City Storage Group has you covered with some essential self storage tips to help you maximize your storage space all in one place. Renting a storage unit can provide you with the extra space needed to store items that you don’t have room for at home. But with limited space, it’s important to make the most of your rental unit.
In this blog post, we will share some tips and tricks to help you maximize your storage unit and keep your belongings organized and easily accessible for long-term usage. Whether you’re storing seasonal items or decluttering your home, these hacks will make your self-storage experience a breeze.
- Keep an inventory of your stored items
- Choose the right sized unit
- Pack efficiently
- Label containers
- Organize your unit efficiently
- Remember Regular Maintenance
Plan Ahead With an Inventory List and Choose the Right Size Unit
Renting a self-storage unit can be a game-changer when it comes to organizing your belongings and freeing up space in your home. But before you dive in and start packing, it’s crucial to plan and strategize how to make the most of your storage space.
First, make a list of items you need to store. To prevent losing this list, store it electronically. To make this list even more useful, include details such as size or even include a photo of each item or box. While packing, number your moving boxes and record that number on your inventory.
Then, use the inventory of your belongings to determine the appropriate size storage unit to accommodate everything before you pack your storage unit. Remember, choosing a slightly larger unit is better than cramming everything into a smaller one.
Why Proper Packing is a Must in Self-Storage
After making you inventory list and viewing the storage unit sizes to determine which best fits your needs, it’s time to think about how to efficiently pack your belongings.When packing a storage unit, proper packing techniques are essential. Whether you’re storing personal belongings or important documents, taking the time to pack everything correctly can make a big difference in the long run. Let’s discuss packing tips making proper packing a must in self-storage:
Clean and protect your stored items
Before you pack your belongings make sure you properly clean and protect to ensure the long-term safety of your items. Launder items like clothing, blankets and drapery. Wash fabric items and treat leather items with special conditioners to prevent germs and dirt from being transported to new locations.
Cover furniture with sheets or tarps protecting them from possible scratches or tears. Polish items made of wood add protection from the elements during transportation. Wipe down metal objects with machine oil to prevent rust and corrosion.
Use the right supplies
Assess the unit’s dimensions and the volume of items you possess to establish how many containers and shelving units you will need for optimal organization. If your unit will be outdoors, you may wish to cover the floor with thick plastic sheeting to protect the bottom of your boxes from condensation.
To ensure the safety of your items, use high-quality packing materials. Avoid using old or damaged boxes, as they may not provide sufficient protection. Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap or packing paper to cushion delicate items and prevent damage.
Consider wardrobe boxes to hang clothing and fabrics while in storage. Additionally, try to use the same sized boxes when possible. Avoid packing your items in plastic bags as they provide less protection and can trap moisture.
Pack boxes wisely
To prevent shifting during transit, pack your items tightly. Use fillers like newspapers or clothing to fill any empty spaces and keep everything secure. But be careful not to overfill your containers. Use larger boxes for things that don’t weigh much and smaller ones for heavy items.
Make sure fragile items such as glassware or electronics are properly packed and protected to prevent damage. Wrap dishes individually and place like-sized items together. Nest individually wrapped cups together and stack plates vertically.
For heavy items, like furniture or appliances, disassemble them if possible to maximize space. Store frame mirrors and art vertically, wrapping them in bubble wrap and double-wrapping the corners for extra protection. Avoid standing books on the end as it could lead to spine damage.
Label Containers Clearly and with Detail
One of the best self storage tips is organization. Labeling and organizing your self-storage space not only helps you keep track of your belongings, but it also makes it easier to find items when you need them long-term.
Take the time to label each box and container on each side. Indicating the contents of each box so you know exactly what’s inside without having to rummage through everything. You can use a labelling system, such as colour-coding or numbering, to make it even easier to locate specific items. Incorporate this information into your item inventory for easy reference.
Clearly label boxes marked as “fragile” for those that contain delicate items such as dishes, glassware, and electronics. This helps ensure they are handled with care.
Organizing Your Self-Storage Space to Get More Room
Sort items into categories
In addition to labelling, consider organizing your storage unit by category. Group similar items together, such as seasonal decorations, sports equipment, or kitchen supplies. This will make it easier to access specific items and keep your storage unit tidy.
Consider the frequency you will need to access items
When it’s time to pack your storage unit load your least-used items into the back of the unit. When loading your moving truck place these stored items in last allowing them to easily be placed in the unit first allowing more frequently used items at the front of your storage unit.
Stack boxes according to weight
When stacking boxes, make sure to place heavier items at the bottom and lighter items on top to avoid any accidents or damage. Place fragile items on top of other boxes.
Utilize vertical space with shelving
If you’re looking to maximize your self-storage unit and make the most of the space, remember to think vertically. Utilizing vertical space is a great way to get more room and create additional storage space in your rental unit.
Instead of simply stacking boxes on the floor, consider using shelves or wooden pallets to create vertical storage solutions. This will not only help you organize your belongings more efficiently, but it will also allow you to make use of every inch of space available.
Leave an aisle for easy access
You may wish to make a floor plan of your storage unit before loading items. Plan and organize where you will place categories of items. Remember to leave enough space to enable you to remove boxes and access the contents.
Conduct Regular Maintenance and Check-ups
Regular maintenance and check-ups are crucial when it comes to self-storage security. It’s not enough to simply pack your items and forget about them until you need them again. Regularly checking on your belongings and maintaining the condition of your storage unit will ensure that everything remains in good shape and prevent any unpleasant surprises.
- Look out for any signs of pests, such as droppings or chewed packaging, and address the issue promptly to prevent further damage.
- Check for any signs of leaks or water damage, as moisture can cause mould, mildew, and damage to your belongings. If you notice any issues, contact the facility manager right away to have them resolved.
- Consider dusting and sweeping to help maintain the cleanliness and prevent any unwanted critters from making themselves at home.
Lastly, don’t forget to update your inventory regularly. As you add or remove items from your storage unit, make sure to update your records. This will help you keep track of your belongings and ensure that everything is accounted for.
