Storing items long term can come along with a few more rules than usual, especially if you are storing major appliances. These units will be left unattended for long periods, and you will want these expensive units to be in just as good of shape after storage as they are when they go into a long term storage facility.
Clean the appliances exceptionally well.
The first rule of long-term storage for appliances is to always clean the appliances very well before you leave them behind. This will not be an issue if you are storing new appliances, but used appliances can be contaminated with food particles and dirt that can lead to deterioration, corrosion, pest problems, and more. You should make an effort to clean the appliances to a condition as close to what they were when they were new as possible.
Use baking soda to capture moisture.
In refrigerators especially, any trace of moisture inside can lead to mold problems, especially in long-term storage settings. If you want to make sure you eradicate all moisture and odors, use a box of baking soda inside of your appliances. Even something like an oven that has been recently cleaned can have some moisture hanging out inside, so placing a box of open baking soda inside is a good idea. Some people even sprinkle baking soda inside of appliances and simply clean it out when they retrieve the items.
Consider placing the appliances on a pallet or skid.
To keep the appliances protected underneath, it can be helpful if they are placed on a skid or pallet. Moisture is not generally a problem in storage units that have a concrete floor. However, if the unit you rent is only gravel on the ground, moisture from the ground can rust the feet and bottoms of your appliances.
Roll up cords and protect them or remove them altogether.
The cords on your appliances are especially vulnerable to damage during long-term storage. These cords are wrapped in rubber, which is almost always attractive to pests like mice and rodents. Before you place your appliances in storage, roll up the cords, secure them with a rubber band or bread tie, and then cover the cord with a sturdy piece of cardboard and duct tape. If the cord is removable, as is the case with most clothes dryers and stoves, it is often best to remove the cord and store it in a container.
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