Self storage has become a popular alternative to traditional storage facilities. If you’re considering storing your belongings in self storage and don’t know how to use a self storage unit, it could be beneficial to review some tips and tricks for making the process easier.
Tip#1: Get Your Cleaning Gloves on
Before you even begin to pack your personal storage unit, take a few minutes to clean it. Start by sweeping the floor thoroughly with a broom and dustpan. Then wipe down all interior walls with a damp cloth. If you are renting a climate controlled storage unit, make sure that you don’t see any signs of mold or mildew; if you do see signs of mold or mildew, please notify management immediately so they can remedy the situation.
Once your storage unit is clean and ready to go, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get to work!
Tip#2: Have Packing Supplies at the Ready
If you are planning a move to a new home or even a new office, there are many things that you will want to consider. One of the most important things that you can do is make sure that you have packing supplies at the ready. This is something that many people forget about and end up having to run out during the move to pick up some more items because they did not take enough time to plan ahead. A successful move takes proper planning, and it is important to have all of your needs met in order to make sure that the move goes as well as possible.
Tip#3: Label Up Your Storage Boxes
One of the most important self storage packing tips you can follow is to label up the boxes. On the outside of your storage boxes, label them clearly. We suggest that you make a list with information about what is inside each box and then stick the list to one side of the box, just above where the tape is. Use a waterproof marker and make sure you write large enough for you to read easily.
Tip#4: Stack Smart
To avoid wasting space and to make the most of your storage unit, consider using stackable or collapsible containers. When stacking boxes, start with the heavier boxes first, then move to lighter boxes. That way you won’t have to worry about heavy boxes crushing lighter ones later on. Place heavier items on lower shelves and lighter things on upper shelves. This will keep your items from crushing each other.
Tip#5: Plan Your Storage Placement
To make sure each item in your unit will have a designated place, draw a layout of the space and label where everything will go. This will keep you from having items left over and a half empty unit. It’s also important to consider accessibility when planning your storage space. Place items you know you’ll be accessing often toward the front of the unit.
Tip#6: Utilize All the Storage Space
Self-storage is a great way to store your goods for long time. Self-storage can also be used for storing items that you don’t use much frequently but needs them to be accessible any time. Utilize all the storage space in storage unit properly and give a path to yourself to move around in it. Store your items in a more organized way, thus giving you saved space and easy accessibility at the same time.
Tip#7: Prepare a Storage Inventory
Take an inventory of everything you plan on storing and keep it in a safe place. Make sure to note the quantity of each item and any unique markings or characteristics. With this inventory, you can easily see what you need to pack, how much space you will need in your storage unit, and what items should be placed in the front for easy access.
Tip#8: Keep Airy and Dry Things When Packing
In order for your belongings to stay in tip-top condition, it is important that they remain aerated and well ventilated. When storing or packing belongings into boxes, make sure you leave adequate space between each item. This will allow air to pass through the box and keep your items from getting moldy or mildewed.
Tip#9: Defuel Vehicle Before Storing
It is a good idea to defuel your vehicle before storing it at a self-storage facility. Defueling the vehicle will help prevent any accidents from occurring and will also help to reduce any annoying smells that may occur throughout the storage period.
Tip#10: Don’t Overload or Underload Storage Boxes
If you overload your boxes, though, they might collapse when you try to move them, damaging whatever was inside. If you underload them, they will take up more space than necessary. This is wasteful, and it could even lead to extra charges if you accidentally exceed your storage limits because of it.
Tip#11: Protect Your Delicates
If you are packing a lot of glassware, you may want to consider using dish-pack boxes. These are specially made boxes that are reinforced with heavy cardboard, making them less likely to break underweight. You can also line the bottom of your standard moving box with a layer of foam or extra padding.
Tip#12: Dismantle Furniture Before Storing
Dismantling your furniture before storage will save you space in the storage unit. Furniture such as beds and tables can use up quite a bit of space if left assembled, which means that you will need a larger unit than you would otherwise require. This will mean extra expense for you, so the less space you need, the better.
Summing up:
Self storage is a great way to get extra space when you only need it for a short time. Self storage places can be found in almost every neighborhood, so it’s a good idea to know some insider tricks and tips for using a storage unit. This article will show you some helpful techniques to make sure that you have the best possible self storage experience.
