How to Organize Your Self Storage Unit

Whether you’re renting a self storage unit for a short term or a long period of time, proper organization is the key to keeping your sanity when trying to access your goods. Many people also don’t realize that a logical organized approach to self storage can mean the difference between keeping your items safe, undamaged, and ending up with the scattered remains of the good china on the cold cement floor. Here are some tips to plan and organize your self storage unit and keep your belongings safe and secure.

www.gatekeeperselfstorage.ca

Before you start to pack, organize!
Throwing your possessions willy-nilly into boxes is not a good idea. First, plan your attack. Make an itemized list of everything going into storage. Sort those items into categories (i.e. kitchen / dinnerware; kitchen/ utensils) and then group together for easier storage.

Never seal a box without labeling it clearly on all sides. And be sure to indicate whether or not the contents are fragile. 

Number your boxes and add the numbers to your inventory list. If you need to access any boxes, you’ll know that the good kitchen knives are in Box 59. It doesn’t take long to do this and it can save you loads of time searching and when unpacking time rolls along.

Get consistently sized, good quality boxes. Whether you’re using cardboard or plastic, consistently sized boxes make stacking a lot easier. See through plastic boxes protect items from not only crushing, but also water damage. If you are using the less expensive option of cardboard, try and procure new packing boxes so the cardboard isn’t broken down and ripped.

Packing Tips
Pack your small valuables in drawers of larger furniture. They can be packed in peanuts, towels, bubble wrap or blankets but be sure to have those items included on your inventory list (i.e. large oak dresser / costume jewelry (top), china figures (middle), candlesticks and candles (bottom). Just be wary of the total weight of your furniture piece after it’s packed!

Don’t over pack OR underpack your boxes. Over packing can lead to too much wear and tear on the boxes and item damage; under packing can lead to immediate crushing of the boxes.

Filling the Storage Space
Clean your unit before filling. No matter which storage facility you choose, there is most likely going to be dirt, dust, spider webs and remnants of the last owner in your new unit so it is advisable to sweep it out at the very least. If the unit has really seen better days, a basic dilution of water and some environmentally friendly bleach or cleaning solution should do the trick.

Fill your unit wisely. 

• Packing your storage space is a lot like packing a grocery bag: the heaviest items should be on the bottom (furniture, books, etc.)
• Put the items you will need access to in the interim near the front so you can have easy access.
• Don’t stack the boxes too high. This can lead to not only item damage, but also personal injury when you’re in the unit.

Unpacking will be a breeze if you take the time to organize, plan and prepare before you pack and fill your unit.

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and web publisher. She is currently researching self storage in Stony Plain and organizational tactics.