What to Pack and What to Leave: Deciding What to Store in Your Largo Storage Unit

When it comes to renting a storage unit in Largo, Florida, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is determining what to store and what to leave behind. Whether you’re downsizing, decluttering, or just in need of extra space, having a clear plan for what to pack and store is essential. This guide will help you make the right choices, ensuring that your items are safe, accessible, and stored efficiently.

Why Choose a Storage Unit?

Storage units provide a convenient solution for managing excess belongings, seasonal items, or valuables you don’t use regularly. Especially in a bustling city like Largo, where space can be limited, a storage unit offers the freedom to keep your home organized without sacrificing essential items. Before you begin packing, it’s important to evaluate what makes sense to store in a unit and what you might need to keep at home.

Assessing Your Storage Needs

The first step is to determine your specific storage needs. Take inventory of your belongings and categorize them by frequency of use and sentimental or monetary value. Ask yourself:

• Do I need frequent access to this item?
• Will it be affected by climate conditions such as humidity or heat?
• Is it irreplaceable or of high value?

Items that you use frequently, such as important documents, medication, or seasonal clothing, may not be suitable for long-term storage. On the other hand, items that are valuable or sensitive might need a climate-controlled unit to prevent damage.

What to Pack in Your Largo Storage Unit

Seasonal Clothing and Gear

One of the most common reasons people rent a storage unit is to store off-season clothing and equipment. In Largo, Florida, the climate is warm year-round, which means your winter coats, boots, and snow gear are only useful for a few months, if at all. Storing bulky items like these in your unit can free up valuable closet space at home.

In addition to clothing, consider storing seasonal sports equipment, holiday decorations, and beach gear. These items are typically only used at certain times of the year, making them perfect candidates for storage.

Furniture

If you are in the process of moving, downsizing, or redecorating, extra furniture can take up a lot of space. Large items such as sofas, dining tables, and beds can easily be stored in a storage unit. When storing furniture, make sure to:

• Disassemble larger pieces to save space.
• Use covers or protective padding to prevent dust buildup and scratches.
• Store smaller items like chairs or end tables inside larger ones to maximize space.

Business and Office Supplies

Running a business or working from home often comes with a large amount of paperwork, supplies, or equipment. Storing business items in a unit allows you to free up space in your home office while keeping essential items safe and organized. Ideal items to store include:

• Old files and documents that are rarely accessed but need to be retained.
• Extra office furniture like desks, chairs, or filing cabinets.
• Marketing materials, promotional items, or seasonal display supplies.

Appliances

If you’ve recently upgraded your home appliances but don’t want to sell or dispose of the older ones just yet, a storage unit can be a great solution. Appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, and microwaves can be stored for future use or resale. Before placing appliances in a unit, ensure they are properly cleaned, dried, and prepared to prevent mold and mildew.

Books, DVDs, and Collectibles

Books, DVDs, and collectibles can quickly accumulate and take over your living space. If you have a collection you want to keep but don’t use daily, a storage unit is an excellent option. When storing these items, make sure they are packed in sturdy, waterproof boxes to prevent damage from humidity.

If you have collectibles like action figures, stamps, or vinyl records, it’s important to store them in a climate-controlled unit to avoid warping or fading due to heat and humidity.

What to Leave Behind

Perishable Items

It’s essential to avoid storing any perishable items in your Largo storage unit. This includes food, plants, or anything that could spoil or attract pests. Storage units are not designed to maintain the ideal conditions for perishable goods, and leaving them there can lead to odors, infestations, and damage to other stored belongings.

Hazardous Materials

For safety reasons, hazardous materials like chemicals, gasoline, propane, or fireworks are not allowed in most storage facilities. These items pose a significant risk to your belongings and to the facility itself. Be sure to properly dispose of or store these items elsewhere in a safe, approved location.

Personal Documents and Valuables

While storage units offer security, they are not the best place for storing important personal documents or highly valuable items. Documents like birth certificates, passports, or wills should be kept in a secure location like a safe deposit box at a bank or a home safe. Similarly, high-value items like expensive jewelry, artwork, or heirlooms are best stored in a more controlled and highly secure environment.

Items You Need Frequently

It may seem obvious, but it’s important to remember not to store items that you’ll need frequently. This includes important documents, current tax records, or items used in your day-to-day life. Storing these in a unit will only lead to frustration when you need quick access to them.

Organizing Your Storage Unit for Easy Access

Once you’ve decided what to pack, it’s crucial to organize your storage unit in a way that allows for easy access to the most important items. Here are a few tips for maximizing your storage space:

• Label all boxes: Clearly label the contents of every box and use an inventory system to keep track of where everything is located.
• Create aisles: If possible, leave small walkways between your belongings to access boxes without needing to move everything around.
• Store frequently used items near the front: Place items that you might need more regularly near the front of the unit, so you can grab them without unpacking everything.
• Use vertical space: Stack items carefully, using shelving if possible, to take advantage of the height of the unit.

Climate-Controlled vs. Standard Storage

Largo’s climate is warm and humid, which can affect certain items in storage. If you’re storing anything sensitive to temperature or humidity, such as wooden furniture, electronics, or antiques, you may want to consider a climate-controlled unit. These units maintain a stable temperature and humidity level, protecting your belongings from mold, mildew, and other environmental damage.

On the other hand, if you’re only storing items like patio furniture, tools, or other durable goods, a standard storage unit may be sufficient.

Conclusion

Deciding what to pack and what to leave when storing your belongings in Largo, Florida, is an essential part of ensuring your items remain safe, accessible, and in good condition. By carefully assessing your needs and organizing your unit efficiently, you can make the most of your storage space while keeping your home clutter-free. Always remember to avoid storing perishable or hazardous items and to prioritize climate-controlled units for sensitive belongings. Whether you’re storing seasonal items, extra furniture, or business supplies, a well-organized storage unit can be a valuable tool in managing your belongings.

Need a Storage Facility in Largo, FL?

We here at Store-It-All by Largo Rental Closets are a family-owned storage facility in Largo, FL. We offer both indoor & outdoor storage options to meet your needs. Our climate-controlled indoor storage units come in various sizes from 16x8x8, 12x8x8, 10x18x18, 8x8x8, 4x6x6, and 4x4x4. Moreover, our outdoor storage spots offer various sizes for cars, boats, RVs, trailers, and more! And, rest assured, our gated facility is secured with surveillance cameras and offers 24/7 access to renters using their personal codes. Feel free to call us or stop by today to check availability!