Container storage tips for portable storage are handy in today’s fast-paced world. The ability to efficiently manage and store possessions or inventory can significantly impact your home or business’s functionality and productivity.
Mobile storage solutions, including storage container rentals, moving trucks, and other portable storage units have emerged as a flexible and convenient option for both temporary storage and long term storage needs.
Whether you need to renovate, relocate, declutter, or simply need extra space, these tips can streamline the process and ensure the safety of items while in storage and on moving day.
Why Choose Container Storage?
Container storage, also known as mobile storage or portable storage, offers the most flexibility of all storage options. It caters effectively to both residential and commercial needs and provides both onsite and offsite storage capability.
Business Storage Solutions:
- Inventory management
- On-site storage of equipment
- Construction trailers
- Simplify operations during relocation
Personal Storage Solutions:
- Home Renovations
- Staging your home to sell
- Packing and moving
- Free up space
Convenience & Mobility
Many people find packing a portable storage box can be particularly appealing because of its convenience. Mobile storage units can be easily delivered to your location and remain on site while you pack and load. Then when ready, we pick up the unit and deliver it wherever required.
For moving, this eliminates the need for the additional step of moving into storage and then back out on the closing day of your new home. You can rent a storage unit for a short term, such as home improvement projects or staging your home. Renting storage bins also helps for longer-term needs, like storing seasonal merchandise for businesses.
Accessibility & Security
The ability to have these units placed on-site means belongings are both accessible when needed and securely stored out of the way. This saves space and maintains order whether at home or in the workplace. You can also choose to move your Big Box storage containers to our secure storage facility and maintain access off-site and out of the way.
Ideal for Automobile Storage
Instead of parking your everyday vehicle in the driveway over the winter to use the garage for summer car storage, many consider vehicle storage facilities. Our Big Box rentals London Ontario provide an excellent alternative for most vehicle storage. You can store it in our yard or place the container in yours for handy drive up storage.
Tips for Packing Portable Storage Containers
Easy Access
When packing your mobile storage unit, keep the ease of access to items while in storage in mind. Start the process by sorting your items into categories, prioritizing them based on the frequency of use and their size and weight. Remember to label all of your boxes.
For ease of moving boxes, pack heavy items into smaller containers. Stack heavy items, such as large boxes and furniture, towards the rear and bottom of the unit. This not only ensures a more efficient use of space but also contributes to the safety and stability of your stored items.
For items that you’ll need to access more frequently, position them near the front of the unit or on top of heavier items, making sure they are easily reachable. You may also wish to avoid storing items you need to access frequently in boxes sealed with packing tape.
Incorporating shelving within your mobile storage can dramatically improve organization and accessibility, particularly for businesses managing inventory. Shelving allows for vertical space to be used effectively, enabling you to store more items in an orderly fashion.
To ensure that every item remains accessible, leave a clear pathway down the center of the unit. This pathway should provide unobstructed access to all items, allowing you to retrieve or add belongings without the need to remove other items.
Protect Items from Damage
For protection against environmental factors, use transparent, sealable plastic containers for smaller items. These containers are especially beneficial for keeping moisture and dust away, preserving the condition of your belongings compared to cardboard boxes.
When it comes to delicate or high-value items, taking preventive measures can save you from costly damages. Wrap furniture and electronics with furniture pads and moving blankets to prevent scuffs, scratches, and the accumulation of dust during storage.
Use bubble wrap or packing paper to wrap fragile items to cushion them individually. This ensures they are well-protected against knocks and vibrations that can occur within the unit.
Secure Items During Transport
In addition to packing boxes securely, they should be firmly sealed with heavy-duty tape to prevent them from opening unexpectedly, which could lead to damage or loss of items. For additional security, use bungee cords to secure large, loose items.
Proper weight distribution applies to stationary shipping containers in those moving from one place to another. Distribute the weight across the unit to avoid undue pressure on items that could cause deformation or breakage over time.
Security Measures for Your Mobile Storage Unit
Physical Security
Secure storage units to safeguard your belongings against theft or damage. Use high-quality locks that are resistant to tampering and cutting. Install surveillance systems or motion-detection lighting to deter potential intruders. Consider positioning your mobile storage unit in a location visible from your home or office to further enhance security through natural surveillance.
For businesses, limit access to the storage unit only to authorized individuals who require entry and manage inventory. This selective access minimizes risks of security breaches and accidental damage.
Maintenance and Organization
Maintain an up-to-date inventory of the contents of your storage unit so you know what you stored and where to find it when needed. This list should be detailed, documenting serial numbers and descriptions of high-value items. Include precise locations of each item within the unit.
When organizing the storage unit, consider employing colour-coding or labelling systems to categorize items. This method allows for quicker identification of item types or priority levels, especially beneficial in scenarios requiring frequent access to specific goods.
In the unfortunate event of a security breach, this inventory will be invaluable for insurance claims and police reports. An organized, inventoried unit makes recognizing missing items easier.
Seasonal Tips for Mobile Storage
Adjusting your mobile storage strategy with the changing seasons ensures optimal use and preserves the condition of stored items. For businesses, this means prioritizing the rotation of inventory to reflect current market demands, thus keeping the most sought-after products readily available.
Residential users benefit from swapping out seasonal gear, such as holiday decorations or summer sports equipment, to maintain an organized and clutter-free home environment.
Before transitioning items into storage for an extended period, it’s essential to clean and thoroughly dry them to ward off potential issues like mould or mildew, which thrive in damp conditions.
Incorporating moisture absorbers or desiccants within your storage unit can be a game-changer, especially during the humid summer months or in damp locations. This extra step helps protect sensitive items, including electronics, paperwork, and textiles, from the damaging effects of excessive moisture.
