If you need to store some of your appliances in self-storage for a while, you should take extra care to store them properly. Appliances are a big investment and you don’t want them to get ruined when you’re trying to keep them safe.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when you’re moving your appliances to your self-storage unit.
Clean Them Well
Appliances can get really dirty, even with normal use. Even your appliances that are supposed to clean things, like your dishwasher and your washing machine, can get a lot of dirt or other gunk stuck in them. Here are the best ways to get each appliance really clean.
Refrigerator – Use your favorite all-purpose cleaner (or natural alternative) to wipe down all the shelves and drawers. Consider doing a scrub with a baking soda paste to remove any residual odors.
Microwave – Use an all-purpose kitchen cleaner to wipe down the insides of your microwave. If it’s especially dirty, place a bowl with a cup of water and a couple tablespoons of vinegar in the microwave, and “cook” it until the window steams up. This will help loosen any grime, which you can then wipe away easily.
Dishwasher – Check out your dishwasher’s owner’s manual to find out how to remove the filter. Clean and dry it well. Then run the dishwasher while empty, using a dishwasher cleaning product (available wherever you buy cleaning supplies).
Washer and dryer – Run your washer empty, using a specialized cleaning product (available wherever you buy cleaning supplies). Clean your dryer’s filter and check the owner’s manual to see if there are any other parts that need to be occasionally cleaned.
One more general note: make sure all appliances are completely dry before moving them into storage. You don’t want to encourage mold growth or water damage.
Transport Them Carefully
Before moving your appliances into storage, make sure that you are adequately equipped to move them. Hiring professionals is one way to make sure everything goes smoothly, but if you can’t do that, there are some other precautions you should take. Make sure you’re not working alone; you’ll need more than one person to move the heavy, bulky items. Also, determine a best way out of the house before you start moving the appliance (e.g. if a certain doorway is too narrow, is there another door you can use?). Finally, make sure your transportation is large enough to accommodate the appliances, and that you have what you need to secure them in place during your drive to the storage unit.
Store Them With Care
When it’s time to actually place your appliances in storage, store them carefully. Keep them upright and keep all the doors closed. If you can, remove the plugs and place them inside the appliance, along with any other external parts or accessories. If you can’t remove the plugs, roll up the cord and place them on top of the appliance, or tape them to the side, to keep them off the ground. Cover the appliances with a sheet to protect from dust.
With proper preparation, you can store your appliances safely and securely, and they’ll be in prime condition when you’re ready to use them again.
If you’re still hunting for self-storage in the Phoenix area, Arizona Storage Centers is the solution you’ve been looking for. We have centers in Phoenix, Deer Valley, Glendale, Gilbert, and Chandler, so your belongings are never too far out of reach. Our state of the art security and top-notch customer service will help you feel good about your choice. Stop by one of our centers today, or give us a call at 480-386-6022. We look forward to hearing from you.
