Whether you are moving to a new city, a smaller house, or you simply need to get rid of some extra stuff and declutter your home, finding a storage unit can be a challenging process. It’s kind of similar to finding a landlord you can trust and establish a collaborative relationship with.
Storage facilities are large warehouses where you can find multiple storage units that vary in size and features. Most storage facilities offer a range of rental packages that suit various budgets and needs, so you will definitely find a unit that accommodates all your belongings.
Still, the process of finding a storage unit can be quite challenging, especially if it is your first time doing so. Depending on the stuff you are planning on storing there, you need to take into consideration a variety of factors that can influence the price as well.
Besides finding a storage unit that suits your needs, you also need to organize it properly if you want to make the most out of that space. Otherwise, it will end up looking like a large pile of junk closed behind some doors, and you’ll do yourself more harm than good.
To help you out, we have put together a list of tips that you can apply when searching for a storage unit and organizing it, so keep reading to find out more.
Assess your needs
Before you go on looking for a storage facility, you need to take a look at what you are planning to store. Keep in mind that you won’t only need to store your stuff there, but you also need some room to access the boxes and work around them. Plus, you may need more space in the future, and the last thing you want is to have to move all your stuff again.
If you have to store things that are temperature-sensitive, then you also need to look for a storage unit that is climate-controlled. Additionally, if you are planning on storing valuable items there, you may want to look for a storage unit with a built-in safe and make sure the facility has good security. It may be worth insuring your storage unit or the items inside it as well to protect your assets.
Do your research
Now that you know exactly what you are looking for, it’s time to go on a hunt for affordable storage units. It may be tempting to choose a storage facility that is close to where you live but don’t make it the only factor that counts. A cheap storage unit that’s just in the neighborhood may sound like a dream come true, but make sure it also checks the other boxes.
Read online reviews and see what people have to say about the place, the customer service, and the safety of their goods so that you don’t end up with more of a hassle than you need.
Remember to check both office hours and gate hours to see if the schedule is convenient for you as well. If you are wondering what these are, gate hours are the hours during which you can access the facility, whereas office hours are the hours during which the staff of the storage facility is available for business.
Make sure everything is clean
Once you found a storage unit you like, it’s time to rent it and start organizing your stuff. But before you start bringing in boxes, make sure you give the storage unit a thorough cleanup. Dust everything, sweep the floor, and use disinfectant if you really want to go the extra mile.
Besides cleaning the unit itself, make sure everything you plan on storing there is clean as well. If you are going to store things that are full of dust and dirt, they will only end up gathering more dirt in the months you plan to stack them there, and that only means extra work for you. Plus, dirty things can get damaged much faster, especially if we talk about appliances and furniture.
Make a list of things you are storing
Especially when you have a lot of stuff you plan to store, it can get very easy to lose track of your belongings. This is why it is recommended you inventory everything you are putting away and make a list. Sure, this is going to take some time, but it’s going to be a lot much easier to do this rather than spending hours trying to locate a particular item that you know is somewhere in those boxes.
Before putting everything in boxes, write down everything you are going to store, together with some particular details about each object. This can include serial numbers, make and model, a description of the item, existent damages, monetary value, as well as how and where they are packed.
Pack everything right
To make sure your items won’t end up getting damaged in the process, it is paramount that you pack them right. Avoid plastic packing, especially for furniture, as it can suffocate the items and lead to moisture buildup over extended periods of time. Use old sheets or other cloth materials and drape them over the said items, allowing air to circulate and preventing damage.
If you are packing appliances and electronics, make sure they are properly cleaned, and any remaining liquid is drained. Remove fragile pieces and pack them separately to avoid damage. Place the appliances in boxes and make sure there is no room for wiggle inside the boxes. If you have the original boxes, that’s even better, but otherwise, you can place paper clumps or bubble wrap inside the box to keep the items from moving around.
If you are storing clothes and fabric pieces, the best way to do this is to place them in plastic containers with lids to protect them from moisture and dust. You can also store clothes in vacuum-sealed bags to save up some space and prevent moisture, but be careful, as this method can damage delicate pieces.
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