22 Tips for Organizing A Storage Unit Properly
Storing your items in a storage unit is actually an art form in many ways. Anytime your store your items in self-storage, it’s very similar to solving a geometry equation. If you don’t store your items properly it could result in underused space and higher costs, this is why organizing a storage unit properly is very important. Many, stack items on top of one another, but fail to realize that if they don’t stack them correctly, items can topple and crush other items. This brings to light, the fact that people need to know how to properly organize their storage units.
Knowing how to organize your storage locker will also help you during the time of your storage experience to access frequently used items without having to search through the storage locker and clutter things up. Safe & Secure Self Storage decided to educate you the reader on how to save space, time and money by organizing a storage unit properly when you store your goods with us.
Without Further ado…
Here’s 22 Tips on Organizing A Storage Unit
12 Tips for Packaging Boxes Correctly
1. Organizing: Before boxing your things, make a list and assign each room that your packing to groups of boxes, then sub label them to identify what’s in them. Make sure you have the label clearly marked on the box, so you can see it when searching for it in your storage locker.
As you’re making the list, it’s good to note the estimated value of the items inside, this helps you gauge the value of the items in your storage unit for insurance that most companies make you purchase when storing with them.
2. Don’t use more than two different sizes of boxes: This allows you to stack boxes on top of one another much easier. If you watch “Storage Wars” or have ever been to a storage auction, then you’ve seen what stacking big boxes on little boxes can do. It’s important to stack smaller boxes on top of bigger boxes and to make sure that the bottom box is sturdy enough to hold any boxes on top of it.
3. Avoid dust: Make sure you put all items in boxes to avoid dust and mildew.
4. Don’t waste space: Make a good attempt to fill every box, but don’t pack a lot of heavy materials in one box. This will allow you to conserve space and avoid pulling your back out, moving it. When packing the bigger boxes, pack the heavier items first, then fill the rest with the lighter items to assure maximum space usage.
5. Don’t Use Plastic Bags: Storing items in sealed plastic backs could seem like it’s safe, but it’s not. Storing stuff like cloths in plastic bags and other fabrics could potentially spell disaster due to mildew.
6. Pack Books Wisely: If you have a lot of books that need to be stored, store them properly. Using smaller boxes will assure you can move them easily and that they’re not being crushed by other books. Store books on their sides to assure there is no spine damage to the books while in storage.
7. Avoid a water mess: You usually only have to worry about this in an out-door storage unit, but if you’re storing in an out-door storage unit, it’s best to listen. Freezers and refrigerators should be completely de-thawed before being stored in a storage unit. Drain your washing machines completely. Then, make sure that your valuables aren’t on the floor. Lastly, ask the storage company if there have ever been any problems with flooding, especially if the storage company is located in a flood zone or close to water level.
8. Storing Fragile Items Properly: We covered this here in-depth, but to further the discussion, packing breakables in bubble wrap and tape padding onto pictures, to assure maximum safety.
9. Wardrobe Boxes are the best: When packing cloths, we suggest using wardrobe boxes where you can. You can hang the cloths inside to ensure their shape stays the same.
10. Make use of old towels and sheets: When wrapping your stuff, use old cloths and not plastic.
11. Storing Tools and Equipment Safely: When preparing metal equipment for storage, you must drain the fuel completely. (In many cases this is requested by insurance.) Giving the tools a rubdown with oil will keep them from rusting.
12. Use packing tape to seal boxes: Sealing your boxes with packing tape will help ward off dust and mold.
DON’T LEAVE YOUR UNIT LIKE THIS! Organize a storage unit properly to avoid headaches later on.
10 Tips for Organizing A Storage Unit After Boxing is Done
1. Planning ahead: Making a plan of how you’re going to be inserting the boxes into your unit before you get started with the loading of your items will save you a lot of time in the long run.
2. Using pallets on the ground: Before loading your boxes, you may want to arrange raised pallets according to the plan you develop. This will prevent rats, ants and silverfish from building a home in the bottom of your boxes. (This usually only applies to outdoor storage.)
3. Avoiding Mildew: Don’t store wet items because wet items can cause mildew, mold and water damage.
4. Using shelves for storage: If you have shelves available, you may want to think about using them for your “storage plan.” Using shelves to store smaller items and the items you may need access to on a regular basis are a smart idea.
5. Smart Storage: Store mirrors and frames on their sides and never flat. This avoids them being crushed. It’s also good practice to wrap them in blankets.
6. Storing for best access: It’s always best to stack boxes in such a way that they can be readily accessible. If you can, make an aisle that will help you move through your storage unit to find items you’ll need throughout your storage lease.
7. Keeping the important stuff in the front: Placing boxes that contain items you may need later are best suited in areas easy to access.
8. Dismantling furniture to save space: For example, storing a table or chairs with detachable legs disassembled is the best way to maximize space. Use drawers to store small items as well. We covered this here.
9. Conserving Space: Use hollow areas of the furniture to store small items to make your unit appear less cluttered and your important items easier to find.
10. Avoid infestation: Use moisture absorbers, mothballs, and rodent bait within your unit to assure the maximum safety of your stuff.
Selecting a Safe & Secure Storage Unit for Organizing a Storage Unit Properly
One of the more important decisions is choosing the right storage facility and making sure it’s going to meet your needs. Safe & Secure Self Storage has several thousand units for anyone looking for self storage in New York City or New Jersey.
Practicing the fundamentals we have described above will assure your stuff is stored correctly, easy to access and safe for its stay and years to come.
