From time to time, we all might require the use of a self-storage unit. Perhaps you’ve moved into a smaller place. Or perhaps you’ve simply got too much ‘stuff’ that you don’t want to throw out, but also don’t have room for in your home.
A self-storage unit is the ideal solution to these types of problems. To get the best value for your monthly rental fees, we’ve put together some tips for how to maximize your storage space so that your belongings will be properly loaded. These tips will also take into consideration the fact that you may wish to access the storage from time to time.
Accessing Your Belongings
While the purpose of a self-storage unit is to store items that you don’t frequently use, it’s inevitable that as soon as you pack something away for safekeeping, you’ll suddenly find a ‘need’ for it. With that little bit of Murphy’s Law in mind, when you’re loading up the storage unit, be sure to save those items that you may suddenly ‘need’ again for last. That way they’ll be easy to access without having to undo a jigsaw puzzle of boxes.
Use Proper Packing Materials
While it’s easy and fast to just load up all those empty plastic grocery bags you have under the kitchen sink with all your stuff, it’s not practical to do so if you’re planning to fill up or nearly fill up an entire storage locker. Using proper packing materials will help you in a number of ways:
. Keep things organized
. Allow you to properly label the contents of each box
. Allow you to properly seal the boxes to cut down on the possibility of bugs and rodents gaining access
. Stack boxes one on top of the other and provide stability for each level of boxes to be stacked
. Always use clean durable cardboard moving boxes and strong packing tape. Purchase labels or markers, packing peanuts (or use newspapers if you have a bunch in the recycle bin) and if you plan to store lots of clothing, wardrobe boxes can be purchased that will allow you to hang the clothing instead of folding it up.
For very heavy items, pack only one per box. This will make it easier to move the boxes, and possibly save you from a bad backache!
Proper Loading Into the Storage Unit
Loading the storage unit properly is key in protecting your belongings. It will also make it much easier to find and unload a box here or there, or simply empty out the unit completely.When you’re loading, always place the heaviest items on the bottom row of boxes. This will provide stability for the next level of lighter boxes, and prevent toppling and crushing of boxes.
Be sure to leave a little bit of space between each box you stack. This will allow air circulation. It will also give you some ‘finger room’ to wiggle an individual box out without having to move the whole pile.
Label the Boxes
Labelling the boxes with the contents of each is one of the easiest and most beneficial things you can do when packing up your belongings. Not only will it help you when it’s time to empty out the unit and place the belongings back in your home, it will also help you in locating that one box that contains the left handed widget you were positive you’d never use again, yet suddenly can’t live without.
Valuables
If you plan to store any items that are valuable or fragile in nature, there’s no such thing as ‘too much packing’. Even if items aren’t valuable in a monetary way, if they have important sentimental meaning to you, give them special treatment and wrap them well. Use lots of packing peanuts and/or newspapers, tissue paper, clothing, old towels and bedding – whatever you have handy to cushion these types of items for safekeeping.
Mirrors, Windows, Large Panes of Glass Etc.
It goes without saying that any of these types of items should never be laid flat on any surface. Always store these types of items upright and with plenty of cushion around them. This will prevent shattering and cracking.
Heavy First, Light Last
As noted, the heaviest items should always be packed on the bottom followed by lighter items on top. This will protect the lighter items from being crushed, and will also prevent stacks of boxes toppling down on you when you’re accessing the storage unit.
Summary
Here at Macho Self Storage, your best storage experience is our business!
