A little planning ahead will ensure you have an organized storage unit and that space is maximized.
13 tips to help you pack and organize a storage unit:
1. Check your unit for any damage
2. Create an inventory list of your stored belongings
3. Create a map of your self storage unit
4. Label each box
5. Install Shelving
6. Avoid plastic bags
7. Protect your furniture while in storage
8. Pad your breakables
9. Seal boxes
10. Keep important things at the front
11. Treat your furniture before storing
12. What about electronics
13. Storing Appliances
Before you pack anything into your storage unit, inspect it for any damages. Check the walls, roof and floors and let the staff know of anything you find. You want to make sure that there are no sharp edges, cracks or leaks. Quality storage facilities have taken the time to find these discrepancies even before you rent the unit.
Creating an inventory list will assist you when looking for a specific item. It may seem unnecessary, but knowing the contents of your storage unit will make life much easier. You may wish to have it digital or just the old fashion paper method. Write down your contents of each box.
Draw a map of your unit and its contents and place it just inside your storage space where you can see it. This way, you will not have to pull everything out to find one item. Line the walls first, leaving aisles so you can access everything.
Clearly label each box. You may also wish to colour code the labels. Limit your box sizes to two sizes, as this will help maximize your storage space. When labelling boxes, label on the top as well as at least one side. Use a permanent marker when labelling your boxes so that the ink does not smudge off.
Metal shelving in a storage unit can help organize the space and make use of the total square footage. Shelving units allow you to stack boxes, maximizing the height. If you do not install shelving, dressers can provide additional space by utilizing the drawers to pack smaller items.
Although it may seem like a good idea to use plastic bags when storing your items, we do not recommend it. Plastic bags can create mildew and cause damage. Airtight bags are more suitable and can help minimize the bulk of your items.
Take your time and extra care when packing your furniture for storage. Drape furniture with old sheets or blankets. Be careful not to put tape directly onto the furniture, place it around the sheets or blankets.
Dismantle table legs, making sure you keep the bolts and screws in a labelled bag for quick assembly as this will save space in your rented storage unit. Snap a quick photo and keep it for future reference.
Using bubble wrap to pack your breakables is a great idea. Mirrors, picture frames and other breakables are kept safe with bubble wrap. You may also wish to consider mirror boxes, as they also will help protect your items.
When packing in cardboard boxes, your main goal is to protect what is inside. Packing tape is great for sealing your boxes. We recommend using the H Shape sealing method. It offers the best strength and provides a tamper-proof seal. How do you do the H shape? Place the tape across the joining long ends of the box and create the H shape by sealing the box at each end.
Masking tape, duct tape and scotch tape are not satisfactory as they do not have strong enough adhesive to hold the boxes together.
Items that you need to access often should be at the front of the storage unit.
Furniture is an expensive purchase. Before storing your furniture, treat your wood furniture with wax to provide additional moisture while in storage. Clean fabric sofas, mattresses and chairs. Use an antibacterial cleaner that is safe for fabrics, allowing them to dry completely.
We suggest cleaning your leather surface with a soft cloth and a bowl of warm water with moisturizing soap to remove any stains. Use a circular motion and treat the leather with a leather conditioning product. Wrap the furniture, saving it from scuff marks and other damage. Avoid stacking heavy items on top of your leather furniture.
Whenever possible, pack electronics in their original boxes or choose boxes of similar size. Use packing paper to fill in spaces for a snug fit.
When storing freezers and refrigerators, stand them upright with their doors slightly open. All electrical appliances should be clean inside and out, as well as completely dry. For added protection, pack microwaves and computers in their original boxes.
These 13 easy storage tips will make packing your storage unit a breeze, saving you time, money and frustration. At Elite Self Storage we are here to help you with all your storage needs. Ask one of our storage rental experts for tips to help pack and organize a storage unit. We are here to help!
Elite Self Storage South Edmonton is conveniently located on the southside of Edmonton. This storage location offers indoor climate controlled storage, unheated drive up storage, indoor vehicle storage and RV Storage. We have lots of spaaaaaace! Call us today at 780-452-8242 or reserve a unit online.
Elite Self Storage Riel Park is conveniently located in St. Albert. This storage location offers indoor climate controlled storage, unheated drive up storage, vehicle storage and RV Storage. Call us today at 780-459-6435.
Let us be your storage solution in Edmonton or St. Albert. All of our Elite Storage facilities are committed in providing clean and secure storage with exceptional customer service.
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