Toiletries: How to Store Them
While toiletries may not be an item you would usually keep in storage, there are actually a few scenarios in which they could end up in your unit. For example, if you move to an area with high risk of disaster or evacuation, you may keep toiletries in a disaster kit in your storage unit. Even something as simple as a move may require you to temporarily put them into self-storage. So, what’s the best way to store them?
Storage Tips for Toiletries
Determine Expiration Dates
Each product will have a different expiration date. Some products, like bar soap, deodorant, or mouthwash, will last longer in storage than others. Lotions, shampoos, mascara, and others will expire much sooner. These products may not do as well in storage, so you should consider the effort required to replace them and keep them in date in your unit.
Store Toiletries Unopened
Although products have expiration dates, opening them before putting them in can make them last for even less time than is indicated. When you use products, bacteria from your hands/face can get into the bottles. Putting these bottles in storage then gives bacteria the chance to grow in your products, which can make them go bad or pose a risk to you when you take them out. Make sure to only store unopened products so they are fresh when you remove them.
Climate-Controlled Toiletry Storage
Many toiletries are sensitive to both temperature and humidity. Especially if you live in a climate with extreme temperature and climate, you may want to invest in a climate-controlled storage unit to prevent your items from being ruined by the weather conditions. This will benefit almost all of the items in your storage unit, not just your toiletries.
Inspect Your Toiletries Before Use
When you are ready to remove your stored toiletries, test them out before using them to make sure they are not bad. Any funky smells, colors, or textures may indicate that your products did not survive the storage unit. Always make sure your toiletries are safe to use.