If you are planning to renovate your home, you may need to store your belongings in a secure location until your renovations are complete.
Some people may wish to protect their most valuable possessions before going on vacation, while others may consider working abroad for a few months and may need a temporary storage solution.
Knowing how to organize and pack a storage unit will allow you to protect your most important belongings. The ideal setup will also maximize your storage space, allowing you to store even more items without having to rent a second unit.
Prevent your valuables from being overwritten, while still providing enough space for quick access to certain items if needed. Below we have provided some tips that will help you set up a storage unit for easy access.
Keep track of what you have
Before you make the call to reserve a storage unit, you need to declutter your home. During the decluttering process, you will come across many different elements. To make it easier for you, we suggest that you sort your goods into separate categories.
Keep all of your most valuable items in one place in your home so you can easily transport them to your storage unit without leaving anything behind. Any items you no longer use or need can be recycled, sold, or donated to a local charity.
Also, don’t forget to keep a list of every item you intend to store in your storage unit. Go through the checklist after storing all of your items to make sure you haven’t forgotten or lost anything of value.
Create a storage plan
Create separate categories as you sort your storage items. It also wouldn’t hurt to design a plan that outlines where you intend to store your items. Create a list of all the items you plan to store in your storage unit.
You also need to estimate how many boxes you will need to store everything properly, which also includes the size of the boxes. You may also need special containers for certain delicate or heavy items.
Pack the related things together
During the storage period, you will need to take into account the items that you will need to access frequently. Seasonal products in particular should be a top priority. Items that are similar and that go together should be placed in a separate box for safekeeping.
Examples can include Halloween, Christmas, New Year, and Easter decorations. Each container or storage box should also have a box number that represents the area in which they are placed.
It is also advisable to add a detailed note on any bins or containers that you will need frequent access to. Store these items last before leaving the storage unit.
You may need to upgrade to a larger unit in some cases. While a small or medium size unit may be enough to store all of your items, a larger unit will make it easier for you to retrieve certain items you need.
How to organize the storage unit
Whether you plan to use your storage unit for a week or several months, you need to make sure that the unit is not only clutter-free, but also tidy. Keeping your self storage unit in good working order can take some work, but it will pay big dividends in the long run.
To make it easier for you, we suggest that you label each box you pack before transporting it to your self-storage unit.
Creating a master table of contents will help you organize your storage unit. Stackable boxes can also save you space and prevent obstacles from causing problems.
However, be sure to stack the lightest boxes on top, as you don’t want the bottom boxes of the stack to be squashed under the weight of the heavier boxes. Another option is to place the items on sturdy shelves instead.
Self storage units tend to include a lot of features that will protect your belongings from damage or theft. However, if you have any doubts, ask the owner to provide you with a list of all features / services included.
Most storage facilities will include 24/7 surveillance / surveillance services to ensure thieves, arsonists and vandals do not enter the facility.
Heavy-duty locks, patrol guard units, and fire and water resistant air-conditioned units can also be included in your package.
Stay protected
Selecting the right self-storage unit is paramount if you want to keep your valuables safe, secure and organized. Prevent your goods from being lost or damaged by organizing them in a safe and efficient way.