How to Store Appliances in a Storage Unit
If you've ended up with an extra refrigerator or washing machine on your hands, where do you put it? Bulky appliances take up a lot of space in your home or garage, and you can't always afford to make room. Thankfully, there's always self storage! A storage unit might just be the perfect place to keep your appliances safe.
At Desert Self Storage in Desert Hot Springs, CA, we offer plenty of large drive-up storage units, in sizes measuring up to 17'x25' – so whether you need to store a humidifier or a full kitchen's worth of equipment, we've got the perfect solution for your appliance storage needs. Follow these expert tips to prepare and store your appliances safely and efficiently.
Step 1: Thoroughly Clean and Dry Your Appliances
Before placing any appliance into storage, give it a cleaning. If you're planning on disconnecting active appliances to put them in storage, be sure to take the utmost care with any electrical connections, as well as water and gas lines.
- Refrigerators & Freezers: Empty your fridge and freezer's contents, defrost, and clean all interior surfaces with warm water and dish soap. Remove and clean shelves and drawers separately; make sure you give each piece enough time to dry before returning it to its place in your refrigerator.
- Dishwashers: Clear the filter; run a final cycle with vinegar to eliminate any residue that's built up. Leave the door open to make sure the washing machine dries completely before taking any next steps.
- Stoves & Ovens: Remove any components that may come loose during transport, including burner grates and oven racks. Use a gentle cleaner, or baking soda and water, to thoroughly clean the inside of your oven to get rid of any baked-on residue.
- Washing Machines: Wipe the inside and outside of your washing machine with a microfiber cloth to pick up the last of the lint. Shut off the water valves and disconnect the hoses.
- Dryers: Clean the lint trap and interior thoroughly. If it's a gas dryer, ensure the gas supply is safely disconnected before you prepare the dryer for transport.
Step 2: Protect and Secure Your Appliances
To prevent damage to your appliances during transit, and degradation during storage:
- Secure Cords and Hoses: After you disconnect all the relevant cords and hoses, bundle and tape them to the appliance to prevent damage or loss during storage.
- Remove and Pack Loose Parts: Store removable components like shelves and trays separately, wrapped securely to prevent breakage.
- Wrap Appliances: Use moving blankets or bubble wrap to cover appliances, focusing on padding any corners and edges. Avoid plastic covers that can trap moisture. If you decide to tape on your moving blankets, try not to tape anything directly to your appliance – you'll avoid leaving residue on the appliance that way.
- Transport Securely: Use dollies or hand trucks to move heavy appliances. Don't hesitate to hire professional movers to make sure you can safely move everything from your home to a storage unit.
Step 3: Store Appliances Properly
When placing appliances in your storage unit:
- Upright Position: Always store appliances like refrigerators and washing machines upright to prevent internal damage.
- Avoid Stacking: It may be tempting to put other objects on top of your appliances to save floor space in your unit. However, you should avoid doing that – stacking things on your appliances can dent them or warp any metal.
- Elevate Off the Floor: Use pallets or blocks to keep appliances off the ground and protect them from moisture.
- Leave Doors Ajar: Keep appliance doors and drawers slightly open to allow air to circulate. Depending on the appliance, you may also wish to leave baking soda inside to prevent odors.
Why Choose Desert Self Storage?
Located in Desert Hot Springs, CA, Desert Self Storage offers:
- Spacious Drive-Up Units: Easily load and unload appliances with units measuring up to 17' x 25'.
- Secure Facility: Our storage units are monitored with 24/7 video surveillance to ensure the safety of your belongings.
- Convenient Access: Access your stored items at any time with our flexible hours.
- U-Haul Rental: Our Desert Hot Springs location offers U-Haul trucks for rent, so you can easily get appliances to and from our facility.
Proper preparation and storage of your appliances will ensure they remain in excellent condition, ready for use when you need them. Trust Desert Self Storage for all your appliance storage needs in Desert Hot Springs, CA. For more information or to reserve a storage unit, visit our website or contact our friendly staff today.
