When you are storing your possessions for a long time in a mini storage unit (such as those from http://www.magnumselfstorage.com), it is important that you are proactive about avoiding damage from smells that can accumulate as your items sit idle. You can ensure that your belongings leave your storage unit smelling as fresh as the day they were placed there by following these simple tips:  

Start Fresh and Clean Smelling

Your storage unit should be clean when you rent it, but it may have some residual odors from previous tenants. Before you start filling your mini storage unit, first take a moment to place some open bowls of any of the following materials in its corners:

• baking soda
• charcoal
• fabric softener sheets
• fresh coffee grounds
• kitty litter
• newspaper

Each of these things is very effective at removing any dampness and odors that are in their presence. In a day or two they will absorb any offensive odors that may be present that can contaminate your belongings.

While putting your items into the storage unit, place a fan inside of the unit and have it running on its high setting while you working. Point the fan so it is directed in such a way that it moves the old air from inside the storage unit towards the outdoors. This will ensure that you start with a fresh smelling unit when you close and lock the door.

Open Appliances for Air Ventilation

The rubbers and plastics used to make refrigerators, dishwashers, and washing machines are porous and will naturally absorb odors from the foods and water that have been inside of them. When you store your appliances in your mini storage unit, you must open the doors to this type of appliances. If you do not do this, then your appliances will have a very foul odor when you retrieve them from storage when you return.

For additional protection, you can place bowls of any of the above-listed materials inside of them to absorb any odors which may be contained within them before storage.

Store Your Fabrics with Cedar Chips

Finally, when storing your clothing, blankets, and other fabric items, they will tend to take on a musty smell and can potentially have issues with insect damage. To avoid these problems, store material items in completely enclosed containers with a few inexpensive cedar wood chips. Cedar wood is a natural insect repellant and also leaves your fabric items with a nice fresh smell.