Make The Most of Your Space
Making the most of your storage unit starts with smart packing and thoughtful organization. A little planning upfront can save you time, protect your belongings, and help you use your space more efficiently. Whether you’re storing for a short time or long term, these simple tips will help keep your items safe, accessible, and in great condition.
Packing Tips
- Plan Ahead: Start by listing all the items you’re going to store and their approximates sizes. Also, gather up plenty of sturdy, corrugated cartons, packing paper, bubble wrap, sealing tape and marker pens, along with any furniture covers or shelving you intend to use in your storage unit.
- Don’t overpack or under fill boxes: Fill boxes tightly, but take care to neither overpack nor underpack. (Bulging cartons tip when stacked, while half full boxes tend to collapse). Use wadded up newsprint, bubblewrap, rags, towels, or blankets to fill in empty spaces. For maximum protection seal cartons with tape.
- Pack heavy items such as books and tools in small boxes: For easier handling limit the weight of all cartons, regardless of size, to 30lbs. or less. This will make lifting safer and stacking easier.
- Label everything clearly: Mark boxes on multiple sides with the contents and the room they came from for easy access later. Keep a list (as well as pictures and descriptions) at your home or office for reference. Mark clearly all boxes containing fragile items.
- Clean and dry appliances before storing: Fridges, freezers and other white goods should be clean and dry before storing, with a deodoriser inside for freshness, and the door slightly ajar. Secure all movable parts with paper, or wedge and wrap a paper pad around each item for protection. During transport tape all doors shut, but remember to wedge them open for storage.
- Tape or tie bed rails together: Mark the pieces for easier assembly later. Place covers or plastic bags on mattresses to keep them clean during storage.
- Pack books and photographs flat: Line cartons with plastic and fill empty spaces with packing paper. Place photographs between two pieces of cardboard and tape them together to protect them from curling.
- Use bureau drawers to store small, fragile items: Secure items in drawer by filling empty spaces with towels or packing paper.
- Protect chair legs by wrapping them in packing paper: Leave slipcovers on upholstered chairs and cover them with plastic chair covers.
- Hang clothes and draperies in wardrobe boxes: Add mothballs or cedar chips for extra protection
- Use lots of paper to pack dishes and glassware: Place a layer of packing paper inside the bottom and top of cartons. Wrap each dish and glass separately and cushion them with crumpled paper. Plates are best stacked on edge.
- Pack lamps and lampshades in individual boxes: Use plenty of clean paper or clothing for padding.
- Pad mirrors and paintings with paper and cardboard.
Storage Tips
- Plann your layout before moving in. Leave a clear aisle so you can reach items without unloading the entire unity.
- Store items you’ll need most often at the front of the unit. Keep seasonal or rarely used items toward the back of the unit.
- Do not place boxes directly on concrete floors, but use pallets or skids to prevent moisture absorption.
- Stack smart and safe. Place heavier boxes on the bottom and lighter boxes on top to avoid damage.
- If you’re storing tables and other furniture, remove legs and store tabletops and sofas upright to maximize your units height and save space.
- Mattresses should be covered and stored flat on level surfaces.
- Use protective covers and treat wood surfaces before storing.
- Drain gasoline and oil from lawn mowers and other items with small engines.
- Use trash cans to store shovels, hoes and rakes.
- When storing metal items, to retard rust, wipe all metal surfaces with a rag containing a few drops of machine oil.
- Common sense and state laws determine what may be stored. You alone control access to your storage space; therefore, never store live animals, perishables, liquids, explosives, flammable liquids and fuels, toxic materials, or other items that need a controlled environment.
- Check in occasionally. If possible, stop by from time to time to make sure everything remains secure and organized.
- Insure goods while in storage. Ask us about self storage insurance. We cannot be responsible for loss from fire or theft.
Quick Tip
Store the items you expect to need first near the front, and leave yourself a clear aisle so the unit stays useful after move-in day.
Need Help?
Questions about packing, storage, or available unit sizes? Give us a call and we’ll help you choose the right solution.