TIPS

Self-storage, both short and long term, is a great way to house  belongings during a period of transition or to simply free up some space  in your home. But when it comes to doing it right, it turns out that  figuring out how to pack a storage unit is only part of the battle. To really ensure you’re optimizing your  storage and keeping everything safe (not to mention making the process  as easy on yourself as possible), you’ll want to take a few extra steps.  Follow the self storage tips below for advice on how to tackle your  storage like a pro.

Don’t start searching at the last minute. The  storage unit you ultimately choose should be based on a few key factors,  including the size, price, and convenience level that makes the most  sense for your situation. To make sure you’re checking off all three  boxes, start your search early. If you wait too long to book, you may  find that what you’re looking for isn’t available, or you may just not  have enough time to do the necessary research. It’s better to start a  little early and have a plan in place than start late and have to make a  hurried decision.

Do take an inventory of what you plan to store. This  is helpful for two reasons. One, it helps you determine what size unit  you’re likely going to need, and two, it helps you stay organized once  everything is in there. It doesn’t have to be super detailed, just a  general overview of what you intend to be keeping in the unit; for  example, two dressers and six medium boxes. Based on what you inventory,  you’ll be able to use a storage unit size guide to select the best fit for your things.

Do label your boxes. If you’re using self storage,  chances are you don’t intend to be needing the items you’re packing up  for at least a couple of months. And even if you swear you’ll be able to  remember that the boxes packed in the right-hand corner contain your  extra kitchen utensils or sports equipment, you’d be surprised how easy  it is to forget what’s what once everything is sealed up and out of  sight. Labeling your boxes makes the unpacking process much easier, and  is also useful if you ever need to come in and grab something.

Don’t store anything super valuable. As a general  rule, if you can’t afford to lose it, you probably shouldn’t be putting  it in your storage unit. A majority of the time your belongings will be  just fine and there’s nothing to worry about, but self storage always  come with a risk – albeit a small one – that items will get damaged or  lost. To be safe, find an alternative way to house art, jewelry, family  heirlooms, and other valuable items that you don’t want to take any  chances with.

Do pack strategically. Some of the most crucial self  storage tips you’ll want to follow are those around how to pack your  things. You never know if or when you’ll need to  access your unit during the storage period, so organize everything in a  way that makes it easy – just in case. Store items you’re more likely to  need toward the front of the unit, and things you know you’ll be able  to live without for a while in the back. And think vertically. Instead  of crowding things across the bottom, take advantage of the unit’s  height (most are at least eight feet tall) and stack your items, keeping  the heavier things closer to the ground. If you can, leave a pathway  from the front of the unit to the back so that no item is completely out  of reach.

Don’t leave items unprotected. Prevent items from  getting damaged by taking the time to properly pack and wrap them.  Furniture should be covered with blankets or moving pads (not plastic,  which can trap moisture, resulting in mildew and mold), and anything  small should be boxed up. Fragile items should be carefully wrapped in  packing paper, and stored in a way that they can’t move around.

Do purchase insurance. Check to see if your renters  or homeowners insurance covers personal property in storage. If it  doesn’t already, you may be able to add it on or purchase a separate  storage insurance plan through the insurance company or the storage  company. It’s good peace of mind to have extra protection just in case,  especially since if you didn’t care about the items in your unit, you  probably wouldn’t be going through the trouble of storing them in the  first place.

Don’t store anything perishable. Be careful not to  pack anything in your unit that could spoil. In addition to leading to  bad odors, rotting food and plants could attract bugs and rodents, and  you definitely don’t want to happen upon either of those when you open  your unit.

Do ask for help, if you need it. Moving things into  storage is still a move, and it can be difficult to tackle all on your  own. Ask a friend or family member for help, especially if you’re going  to be loading heavy items or stacking things up high. Having an extra  set of hands will help the process go smoother and faster, and will  reduce the risk of injury when lifting furniture or other heavy things.

Don’t share your key or access code. Do not share your access code. Always use your best judgment,  and never allow someone into your unit unless you already know that you  trust them around your belongings. Storage units – or more specifically,  the items within them – have a lot of value for people with bad  intentions. Unless it’s a person you know and trust, you shouldn’t be  letting anyone in.

Do purchase a strong lock. In the same vein as the  advice above, be smart when it comes to securing your unit. If you’re  working with a storage company that requires you to supply your own  lock, spend a little bit of extra money to get a sturdy lock  that can’t be easily tampered with. Even storage facilities with  cameras and on-site staff can’t completely prevent something from  happening, so rest easy by putting a lock on there that you don’t have  to worry about.

Always store smartly. Following these self storage tips will help  ensure that you have the best storage experience possible, and that your  stored belongings are kept safe and in good condition for when you’re  finally ready to obtain them. You’ll be glad you took the time to do it  right