More Motivation, Less Distraction: How To Pack For Temporary Storage

Published on: 17 August 2021 Last Updated on: 18 August 2021

You’re among one of the thousands of Americans who find themselves faced with packing for temporary storage. You’re not alone… Maybe you’re staging your home for a quicker sale, making room for a home office or a temporary classroom amid the Pandemic, or desire the peace of mind that comes from a space that is free of clutter.

With so many changes in the worldwide landscape, self-storage has become an asset to homeowners and apartment dwellers. Temporary storage offers flexibility while creating room in your home and free space in your mind.

All of those distractions not only lead to lower productivity but also lead to feelings of overwhelm that disempower us from reaching our goals. Feeling encumbered by stuff is a growing trend since so many of us are faced with how many things we actually have during a shelter in place! The good news is that by utilizing temporary storage, you don’t have to wait for a bigger home to create that spacious feeling.

Whether you’re packing for temporary storage due to a transition in your personal life, or just want to free up some space in your home in you home, it can feel overwhelming to do the research necessary to begin the process.

How To Pack For Temporary Storage?

Here is a full-step guide to pack for temporary storage. read the points below to know everything about it in detail. Clearing some space in your home would also help you concentrate on doing something meaningful to your life.

Step 1: Assess the space you have

Create a flow in your home. Your things should fit neatly into the space you have. Although it may be tough to decide what you need, storing things offsite means that your stuff is not gone forever!

Get Rid of the clutter! Clutter can be overwhelming to deal with when starting to pack your belongings for storage. Once it’s out of the way, it makes the packing process so much easier. Even a few hours of decluttering can make things run a lot smoother. Try getting the family involved, and make it a game!

Step 2: Categorize & Inventory

Making lists as you categorize your items for temporary storage will make it easier for you to find them as you need them. As you gather items from each category, make a list, or take a photo of what you pack in each box. Label your boxes with a number, and mark your photograph or list with the same number for a visual index. Having a list and documentation is also an asset in the event that an unfortunate or unexpected event should occur and you need to file an insurance claim.

Things you use seasonally

Your surfboard, your kid’s inflatable pool, or your Bermuda shorts won’t be of much use when it’s snowing outside! Group all seasonal items by season, including decorations, clothing, and footwear together. When these items are packed together, and labeled, it’s so simple to swap out a few boxes at the change of season.

Sentimental Items You Don’t Need Right Away

High School Yearbooks, Stacks of your kid’s artwork, and other items that have value but are rarely used in daily life can be prepared for temporary storage, so you can access them when you need them!

Things You Need, Just Not Right Now

Heirloom furniture, boxes of books, or clothes -you’re saving for the next baby can all be stored off-site!

Step 3: Gather Materials and Pack

Following your inventory, pack items of each category together following these instructions for the safekeeping of your items.

When packing, it is important to consider that life changes quickly, and although you are packing for temporary storage, you may enjoy the spaciousness this brings and decide to keep your items packed away longer than 3-4 months! Packing items to be stored indefinitely not only safeguards your items but can offer you peace of mind in the event that plans change. Since things often take longer than expected, you can rest assured knowing that your valuable items are safe.

Be sure to use sturdy boxes, and always, always make sure the bottom is taped securely shut! Don’t overpack boxes, and make sure boxes can be comfortably lifted and moved. Pack lighter items on the top so they do not crush the contents beneath them. Fill any empty space in the box so it does not collapse.

Furniture

Clean each piece of furniture, removing any dust, debris, or food remnants. Condition any wood or leather items, and be sure to vacuum all upholstery.

Disassemble any furniture. Often the assembly instructions are long gone, so it is helpful to take photos of each step along the way, documenting hardware as you go. When it comes time to reassemble, you can review your photos in reverse, making reassembly a breeze!

Use a drop cloth, or moving blankets, wrap your items carefully for transport and storage. While bubble wrap is useful for protecting mirrors and glass, avoid using plastic coverings directly on your furniture. Plastic can trap moisture, which can cause wood to warp and upholstery to mold or mildew. Use only white drop cloths to cover wood or upholstery, as the dyes can bleed in humid environments leading to discoloration of your furniture.

Electronics

Remove any dust or debris from the item using a dry cloth. If you are storing an electronic device that stores data, be sure to back up any important information before packing it away.

Secure packing of electronics is so important! In the event of any bumps or drops, you can be at ease knowing your electronics are secure in their packaging. Remove all cords, and wind them into a circle, securing with a tie.

If possible, pack electronic items in their original packaging. If that is long gone, use a box slightly larger than your item, and create a shock-absorbing buffer firmly around the item using packing peanuts or styrofoam. Avoid using any plastics that will trap moisture, and be sure to include several silica packs to absorb any humidity.

Always keep your electronics upright. Mark an arrow on the box with the correct direction to ensure that your item is stored and transported safely.

Once your device is placed securely in the box, you can place the corresponding cords on top of the packing, and tape your box closed securely.

Clothing & Specialty Worn Items

Books, Papers, and Photographs

Since mold is a common issue when storing books, and papers, it’s recommended to ensure they are totally dry. If you live in a humid climate. Paper objects can be stored in smaller, opaque plastic totes to ensure they are kept free from moisture and light, and rodents.

Pack larger books lying flat, and store smaller books upright, as you would on your bookshelf. Never store a book on its spine, as it can cause damage to the structural integrity of the book and damage it.

Protect your photographs by storing them in an archival album before storing to ensure your photos will be around for generations. To store larger photographs, carefully place them between layers of cardboard, and lie flat.

Instruments, Art, and Other Delicate Objects

To properly store delicate objects, it is important to have a facility tha is climate controlled, even for temporary storage. Make sure all packing is secure, keeping packing materials out of direct contact with any painted areas, wood accents, or delicate features.

You May Also Like: Small Kitchen Storage Ideas

Step 4: Finding A Storage Space

It can be difficult to conceptualize how much storage space you actually need. Many self-storage websites offer guides that can help you visualize how your things will fit in the space. Some storage units are multi-level, so be sure to ask about accessibility if you need a space that is on the ground level.

If you are storing any sensitive items like instruments, electronics, or antiques, be sure to rent a climate-controlled unit.

When people think of storage, the image that comes to mind is often a traditional storage facility. While traditional storage is an excellent option for many, there are alternatives that can offer some flexibility, convenience, or some sizable savings. Maybe you have a spare vehicle that never gets used sitting in your garage. Consider storing your vehicle, renting extra space from someone in your neighborhood, or asking a family member or friend to store belongings for you.

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Best Low Maintenance Plants To Buy In 2024

I have always enjoyed gardening, spending time in nature, and a general affliction towards plants. However, once professional commitments started taking up too much time, I was left with 'no time to stand and stare'. Whatever time I had left, most of it went behind work, and my plants started shriveling up. Do you relate? If this sounds relatable, then keep reading to find out what I did to change things and give my plants the time they need. Well, for starters, I started investing more in low-maintenance plants. These plants can easily thrive well under low lights and can quickly bounce back in case of one or more missed watering. So soon, I was able to spot the change! 10 Best Low Maintenance Plants To Buy In 2024: It was a discovery that I thankfully stumbled upon. It made things so much easier for the anthophilous inside me that I was motivated to write about it. If you are also planning to purchase a few low-maintenance plants, then scroll down to find out more on the same! 1. Cacti If you have long and irregular work schedules, then Cacti is probably the best low-maintenance indoor plant. Cacti plants can thrive well in light that’s natural and requires water only once every week during summer and spring. During winter and fall, you just need to water your cacti once in three weeks. Price: 18 dollars (for four) Why Do We Love It? Can be grown easily Can be cared for easily Great option as a gift 2. Air Plants Air plants are great alternatives for low maintenance plants - they do not even need soil for survival. All that you have to do in this case is dunk these plants in the water for 2 to 3 hours, once every ten days. Now is that not perfect? This is entirely doable every 10 days while you spend your afternoon sunk knee-deep in work. Price: 14 dollars (for five) Why Do We Love It? Easy to maintain Very affordable Saves time 3. Pothos Pothos is also referred to as Devil’s Ivy and is one of the best types of low-maintenance house plants. The best part? These plants can thrive well in both light and darkness. So if you keep it in your low-light cubicle, the plant will survive, and the same goes for brightly lit areas. Also, it can survive when you forget to water the plant. Price: 18 dollars (for five) Why Do We Love It? Air-purifying properties Value for money It comes in a grower’s pot 4. ZZ Plant The ZZ Plants thrive the best in brightly lit rooms, but that does not mean they cannot survive in moderate or low lights. Just like cacti, you don’t need to water them every day. Moreover, it’s a pretty sturdy plant. When you notice that the leaves are falling off, simply water it properly, and you will soon notice the plant from bouncing right back. Price: 26 dollars Why Do We Love It? Can thrive in both natural and artificial light Sturdy and durable Great option as a gift 5. Spider Plants Spider plants are pretty great options if you are looking for low-maintenance plants. These spidery plants tend to dry out in between two watering sessions. In addition, spider plants thrive pretty well under indirect light, and as a result, these plants can flourish well even inside windowless, dark offices. Price: 12 dollars Why Do We Love It? Can thrive well in both natural and artificial light. Air-purifying properties. Great option as a gift for apartments, office cubicles, dorm rooms, and the like. 6. Snake Plants There are low-maintenance plants, and then there are Snake plants. These are not just great as low-maintenance outdoor potted plants but also as plants for low-lit indoor cubicles. Simply put, snake plants are great alternatives for those offices where you get just thirty minutes for grabbing your lunch - let alone watering your plants. Price: 38 dollars Why Do We Love It? Has higher carbon dioxide absorbing efficiency and releases oxygen at night. Has premium air-purifying properties. Versatile - can be planted in a pot or directly into the ground. 7. Succulents Succulents are amazing not because they can be easily maintained but mostly because it has thick leaves that store water. As a result, these plants needed to be watered once a week. Also, these thrive well in dry air and sunlight. No wonder succulents are the best low-maintenance outdoor potted plants. Price: 19 dollars (for five) Why Do We Love It? Easy to grow and maintain Very affordable Perfect for DIY or doing your home decor 8. Bamboo Considered to be a lucky plant, Bamboo needs some light for thriving. This technically means Bamboo plants are great for those cube desks at work. If anyone is starting a new job, it’s best to gift them a bamboo plant wishing them good luck. Also, these plants give any workspace a Feng Shui boost. Price: 28 dollars Why Do We Love It? Easy to grow and maintain Value for money Ideal gift for everyone You May Also Like This: 9. Peace Lily Peace lilies look beautiful, and they also happen to be very easy to grow and maintain. All you need to do is keep misting the leaves and moisturize the soil regularly. However, make sure you are not overwatering the plant, and you should keep the plant away from direct sunlight. Price: 24 dollars Why Do We Love It? Thrives in indoor light Has health benefits Easy to maintain and care for 10. Red Aglaonema Did you know that the Red Aglaonema is new and happening presently? The leaves are all reddish-pink, while the stems are pink. This low-maintenance plant simply amps your cubicle’s personality a few notches higher. Naturally, these will appear brighter in well-lit rooms, buts they can also thrive well under low light. Price: 21 dollars Why Do We Love It? Sturdy and durable Adds texture and color to different spaces Ideal for dorm or room decor 11. Dusty Miller Often called silver ragwort, this icy-looking plant can withstand shade but prefers bright light. The distinctive, silvery leaves become more green-gray in shaded areas, which is also a visually pleasing effect. Its foliage is the main attraction, though it produces small, bright yellow blooms in midsummer. 12. Ribbon Grass Because they spread easily, these variegated blades make an excellent ground cover option. They do not mind shade or sun, but they do love moisture. When planted as a border in your garden, they create a charming link between the grass and the garden. Just make sure to use your shovel to create a sharp trench to keep it from getting into your flowers. 13. Cosmos The name "cosmos" comes from the Greek word for "harmony" or "ordered universe," and Mexican priests gave these happy little flowers this name due to their perfectly arranged, uniform petals. You'll have blooms from spring into autumn because these annual flowers reseed and grow well in full sun. 14. Butterfly Bush Some of the longest-blooming shrubs are these sun-loving plants. They are drought- and insect-resistant and have a vibrant range of colors that are perfect for summer. The plants will naturally draw a large number of hummingbirds and butterflies throughout the fall season. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):- Q1. What Is The Most Low Maintenance Plant? Ans: The most low maintenance plants are,⦿ Aloe vera⦿ ZZ plant⦿ Snake plant⦿ Spider plant, and⦿ Cast-iron plant Q2. What Are The Easiest Plants To Take Care Of? Ans: The easiest plants to take care of are,⦿ Cast-iron plant⦿ Snake plant⦿ ZZ plant⦿ Spider plant⦿ Aloe Vera. Q3. What Is The Most Durable House Plant? Ans: The most durable house plants are,⦿ ZZ plant⦿ Snake plant ⦿ Chinese money plant⦿ Bromeliads⦿ Chinese Evergreen Plant. Wrapping Up: Remember that it is always a good idea to check the resources available through your local extension service, even if the plants you choose are designated for your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone and the light and soil conditions of your site. By taking into account factors like wind, humidity, rainfall, and more, you can determine what grows best in your area. It's worth noting that not all plants labeled as "deer-resistant" will withstand deer damage. Are you looking for additional strategies to work in the garden more efficiently rather than more laboriously? Invest in a base of well-established evergreen shrubs; you'll be grateful for it come winter. Fast-growing vines can make a big difference for an ugly fence or garden wall without requiring a lot of work. Additionally, check out container plants and outdoor hanging plants if your garden is limited to a patio or balcony Low-maintenance plants are pretty popular presently. Mostly because they are easy to grow and maintain. So what are you waiting for? Invest in some low-maintenance plants today, and let us know which one are you buying first. Read Also: Planting & Harvesting Mint List of White Flowers in the world All You Need To Know About Resurrection Plant and its Facts

Considerations When Choosing the Ceramic Bathroom Tile

Covering floors means looking for an appropriate tile that will make the bathroom look attractive to give the person using the space to find peace and comfort. Ceramic bathroom tile comes in different sizes and shapes. You can opt for traditional or basic designs. Ceramic tiles add the missing attractive touch to the floors and walls of your bathroom. They are an ideal choice for the bathroom because they resist moisture and are available in different patterns. Depending on the type of taste you have for ceramic tile bathroom, there is always a guarantee that you will find one that will serve you for many years. Bathroom tiles are versatile in that they are appropriate in the shower, walls, around the bathtub, etc. their available in different materials such as ceramic or allow for beautiful mosaic designs. You can do a perfect mix and match to create a design that uniquely defines you. Why Do You Need a Ceramic Bathroom Tile ? Ceramic tiles are available in a wide range of colors and designs fit for any home. You can get the look that you need for that specific area at home without compromising the design or quality of materials. Water Resistance Ceramic tiles do not absorb water that lands on their surface and are naturally dry in wet and humid conditions. Durability Ceramic tiles are incredibly durable and not like to crack due to wear and tear. They have a lifespan of between 10 and 20 years. The strength makes it a popular material for many homeowners. They are affordable Other tiles, cannot offer the affordability and can take any form or design without a problem. A ceramic tile bathroom is durable and justifies the cost of purchase for which you can brag about. Tiles are Low Maintenance These bathroom tiles can be cleaned quickly by wiping away or mopping up dust with a liquid or stain remover. Using this low maintenance, tiles on the floor gives busy homeowners time to maintain a healthy and clean environment. Regardless of whether you are looking for simplicity, neatness, or detailed designs, here are ideas that could help in making the final decision. Color One striking feature that leaves a lasting impression on you and visitors is the color. Pick colors that define your purpose or the purpose of the room. From the choices of elegant shades to choose from, one color will fit your bathroom walls and floors. Price The price range depends on your budget. Some people will say that some features only money can buy and others have what you need but may not last long as expected. Play with what features you want to stand out once you get inside the bathroom and the amount of money you intend to spend on specific ceramic tile bathroom. Buying Bathroom Tile to Satisfy a Need Ceramic tiles can undergo customization to define the kind of interaction you want to have with it. The need could be determined by mixing shapes and sizes or playing with styles and designs to see what comes out as what you want. With all these in mind, you are bound to make the best decision when choosing an appropriate ceramic tile bathroom. Make sure to get a tile that will provide the service that you need. Read Also: Bathroom Remodeling Tips And Ideas Bathroom Upgrades You Should Consider Mirror Decorating Ideas To Style Your Bathroom

How To Arrive At The Perfect Choice Of A Potting Bench For Your Gardening?

A potting bench provides a good-sized work surface and a designated place to keep your tools and supplies organized. It is a must-have staple if you take gardening seriously. It saves your back from stooping over low work surfaces and can double as an outdoor bar. There are tons of potting benches out there. So how do you pick one that is perfect for your needs? Keep reading, and you will find out in a bit. How To Arrive At The Perfect Choice Of A Potting Bench For Your Gardening: Height: One of the advantages that potting benches offer is the ability to work without bending over. This means that the height of the ideal potting bench should be something around that of an average kitchen sink or counter. This can be something in the range of 36 inches. That said you may prefer a slightly higher or lower potting bench depending on your height, age, and level of fitness. Just make sure that the height of the potting bench you choose is perfect for your needs. Your best bet might be to opt for any of the garden potting table for sale that comes with adjustable height mechanisms. Material: The material of your potting bench should be dependent on where you intend to keep it: indoors or outdoors. If it is going to be outdoors, the chances are that it will get exposed to atmospheric elements and will naturally become dirty and wet. A potting bench kept indoors will be less exposed in this regard and will not get so wet or dirty. Regardless of where you intend to keep it, your potting bench must be durable if it is going to be of any use to you. Immaterial of the Type of potting table you choose – wood, metal, recycled plastic or vinyl -- ensure that the material will be sturdy enough to withstand the weight of the pots and the onslaught of the elements. Surface: Whenever you want to pick a garden potting table for sale, there are some questions you should ask yourself. What are your gardening needs? How much room do you need for the pots you use? The answer to these questions will direct you on the lookout for a perfect potting bench. If you do not need too many pots, you should settle for those potting benches that are about the size of a large table or a kitchen counter. But if that does not work for you could, just get a garage workbench and customize it. Storage & Functional Features: Your potting bench can also serve other needs. It could be used as a bar or for storage. Therefore ensure that you look out for these features when you are looking for a potting bench. You will need a bench with shelves, drawers, and built-in troughs. This is because you will need some extra space for storing gardening equipment and a trough for holding extra soil. Gardening is fun when you have the right equipment and tools. With the hordes of retails stores, how do you get genuine equipment without stress? Garden Suppliers marry quality products with prompt, effortless delivery. Get your premium gardening equipment with ease, anytime. Read Also: How To Maintain Your Garden Railings? Does Organic Gardening Improve Soil Quality? How To Choose The Right Containers For Your Container Garden The Top Four Reasons Why You Could Certainly Benefit From A Garden Shed Featured image: thisoldhouse.com

More Motivation, Less Distraction: How To Pack For Temporary Storage