If your youngest is past the infant stage but you aren't sure whether you will have another child, you may be considering storing your baby items just in case. While a personal storage unit is the perfect solution, you do need to take some steps to ensure that the items will remain in good condition while stored. The following guide can help you with this task.
Thoroughly launder fabrics
When it comes to fabric items like baby clothes and linens, protein stains are a major concern. Formula, milk, and many other common food items leave behind proteins in fabric. Although they may come out of the wash looking clean, over time the protein residues cause yellow stains to surface. Not only is this unsightly, but the remaining residue may also attract insect pests that will feed on the fabric. Vinegar breaks down the proteins, ensuring the stains don't come back. Wash the items as usual in cold water with detergent, but add a cup of vinegar to the fabric softener cup in your washing machine to further ensure the proteins are removed.
Make a detailed list
As you pack up items, create an inventory of everything you are storing. This list will come in handy when you are next expecting since you can easily see what you have and what you may need without having to go to the storage unit. Make sure to include the brand and model names, along with serial numbers, for larger items like cribs and strollers. This way you can also check for any safety recalls on these items when the time comes without having to rush to your storage unit to verify which items you have each time a new recall notice comes out.
Include instructions
Taking apart baby furniture and toys for storage helps save room and eases transport, but it can be a problem when you go to reassemble them years down the road. Take pictures of all items fully assembled, then package these photographs along with any product manuals, written instructions, and hardware in a plastic bag. Affix the bag to the furniture items securely so everything is kept together in storage.
Pack up for longevity
Finally, make sure everything is packed up well. Fabric items, along with paper items like baby books, should be packaged in plastic tubs or cardboard boxes lined with plastic bags to keep moisture and pests out. Drape sheets over wooden furniture to protect them from dust while still allowing air circulation. Large fabric items, like crib mattresses, should be stored in a mattress bag or similar protective cover.
For more help, contact a storage facility near you.