Self-Storage Tips and Tricks

Smart Self-Storage Tips and Tricks

Are you looking for tips to maximize space in your storage unit? With the right packing strategies, you can make the most of your storage unit and keep all of your items safe and secure. In this article, we’ll provide smart self-storage tips and tricks to help you pack furniture, electronics, clothing, food, and more into a storage unit. Keep reading to learn how to get the most out of your storage space!

Self-Storage Unit Tips and Tricks

Preparing to Store your Things:

  • Make a list of the packing supplies you will need, such as boxes, tape, bubble wrap, sharpie pens, silica, rope, and pallets.
  • Visit the facility that you want to store your items.
  • Take a list of what you are going to be storing so that the manager can help you determine the correct size for your needs.
  • Schedule your mover 2 - 3 weeks in advance.
  • Be sure to read the lease before signing it. Make sure you are aware of company policies on moving out, paying the rent and other valuable information.
  • If you are using a moving company, find out what size truck they will be using. This is valuable in determining if your unit will be accessible to that truck. Most moving companies charge more for the farther they must carry your things.

Self-Storage Do's:

  • Use pallets, wood blocks, plywood, or anything that will keep your items off the floor of the unit.
  • Use all the space in your unit. Plan as to how you are going to arrange your items. A good plan will save you the time of having to rearrange your unit.
  • Leave an aisle in the center of your unit so that you have a walkway to the back of the unit.
  • Use freestanding shelves to help organize your unit.
  • Label the boxes on all sides and keep a list for easy reference. This will save you time if you have to look for something in particular. When packing boxes fill them without making them too heavy to lift. Always put the heavier boxes on the bottom and the lighter ones on top of the heavier ones. This will prevent boxes from being crushed. Keep boxes off the floor.
  • Be sure to store frequently used items at the front of the unit to avoid having to search for them.
  • To protect your items cover them with moving pads, sheets, or light blankets.
  • Be sure to check your unit once a month.
  • Disassemble items such as tables, bed frames, etc. (This will save space.) Wrap and label all pieces for an easier time when you have to reassemble them. Put all hardware in bags and mark the bags accordingly.
  • When you disassemble electronics, such as computers, stereos, things that have numerous cords, place small colored stickers on the cord and the same color sticker where the cord goes. This will save you the hassle of trying to figure out what goes where when it comes time to reassemble your electronics.
  • If possible, use the original boxes to store your electronics and other items.
  • Make sure that all appliances are clean and dry before storing them. Leave appliance doors open slightly to prevent mildew.
  • If it is possible, store couches on end. Stack chairs seat to seat. Use the inside of appliances and drawers to store smaller items. When stacking furniture use paper pads in between the items to avoid scratching.
  • Store mirrors and paintings on end, not flat.
  • To prevent rust, rub a small amount of machine oil on metal tools, bicycles, and equipment. Drain and clean all debris from all equipment before you store it.
  • When wrapping collectibles or anything breakable, tape it after you wrap it. This should avoid mistaking them for excess paper to fill the box. Use bubble wrap or unprinted paper to wrap breakables. Group similar items together and mark the boxes accordingly.
  • Clothing and draperies should be stored in wardrobe boxes, on hangers, to retain their original shapes.
  • Purchase damage and theft insurance. If your belongings are worth storing, they are worth insuring.
  • Plastic bins are great to store your items. They have tight fitting lids and stack easily.
  • Keep the most valuable items in the rear of the unit. This will prevent others from seeing them when you are in your unit.
  • Keep out of season clothes accessible, you may have your belongings in storage longer than anticipated.
  • Be aware of your surroundings when you are in your unit. If you see a potential problem or anything suspicious alert the manager.
  • Enjoy the great and fun artwork done by one of Utah's finest mural painters.

Self-Storage Don'ts:

Self-Storage Tips and Tricks: Don'ts
  • Do not store any food items. This will prevent any unwanted guests. Flour, grain, sugar, dry goods attract mice, who are capable of chewing through walls and plastic containers to get to the food. Cockroaches and ants are another potential problem whenever you decide to store the foods they love.
  • Do not use plastic to cover your belongings. It retains moisture.
  • Do not pack your boxes so that they are too heavy to carry them. Especially when you are packing books.
  • Do not assume that your homeowners or renters' insurance will cover your belongings while in storage. Purchase the insurance.
  • Do not give out your password, gate code or any information to anyone that is not listed as having "Access".
  • Do not use printed newspapers. The ink may smudge and get on your items.
  • Do not forget to clean appliances before you store them.
  • Do not store any toxins or flammables. Such as paint, oil, or gasoline. You may be held liable for accidents caused by storing these hazardous materials.