How to Protect Delicate and Valuable Items in a Storage Unit

Not all delicate items require the same kind of care and handling. The most common delicate items are fragile, temperature-sensitive, moisture-sensitive or some combination of the three. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of what each category means.

Fragile Items

Fragile items can easily break or get damaged from physical impact. You’ll need to properly pack fragile items with plenty of cushioning and support to keep fragile items safe. Here are some examples of fragile items:

• China and Ceramics. These items can chip, crack or shatter with just a small bump. Ensuring they are well-wrapped and cushioned can prevent damage.
• Musical Instruments: Instruments like guitars, violins, and pianos are delicate and valuable. Proper padding and careful placement are key to keeping your instruments damage-free.
• Glassware: From wine glasses to decorative ornaments, glassware is highly susceptible to breakage. You should individually wrap each piece and pack them all tightly together in a box to minimize movement and breakage.

Temperature-Sensitive Items

Temperature-sensitive items can warp, crack or degrade due to fluctuations in temperature. Keeping these items in a stable temperature environment (like an air-cooled unit) will help preserve them. Here are some examples:

• Plastic Items: Items made of plastic can warp or become brittle in extreme temperatures.
• Skincare Products: Many skincare products can degrade or separate if stored in too hot or cold environments.
• Furniture and Instruments: Wooden furniture and instruments can dry and crack if exposed to fluctuating temperatures (due to repeatedly expanding and shrinking).
• Certain Clothing Items: Temperature changes can lead to color fading, texture changes, warping and breakage of materials like silk and leather.

Moisture-Sensitive Items

Moisture-sensitive items are vulnerable to mold, mildew and other forms of moisture damage. To keep these kinds of items in mint condition, keep them in a dry, well-ventilated space, like a climate-controlled storage unit.

• Furniture and Instruments: Wooden furniture and instruments can warp or rot if exposed to high moisture levels.
• Antique Books: Excess moisture can allow mold or mildew to grow on antique books, leading to brittle or discolored pages.
• Vinyl Records: Vinyl can warp or become moldy in humid conditions, making them unplayable.
• High-End Sneakers: Moisture can cause the materials to degrade, colors to fade and unpleasant odors to develop. 
• Designer Bags: Moisture can cause mold and mildew to grow on leather and fabric bags, discolor them, and weaken the materials.

Once you know what delicate items you’re storing, you’ll need to choose the right storage unit. In many facilities, you can choose between standard, air-cooled and climate-controlled units. 

Standard Storage Units

Standard storage units are the most basic and budget-friendly option. They provide secure space for your belongings but don’t offer any special environmental controls. These units are perfect for items that don’t mind a bit of temperature or humidity change, such as metal tools and hardware, durable household goods, outdoor rugs, patio furniture, bikes and gardening tools.

Air-Cooled Units

Air-cooled storage units offer temperature control, keeping the unit cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. This option is perfect for items that can be damaged by extreme heat or cold but don’t need strict humidity control. They’re also great if you live in an area with mild or temperate weather and only plan on storing items for a short period of time (e.g., you’re storing delicate items for a month during the spring or fall).

Climate-Controlled Units

Climate-controlled storage units offer the highest level of protection by maintaining steady temperature and humidity levels. Anything that requires temperature control (an air-cooled unit) can also be placed in a climate-controlled unit. If you plan on storing your items long-term and live in a climate with harsh seasons, climate-controlled units are the best way to protect the integrity and value of your delicate belongings.

Before you place your delicate items in storage, you’ll want to make sure you’ve stocked up on the right packing materials. (Don’t worry if you run out — many storage facilities offer moving supplies and packing materials, including boxes, blankets, wrapping paper and more!)

• Bubble Pack: Bubble pack is your best friend when it comes to protecting fragile items. Wrap each piece individually to create a cushion that absorbs shocks and prevents breakage. Don't be stingy — use plenty to cover every inch.
• Packing Paper: Packing paper is perfect for wrapping items and filling in box gaps. Unlike newspapers, it won’t leave ink stains on your valuables. Use it to wrap delicate items and to add extra padding between pieces.
• Foam Peanuts: Foam peanuts are great for filling empty spaces in boxes, preventing your items from shifting and bumping into each other. Pour them generously around your packed items to create a protective barrier.
• Sturdy Boxes: Invest in high-quality, sturdy boxes. They need to withstand the weight of your items without collapsing. Reinforce the bottoms with extra tape, and choose sizes that fit your belongings snugly to minimize movement.
• Plastic Bins: Plastic bins are a sturdy, stackable option for plenty of items like ornaments, glassware and more. However, avoid storing fabrics and leather in plastic bins, as the materials can degrade if they aren’t allowed to “breathe.” (Use garment bags instead.)
• Specialty Packing Materials: Sometimes, you need specialty materials for extra protection. For artwork, use acid-free paper to prevent discoloration. For musical instruments, consider padded covers or cloths. You can also use any blankets, towels or sheets you may be storing as additional padding to maximize space and cut down on packing material costs.

Strategically labeling and organizing your items in your storage unit can help you keep track of everything and make it easy to access your stored items whenever needed.

Label Boxes Clearly

Always label your boxes with the contents and any special handling instructions. For example, write “Fragile - China” or “Handle with Care - Musical Instruments” on the sides of the boxes. You can also create a visual system by using color-coded labels or bright red stickers that say “fragile” to identify what’s inside easily.

Create an Inventory List

Whether it’s in a notepad or on your phone, keep an inventory list of all the items in your storage unit. This list should include box numbers, contents and any special notes (such as where it is in the storage unit) to make it easy to retrieve items without digging through multiple boxes.

Place Heavy Items at the Bottom

How you organize your storage unit is just as important as how you pack your items. Always place heavy items on the bottom and lighter, more fragile items on top to prevent the heavier items from crushing the delicate ones. Use sturdy shelving units to maximize vertical space while keeping items accessible.

Keep Fragile Items Low

Store fragile items like porcelain and ceramics on lower shelves to minimize the risk of them falling and breaking. Avoid placing them high up where they could easily tip over or be knocked off.

Position Fragile Items Away From Pathways

Keep musical instruments and fragile items away from high-traffic areas within the storage unit to reduce the risk of someone accidentally bumping into or stepping on them.

Use Pallets or Risers

Keep items off the floor by using pallets or risers to protect them from potential water damage if the storage unit floor gets wet.

Regularly Check on Your Unit

Even if you don’t need to retrieve any of your stored items, you should visit your storage unit every now and then to make sure that everything is still in good condition. Note if anything has shifted or become damaged and adjust your storage techniques if need be.

Storing delicate and valuable items doesn’t have to be a nerve-wracking experience. With a little planning and the right techniques, you can ensure your cherished belongings stay safe in a storage unit for as long as you keep them there. Ready to find a storage unit near you? Head to our Storage Locator. If you’re interested in reading more tips on storing delicate items or organizing your home, head to our blog.