Using a self-storage unit is a great way to clear space in your home and to store valuable items safely. Whether you are renovating your property, moving to a smaller home or heading off on your travels, hiring storage space gives you the opportunity to hang on to your goods even if you don’t have the space you need in your property.
Before we go on to talk about how to pack your storage unit effectively there is one thing you need to get right first.
Rent a suitable space!
There’s no point hiring a huge space if you only have a handful of items to store. Likewise, trying to cram too many items into a small space is a bad idea. Pick a self-storage company that offers a range of unit sizes rather than a one-size-fits-all system. If you’re not sure what space you need, have a chat with centre manager – a good centre will advise you on the correct size of unit you need.
But once you’ve found the right self-storage space, how do you ensure that your goods are stored carefully and efficiently?
- Cut the clutter. It’s worth getting rid of anything you don’t need rather than taking up valuable space with superfluous items. Work out if there is anything you can throw or give away, and don’t pack away anything you will need to use while your goods are in storage.
- Label your items. Attach labels to your boxes rather than writing directly onto them as you may wish to reuse them in the future. Keep these descriptions brief but record a detailed list in a notebook so you can access any item you need at a later date without opening up all your boxes. Remember to update your lists if you add or remove anything.
- Prepare your unit. Use plastic or cotton sheeting on the floor of your storage unit to protect items and to make it easier to shift furniture around.
- Packing your boxes. Don’t overfill your boxes with heavy items or it will be difficult to move them around. Protect delicate items with bubble wrap or packing paper and cover the corners of furniture with newspaper to prevent damage in transit. Use packaging to pad out your boxes so that they do not become squashed.
- Packing your unit. Make sure you put heavy items at the bottom and lighter items on top. Put valuable goods towards the back of the unit but make sure you leave an aisle so that all your possessions are within easy reach. Place belongings you may need to access in the near future at the front of the unit.
- Items you should not store. Do not pack any chemicals, paints or combustible items in your storage unit.
Check out our handy infographic on this blog here.
Packing your self-storage unit carefully will help prevent damage and will maximise the available space. At the Space Centre Self Storage in North Bristol and Gloucestershire, we provide storage units in a broad range of sizes, ranging from small student lockers to 200 square-foot containers. If you are looking for a flexible storage option, contact us today. We can help you decide which type of unit will work best for you and give you further advice about storing your items securely.