Let’s take a look at something near and dear to all of our hearts: the stuff that really has meaning behind it. Not just your Grandma’s teapot (although, that may qualify), but the bits and bobs that tug at the old heartstrings.
These are the things that whisk you back to a cracking memory, or remind you of someone special. We’re talking about sentimental items – and boy, they can accumulate, can’t they?
Here at Safeguard Storage, we spend most of our days surrounded by this stuff. But we know it’s not all just furniture and boxes of Christmas decorations. Often tucked away in those units are little treasures, the things you wouldn’t dream of throwing away – even if they’re gathering a bit of dust.
We reckon those memories deserve a little bit of TLC, and that’s where we come in. We’ve put our heads together to give you the lowdown on storing your sentimental items securely. Think of us at the Fort Knox for your feels!
Let’s get started.
A Trip Down Memory Lane: The Great Sort-Out
Before you even think about putting anything in storage, you’ll need to have a good rummage through your belongings. This is where the waterworks might start, but get started by combing through all of your boxes, the back of the wardrobe, and under the bed – you know the drill.
When you come across those sentimental items, ask yourself: “does this actually mean something to me?”
Be honest with yourself. Sometimes, that chipped mug from 15 years ago may seem really important, but on second consideration, it’s probably time to take a photo and let it go. But that faded concert ticket from your first ever gig? That’s a keeper.
If you’re having trouble figuring out whether something is worth your long-term possession, you could explore a couple of basic questions to determine how special it truly is to you.
“What specific memories does this trigger?”
If the answer is vague, or you really have to rack your brain, it might be the memory that’s important – less so the object.
“Does holding this item actually make me feel something?”
A genuine pang of nostalgia, a smile or warm feeling is a pretty good sign. If there’s no emotion to connect with, it’s probably less important to keep.
“Could a photo or a story capture the essence of this memory instead?”
Sometimes, a digital snapshot or a written anecdote can preserve the core feeling without the physical clutter. Think about it – you wouldn’t lug around every postcard you received. A photo album does the trick.
“Am I keeping this out of obligation, instead of sentiment?”
Bit of a deeper one, but did someone give this to you? Do you feel guilty about getting rid of it? Sometimes, letting go is okay – especially if the item doesn’t really resonate with you.
Think of it like this: your sentimental storage shouldn’t become a graveyard of forgotten feelings. It should be a curated collection of touchstones that genuinely bring joy or evoke meaningful reflection.
That faded concert ticket, for example, sparks a visceral feeling. You can probably almost hear the music, feel the energy of the crowd. That’s the kind of item worth keeping safe. So be brave, be honest and your future self, with less cluttered space, will thank you for it .
It’s about quality over quantity when it comes to the items that truly matter.
Once you’ve piled through your precious memories, it’s time for a bit of prep work. Think of it like getting your prized possessions ready for a big holiday – you’d want them comfy and protected. This is where a bit of care goes a long way.
Start by taking all the photos and documents you’ve come across and pop them into individual sleeves or albums (the proper kind, not the sticky ones that turn yellow). For important documents, like letters and certificates, fold them carefully and store them flat if possible.
If they’re a bit crumpled, you could always try and gently flatten them under some heavy books for a bit. Just be careful not to go all in with the iron.
Then take all of your clothes, blankets and anything with textile properties and give them a good clean – make sure they’re completely dry before you pack them away. Use acid-free tissue paper to gently wrap the delicate items and store them in breathable cotton bags, or acid-free boxes.
Avoid plastic bags for long-term storage, we’ve seen a few cases of those trapping moisture and ruining what’s inside. You might even want to pop in some cedar balls, or lavender sachets for extra moth protection.
Now for the fragile items. Bubble wrap is your superpower here. Wrap each item individually, paying extra attention to any delicate bits. Then use plenty of padding in the box you’re placing them in – think scrunched up paper or packing peanuts (although, be mindful of the environment if you’re using these).
Make sure the items can’t rattle around inside of the box. Then – and this is important – make sure to label it “FRAGILE” in big, obvious letters. You don’t want anyone playing football with it!
Finally, the bigger and less delicate items should go into nice, sturdy cardboard boxes. Again, make sure they’re clean and dry. If you’re planning to store something that’s a bit oddly-shaped, try to fill any empty spaces in the box with packing materials to prevent it shifting and getting damaged.
Pick Your Safe Haven – And Get Storing
Now that your precious cargo is packed up, it’s time to think about where it’ll live. And that’s where we, Safeguard Storage, come in.
We offer a range of unit sizes to suit all of your storage needs. We’ve got facilities around the country – from the rolling Waikato hills to as far south as Invercargill. Plus, all of our facilities are highly secure and many come with pretty sweet deals for the first month.
Once you’ve decided where to store your sentimental belongings, the next step is to consider how you’ll store away your stuff. Here’s a couple of things to keep in mind.
Firstly, inventory is everything. Make a list of what’s in each both – it’s a bit time consuming and will cost you in the short term, but your future self will be absolutely grateful for the work you’ve put in. So many of our customers return to their lockers after a few months and completely forget where they left that particular item – save yourself the hassle.
Make sure to label all of your boxes clearly with permanent markets. And be specific – don’t just write “clothes”. Specify them: “Jason’s t-shirts”.
Another easily-forgotten tip: plan ahead before you pack your locker! While you can access your stored stuff whenever you want, you’ll find it harder to reach the stuff at the very back unless you pack the unit with consideration. Place larger items at the back, stack using shelves (if possible) and create walkways for better access.
Then think about the environment of your unit. All of our units at Safeguard Storage are clean and dry, but taking a few extra steps can’t hurt. Think about popping in some moisture absorbers with the clothes – those little silica gel packets can be surprisingly effective.
At the end of the day, pack your unit in a way that does your sentimental items justice. This is becoming a treasure trove, packed with nostalgia and good memories. We’ve got the perfect unit waiting for you at whichever facility is closest to home – explore our website and get in touch with one of our team members. We’d love to hear from you!