Top tips for storing your items
There’s many reasons for renting out a self-storage space but whatever the reason, if you find yourself using one, you are going to want to ensure you are packing everything correctly, and you are using your space wisely. To begin with, you are going to want to find something affordable, secure and local. You can find a large array of self-storage solutions that fit this criteria at Spacer.
So, with your storage space found, how should you be storing your items? Here are our top tips:
Wrap everything you can
Industrial plastic wrap is helpful for wrapping a lot of items. It will keep dust and insects out, and protect your items from any moisture that might appear. You can purchase rolls at stores like OfficeWorks.
If you are storing furniture or things like mattresses, a breathable material should be used to wrap it for protection. Mattresses should be stored on their side and off the ground in case of any dampness that could cause damage. It’s also important to remember not to store anything on top of your mattress as this could damage the coils within, the only thing that should be on it is the plastic cover.
Pallets can be helpful
Pallets will help you stack all your items off the floor and on an even surface. Keeping your items off the floor will prevent any liquids from spills or leaks damaging them.
Use a strong, small lock
While most units will come with security and/or locks, you want to ensure that you have a lock that only you can access and that you are confident in. Use an all weather pad lock that has a short arm. This will ensure your lock can’t be broken open by bolt cutters in the off chance of a robbery.
Use Labels
While you might be organised and know exactly what you’re putting into storage, in a few months when you need to take something out, your memory might not be so good. Labelling everything from the obvious boxes to your secure documents will make life a lot easier for your future self and will also keep your storage space tidy and organised. Having a checklist with all the items stored, and even their location can also prove to be worthwhile.
Protect the storage space
Of course your top priority is to protect what you’re are putting into storage, however, protecting the actual room or space you are using is also very important. Any damage to the unit can result in hefty fees for their repair. Use drop clothes and sheets to protect any items that might scratch the floor, walls or roofs.
Be aware of temperature changes
This will likely not apply to a lot of areas of the country, however certain items don’t react well with high or low temperatures. Things such as old photos, vinyl records and some electronics may be affected by certain temperature changes. This can be avoided by properly insulating such items, or wrapping them properly. Another option that can be considered, if you are looking to store temperature sensitive items, is climate control which some storage units may provide.
Pack smart!
If you use your space wisely, you can fit a surprising amount into a small storage unit. This will take a bit of thought and planning but the effort will mean you have plenty of room to fit all of your items. You should plan out a corridor space where you can walk in and out of the unit so you can reach all, or most of, your items. From here you should pack the heaviest and largest items down the bottom. Think about what you will need to access the least and put this at the back of the room. Things you might need more easy access to, should go towards the front, above other things. Use sheets of plywood to lay across the top of boxes to create a sturdy base for a new level. This will help take pressure of boxes below and make it easier to stack high! Remember to be careful and keep heavy objects below head height. Lightweight items can be stacked higher.
No matter what the reason is for using self-storage, these tips will help you to use the space safely and wisely, a bit of planning and organisation can make all the difference.
