When packing up your belongings for storage, whether for a short period or long term, the home office can be particularly challenging. This is in part because you will have to store a variety of very different items, while also ensuring everything is safe and secure. The following tips can help you do just that.

Tip #1: Go with climate control

Certain items from a home office necessitate climate controlled storage. Your electronics, such as your computer, printer, or fax machine, can be damaged if stored in a unit that is subjected to high temperatures in summer. Climate control also means lower humidity, which is a must for any paperwork you are storing from the home office. As an added benefit, most climate controlled units are placed inside secure, controlled access buildings, which means your items are better guarded against both theft and damage.

Tip #2: Be mindful of the ink

Take the time to remove the ink cartridges or toner reels from your printer or other ink-containing devices. Unopened ink can be stored, but make sure you keep it in a sealed plastic bag just in case there is a leak. Also, don't forget about other sources of ink in the home office, like pens or markers. These, too, can leak during storage, especially if they are damaged or subjected to heat at any time. Keep all of your office supplies that could cause a mess separate and in a sealed bag just to be safe.

Tip #3: Leave out sensitive documents

If possible, avoid storing any sensitive or important documents. This includes anything that contains sensitive information about you or a client, such as social security numbers. Also, documents like birth certificates and marriage certificates shouldn't be kept in a storage unit. If you must store sensitive documents, make sure your unit offers both onsite security as well and controlled entry, personal locks on doors, and video surveillance.

Tip #4: Consider totes

The standard for many people storing home office goods is to pack everything in cardboard file boxes or bankers' boxes. These are sturdy, but they don't protect your paperwork or electronic items from moisture or pests. Instead, store your papers in plastic totes. Choose a variety with handles and tight-fitting lids to make them easier to move and store. As for your electronics, place them in an anti-static bag before stashing them in a tote for storage.

Contact a storage facility in your area for more information.

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