Are you planning to declutter and organize your household this summer? Renting a self-storage space is a great way to create space, but optimizing that space requires careful planning. Before you pack up and move your belongings, consider these ten tips and tricks to make the most out of your self-storage unit:
- Choose the Right Packing Method: Depending on the items you’re storing, decide whether boxes, totes, or other containers will provide better protection. Consider purchasing specialized boxes for fragile or valuable items to ensure their safety during transport and storage.
- Label Your Storage Boxes: Avoid the stress of searching through boxes by labeling them properly. Clear labels will make it easier to locate specific items when you need them in the future.
- Dismantle Furniture: If possible, disassemble furniture before storing it. This will create more space and allow for efficient placement of other items in the unit. Check our blog post, “Self Storage: 4 Tips to Preserve Your Furniture While in Long-Term Storage,” for more guidance on storing furniture.
- Keep Unwanted Critters Out: Use dryer sheets to deter insects and spiders from your stored items. Place sheets in the corners of the unit and over boxes, especially near the front. Replace the sheets monthly to maintain their effectiveness.
- Create an Aisle: Instead of randomly stacking boxes, create an aisle in your storage unit. This way, you can easily access items placed at the back without having to move everything in front.
- Provide Ventilation: Leave a small gap between the walls of the unit and your boxes to promote air circulation and prevent mold. Using wooden pallets to elevate boxes off the floor will enhance ventilation further.
- De-Fuel Appliances: Before storing fuel-powered appliances such as lawn mowers or snowmobiles, empty their tanks or fill them completely. This prevents condensation buildup within the tanks.
- Absorb Moisture: Place charcoal in a saucepan and leave it in your unit to absorb excess moisture. This helps maintain a dry environment and protects your belongings.
- Plan Storage Placement: Create a rough plan and map out where each item will be placed in your unit. This allows you to maximize the space efficiently. Place frequently accessed items near the front and heavier boxes on the bottom to avoid compression.
- Create a Storage Inventory: Keep a detailed inventory of the items in your self-storage unit to avoid purchasing duplicate items or forgetting what you have stored. This inventory will serve as a helpful reference whenever you need to locate specific belongings.
If you have any questions about your self-storage unit or would like to request a quote, don’t hesitate to contact the knowledgeable experts at Calloway Storage today. They are ready to assist you with your storage needs.