Self-Storage Tips
The decision has been made to rent a storage unit. You have chosen the facility and the storage unit size that best fits your needs. The next step in the storage process is to make sure that you properly pack your storage unit to fully optimize the space in the storage unit. If you pack your storage unit correctly, then you can easily access your personal belongings when you need them. The packing for storage tips listed below are useful for both personal and business storage.
Packing for Storage
Before you start packing your items for storage, take an inventory of what you are storing. This will help you prioritize what should be packed, how to pack unusual sized items and how it should be stored within the storage unit. Below are a few self-storage packing tips to get your items prepared for storage:
- The first step to properly packing your storage unit is to have the correct moving and packing supplies. Every Storage Place facility offers boxes, packing tape, packaging materials, such as bubble wrap, newsprint or peanuts, as well as other supplies to help you properly pack boxes for storage.
- Label the contents on all four sides of the stored boxes as well as the top of the box. Keep a running inventory list of the boxes that you place in storage. This inventory list is a great reference tool when you need to retrieve specific items or you need to double check on what you stored.
- Seal all boxes with strong packing tape. Doing so will help to prevent dirt and dust getting into boxes and accumulating on the items during long-term storage.
- Take apart tables and beds for storage. Wrap the legs of these items together in bubble wrap or a cloth tarp to protect them. Put the nuts, bolts and screws inside a plastic bag and attach it to the leg of the item, so the smaller pieces do not get lost. Wrap headboards and table tops in blankets for additional protection during transit and while in storage.
How to Pack a Storage Unit
Once you have your belongings ready for storage, then it is crucial to know how to pack your storage unit in order to fit all of your items into the space. By following the correct storage unit packing tips below, you will be able to comfortably fit your items in the space, while allowing for room to walk through the storage unit.
- Clean out refrigerators, ovens and other appliances before placing in storage. Leave the doors to the refrigerator open during storage to prevent moisture from developing inside the appliance.
- Utilize all empty spaces in stored furniture, shelving units and appliances for additional storage of linens, smaller kitchen accessories and boxes.
- In the storage unit, stack like-size boxes together. The heavier boxes should be at the bottom of the stack with the lighter boxes on the top. Don’t place the boxes too high or they could topple over and crush or damage the items inside.
- Load chairs, mattresses and couches vertically in the storage unit to add more space for your boxes.
- Place electronics and least-used items towards the back of the storage unit. Have the possessions that you need to access the most towards the front of the storage unit.
- Leave enough space in your storage unit to create a walkway to easily get to your items.
- Place protective covering on the storage unit floor before you load in your items.
- To protect furniture or mattresses from dust, dirt or moisture, use cotton or canvas furniture and mattress covers.
- Bundle rakes, shovels and brooms together and place in a garbage can in your storage unit.
- Drain fluids from mowers, weed cutters and other machines while they are in storage. Place plastic or a piece of cardboard under these types of equipment for “just in case” drips.
- Do NOT store hazardous materials, paint, chemicals, cleaning supplies, or any other combustible items in a self-storage unit.
- Do Not Store Materials that can freeze in a non-temperature control unit, results of freezing could damage your other items.
If you have additional questions or need more storage unit tips, ask the storage professionals at PROVIDENCE SELF STORAGE. They are knowledgeable and trained to help our customers with queries concerning their storage needs. The PROVIDENCE SELF STORAGE wants to provide our customers with the best storage experience from clean and well-lit facilities to many storage amenities.