Tips for storing your belongings suitably

Moving and finding good storage facilities go hand in hand. Chances are if you are relocating, you will have to put some of your belongings into storage on a temporary or long-term basis. Unless you are paying the moving companies additional fees to use their storage facilities, the chances are you will have find a self-storage unit to rent.
Self storage units – these are usually boxy, mini-warehouse buildings often found on the side roads of main highways nationwide. Renting self storage units can seem like a pretty open and shut job: you open the door to your self-storage unit, you unload your belongings into it, and you lock the doors. However, public self storage isn’t quite that simple. Even though it is just sitting there, a lot that could happen to your belongings in self-storage. It is important that you pick a suitable self-storage facility adequate for your needs. Once you have found one, it is equally important to ensure you pack your self storage unit correctly.

Self Storage Tips from Handy Moves

These pieces of advice can help you to make most out of your storage space:

Selecting a Self-Storage Facility

Location, location, location: an important factor. If you need the self storage facilities on a regular basis, you need one in close proximity to your home. However, if you are relocating further afield and will need storage space on route, you can find a reputable storage facility in most areas.

Consider how much space you really need. Self storage facilities rent units in many different sizes. It is best to choose a smaller storage unit and pack it to the ceiling than to pay for space you won’t use. If even the smallest storage units are too large, look into mini-storage facilities: self-storage facilities catering for small loads.

Remember to ask facility representatives how and when you can access your unit. Most self-storage and mini-storage facilities have free 24 hour access, but some facilities have restrictions and can charge fees for access out of standard working hours.

Ask about climate controlled units. If you are storing anything valuable or delicate such as antique furniture or important documents, they could be damaged as a result of being stored in a space that is too hot, damp, cold, or humid. For an extra cost, most public storage facilities can set you up with a unit where the temperature is controlled and humidity levels are restricted.

Packing Up Your Self-Storage Unit

Try to use boxes that are a standardized size, they are easier to stack. Remember to stack heavy items at the bottom and lighter ones towards the top.

Leave small walkway aisles between the boxes and furniture in your storage unit to enable easy access to the items you want. This will save you having to move anything around and causing any potential mess.
If you are storing a lot of packing boxes in your unit, try to fill any half full boxes with any extra padding such as crumpled newspapers. Boxes that are only half-filled tend to collapse over time if anything is placed on top of them.

If you’re putting any metal objects into storage such as lawnmowers or filing cabinets, make sure they have been cleaned and dried before they are stored. For items that are prone to rust, wipe them down with an old cloth containing a few drops of machine oil to hinder any rust.

Most public storage facilities have sufficient security. However, it is still advisable to take some precautions of your own against potential theft or damage. Pack your storage unit so that your highly valuable items are at the back of the unit. It is a good idea to purchase a high quality padlock to secure the door.
The humidity in your self storage unit can sometimes cause mildew to appear on your furniture and appliances. Leaving a space between your items and the unit wall allows air to circulate within the unit. Laying plastic sheets on the floor and stacking boxes on top of wooden pallets, can prevent any damage caused by condensation. Place old linen sheets or other fabrics over boxes and furniture to protect your belongings from gathering any dust.

If you are storing a refrigerator in your unit, leave the door ajar. This will prevent mould from growing inside from any residual bacteria or germs.

Avoid storing any food/ drink items with a limited shelf life in your unit. This will prevent anything going out of date and causing any nasty smells or spillages.

Under no circumstances should you keep anything flammable or combustible in your storage space. This includes gasoline, oil, cleaning fluids, or paint thinner. If you are storing any machinery that runs on gas, such as lawnmowers, drain the tank before you store it. Do not store any hazardous chemicals, fuel, or illegal items.