Self Storage

 

A self storage facility, whether temporary or long term, is an excellent method to store items during a time of change or simply free up space in your home.

 

How Do I Organise My Self Storage?

When it comes to organising your storage unit correctly, considering how to pack a storage container is just one aspect of the problem.

To really ensure you’re getting the most out of your storage space (not to mention making the process easy for yourself), you’ll need to take a few precautions.

Let’s take a look at the do’s and don’ts of renting self storage units.

 

Storage Unit – Do’s

 

Choosing A Reliable Storage Company

Make sure you pick a reputable company. When you store things, you’re putting your faith in a third party to look after them. Even if you aren’t planning on storing anything of great worth, it’s vital that you select one with a proven track record of dependability.

Before renting a storage unit, read reviews and previous customer testimonies to help you decide if it’s the right fit for you. Don’t pick an unsightly looking business, just because pricing is cheaper than the competition.

Storage Options

Take a look at what you’re going to store. This is beneficial for two reasons. One, it gives you a better idea when determining the appropriate size unit you require; and two, it assists in keeping everything organised once each box has been put away.

The list doesn’t have to be exhaustive; simply give a broad description of what you wish to retain in the storage unit, such as sports equipment and three wardrobe boxes.

Based on what you have, you may utilise a storage unit sizing chart to select the best match for your belongings.

Purchase Storage Insurance

Purchasing insurance is strongly recommended. Examine your renters or homeowners insurance, to see if it covers personal property in storage.

If it doesn’t, you may be able to add this to your insurance policy for an additional fee, or purchase insurance from the storage company directly.

 

Storage Unit – Don’ts

 

Time

Don’t go researching at the last minute. The storage container you select should be based on a few key factors, including size, cost, location and convenience, to ensure that it makes the most sense for your needs.

To ensure your ticking all the right boxes, start your search early. If you wait too long to make a reservation, you might discover that what you’re searching for isn’t available or that you don’t have enough time to do adequate research.

It’s better to begin early and prepare than to start late and have to make an impulsive choice.

Perishable Foods

Don’t store anything perishable in your storage unit. Keep everything out of your unit that might spoil.

In addition to producing unpleasant smells, rotting food and plants may attract rodents and insects, so you don’t want to run into either of them when you open the door!

 

Self Storage Unit – Packaging – Do’s

 

Labels

Labelling your boxes is a good idea. If you’re storing items in a self storage facility, it’s unlikely you’ll need them for at least a few months.

Even if you tell yourself that the boxes in the right hand corner contain your extra kitchen utensils or sports equipment, you’ll be shocked at how quickly things can get forgotten once everything is closed up and out of sight.

Label your boxes so that the unpacking process is a lot easier. It’s also convenient if you need to come in and grab something later.

Pack Strategically

Some of the most important self storage ideas to remember are those regarding how to pack your belongings, especially if you’re utilising a moving container that may move during transit.

If you’re not sure when or if you’ll need access to your unit during the storage time, arrange things in a way that makes it simple – just in case.

Keep items you’re more likely to use toward the front of the unit and those you know you’ll be able to live without for a while, at the rear.

Consider a vertical solution. Instead of cramming items across the floor, take advantage of the unit’s height and stack your things, keeping heavier boxes and furniture closer to the ground.

If possible, leave a path from the front of the unit to the back, so that nothing is inaccessible.

Packaging Fragile Items

If you’re packing certain items that are fragile, make sure you properly pack each item with bubble wrap and other forms of shock absorbency.

These can include packing paper, clothes and styrofoam. Using the wrong kind of packing material can cause damage to your belongings during transit.

Help & Assistance

If you need assistance, don’t be afraid to ask for it. It’s still a relocation when you move things into storage, and it might be tough to do everything on your own.

Ask a friend or family member for help if you’re going to be loading heavy items or stacking things up high. Having another person to help and a second pair of hands will make the process a lot less daunting.

 

Self Storage Unit – Packaging – Don’ts

 

Extra Protection

Do not leave items unprotected. Take the time to properly wrap and pack your items to prevent them from getting damaged.

Anything that can be moved such as furniture, should be covered with blankets or moving pads (not plastic, which can trap moisture and cause mildew and mould), and small valuable items should be packed away.

When transporting valuable items, be sure they’re well cushioned and packed in newspaper and bubble wrap for example.

 

General Self Storage Advice

Keep your belongings safe and don’t reveal your key or access code and be careful who you give access to your unit.

Always use your best judgement, and never let someone into your container unless you know they’re trustworthy. You shouldn’t allow anyone in, unless you’ve known and trusted them for a long time.

Keep the door closed and locked when not in use.

This one may seem like common sense, but it’s surprising how many people forget once they’ve moved all of their items in. If you don’t, the unit may become accessible to anyone who happens to wander past.

Purchase a strong lock.

As with the advice above, be vigilant when it comes to safeguarding your unit. If you’re renting a storage container and you have to provide your own lock, spend a little bit more money on a sturdy one that can’t be easily tampered with.

Summary

To keep your belongings in good shape, keep the above storage suggestions in mind to

ensure you have a positive self storage experience, and that stored items are correctly preserved until you’re ready to retrieve them. You’ll be pleased you put in the effort to do it correctly!

Contact Us

For more information about our Self Storage Facilities in Liverpool, contact us here at Prime Storage on 0151 832 4000