Self-storage is actually an art and a science. Doing it properly and with some careful thought will ensure that your stacks of boxes will not fall over and possibly hurt you or damage your other things.
This will also help you know exactly where you put each item so that it will not be hard to find and retrieve later on. This way, you don’t have to open each box just to find one item. More importantly, packing and organizing your things will make them last longer – as they won’t be filled with dust or grime.
Here are 22 tips to help ensure success in using your self-storage unit.
Tips for Packing Boxes:
1. Stay organized: Before putting your things in a box, make a list and assign each item to its respective box. Make labels for each box and attach these labels to all sides of the box as well as the top of the box.
When making your list, also write down the estimated replacement value for each, particularly if you want to insure your things. If there are breakables, place “fragile” stickers on the box.
2. Use no more than two sizes of boxes: This way, stacking the boxes will be easier and more organized. Boxes should be sturdy enough that the bottom box can withstand the weight of all the other boxes being stacked on top of it.
3. Keep your items safe: As often as possible, put your items in boxes to prevent them from getting dusty.
4. Try not to waste space: Fill up the entire box but not all with heavy materials. You need to fill up a box completely to avoid its tendency to collapse or tip over. However, you should avoid filling it up with heavy items so that it won’t be hard for you to carry. When packing, fill the box with the heavy items first and then fill it to capacity with lighter items.
5. Avoid using plastic bags: Putting items in sealed plastic bags may seem like a good idea but it can actually invite mildew.
6. Pack books smart: When packing books, use smaller book boxes rather than putting them all in one large box. Store the books flat in the boxes rather than standing on end so that their spines will not be damaged.
7. Avoid a watery mess: Freezers and refrigerators should be stored with the door slightly open. Electrical appliances should be completely dry–defrost freezers and refrigerators, drain washing machines completely.
8. Pad your breakables: Pack breakables in bubble wrap or packing paper. Wrap mirrors and picture frames with bubble wrap.
9. Use wardrobe boxes: When packing clothes we recommend that you make use of clothes or wardrobe boxes where you can. Hang the clothes inside to ensure that they retain their shape.
10. Make use of old towels or sheets: When wrapping your things, use cloth and not plastic.
11. Store tools and equipment safely: When preparing metal tools and equipment for storage, you should drain these of fuel completely. A rub down with some oil will also help to prevent rust from forming.
12. Seal boxes with packing tape: Sealing your boxes will help ward off dust.
Tips for Organizing Your Self Storage Unit:
1. Plan ahead. Make a general plan of how you will place the boxes and furniture inside your storage unit before you get started.
2. Pallet the ground: Before putting the boxes in, arrange raised pallets according to your plan. This will prevent rats, silverfish and ants from making their home underneath your boxes. Be sure to also thoroughly clean the storage area.
3. Avoid mildew: Avoid putting in wet items as these may invite mildew, mold and other types of water damage.
4. Use shelves for storage: If there are shelves available, make use of them! Store smaller items or things you would like to keep handy.
5. Store smart: Store mirrors and frames standing on end, never flat.
6. Maintain accessibility: Stack boxes in such as way that each box can be easily accessed. Don’t store stacks and stacks of boxes together. Make an aisle that will allow you to access a box without having to move anything out of the way.
7. Keep important things front and center: Place the boxes with the things that you’ll most frequently need at the front part of a storage unit.
8. Dismantle furniture to save space: For instance, to store a table, you can remove the legs. Just be sure that all bolts and screws are kept in a labeled container and that you actually know how to put the piece of furniture back again.
9. Save space: Create more space in your storage box by using the hollow areas of big furniture. For instance, you can put in a box or two inside a wardrobe. The same goes for refrigerators, washing machines or stoves.
10. Avoid nasty situations: Place moisture absorbers, mothballs and rat bait in key areas.
easton says
I like the tip that you gave to defrost your freezer before you store it. My wife and I have been talking about finding a storage unit for if we move to a new home, and it would be important for us to know that we can store everything without complications. If we decide to move, I will be sure to defrost our freezer before we put it in storage.
Tyler Johnson says
That’s good to know that you should never store the mirrors flat. I would think that would make it a lot easier for them to break so that makes sense. I’ll have to make sure that if I decide to put some stuff in storage that I put the mirror in standing up.
Daphne Gilpin says
Thanks for the tip to save space by utilizing hollow areas of larger pieces, like wardrobes. My husband and I want to move to a smaller house now that our kids have all moved out, but I want to find a storage unit to hold on to my sentimental things. I’m glad I read your article because I feel much more prepared to optimize the space of a self storage unit!
Jeff Wilcox says
I like the tip that you gave to use boxes when you are putting your belongings in storage to keep them safe from dust. My wife and I have been talking about finding a storage unit for when we move this fall, and it would be important for us to know that we could find the best ways to keep our stuff clean when we do get the storage unit. If we decide to use storage, I will be sure to keep our stuff in boxes, so we could keep them clean.
Katie Wilson says
Thanks for these tips on how to find a good storage unit. It would make sense to find someone who is qualified and experienced as well. My husband and I are looking for a storage unit, so we’ll have to check their experience first.
Eli Richardson says
One thing that you said was that plastic bags will attract mildew. My wife stored her brother’s belonging in plastic bags. I better go back to the storage unit and put all the things in boxes. Thanks for so many beneficial tips on storing things properly.