some acid-free tissue between the wood and your box. That ensures that acids won't transfer from the wood to your linen. Do not use starch or iron before storing them, as it can cause staining or yellowing. It can also attract moths. It is better to iron and starch just before you plan to use the linen.

Drapes and Curtains

If you are storing your drapes for later use, they should be stored hanging up, to reduce wrinkles that sometimes occur when storing lighter-weight textiles in boxes.  Avoid metal and flimsy wooden hangers; instead opt for padded hangers in order to support the item. If you can, hang the drapes or curtains a few days before you need to store them to let any wrinkles air out. You can also mist the back of the drapes or curtains a few days before storage to help remove wrinkles, but don't get the fabric too wet. You also don't want to mist the front of the drapes or curtains. Place a muslin dust cover over the item after hanging it. Avoid storing in plastic or vinyl bags, as they can deteriorate over time. It is recommended to wash the muslin cover and other cotton storage supplies that might be on the hanger annually.

Storage Tips

  1. Be sure all items are as clean as possible before storing them. Check that there are no stains or wrinkles; it would be very difficult to remove them when taking them out of storage.
  2. Store your items in a dark place, away from heat and moisture, where temperatures are stable. For delicate, valuable or antique linens, consider indoor self storage or a climate controlled storage unit.
  3. Do not fold the item any more than necessary.
  4. Be sure to check the condition of stored linens annually. Look for mildew. Take the opportunity to refold or replace tissue if necessary.
  5. If you use non-acid-free tissue, you must replace it yearly.
  6. If your items are made from cotton, linen, or rayon, you must rewash them every year or two to avoid acid build-up and deterioration.
  7. Label and date what you are storing, especially if you are storing many items in identical containers.



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