You’ve moved your college student back to school to the dorm or apartment. Hmmm, there wasn’t room to fit everything in the space, so you need to put some of the furniture and items in storage. Or, maybe after moving your student to school, it is time to redecorate his or her room at the house. Need to empty out all the furniture and store it during the renovation? In this article, we does how to load a storage unit, taking into consideration accessing items later, organization of the unit and more!
We have seven helpful tips on storing your items short term and being able to access them easily while stored:
ACCESSING YOUR BELONGINGS
When you are 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
Instead of tossing in countless plastic bags full of items into the unit, use proper packing materials to keep boxes organized and provide for more space. Be sure to use clean durable cardboard moving boxes and strong packing tape. Purchase labels, markers, and packing peanuts. Be sure to store clothing in wardrobe boxes. There are several benefits for properly packing belongings in this manner:
- Keeps things organized
- Allows you to properly label contents of each box
- Allows you to properly seal the boxes
- Maximize space by stacking boxes
HOW TO LOAD A 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 and empty out the unit. 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.
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.:
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
When stacking, the heaviest items should always be packed on the bottom followed by lighter items on top.
CONTACT us at 877-99-MACHO to find a north Texas Macho Self Storage location near you for your classic car storage!
