Storage Do's and Don'ts
Deep cleaning, revamping your living space, even moving? A self-storage unit may be just what you need. Storing excess furniture, off-season clothes and other items not needed on a regular basis in a self-storage facility is a great way to free up space in your home. These units are quite handy because they can be accessed by you 24 hours a day without assistance, and you pack them yourself, your way.
Deciding
Once you decide on a self-storage unit, there are a few more decisions like:
Sizing
Do you have appliances, beds and other furniture, or only a couple of old bicycles, a tuba, and some off-season clothes? It matters, because you don't want to waste your money renting too large a unit for your needs, nor do you want to try and fit too much into too small a unit.
Weatherizing
Are you storing anything that's temperature sensitive? Because, if you are, climate-controlled units are available. These units would be used to store items like guitars and other musical equipment and electronics, photographs and so forth because storing things like this in a non-climate-controlled environment could leave you with nothing more than remnants.
Packing
When packing, it is important to fill boxes completely, so that, when you stack them, they will not get crushed, but don't overfill them, because a bulging box can cause a stack of boxes to lean and fall over. Seal them well.
Labeling
Label all sides of boxes with a summary of its contents. This will tell you what is in the box no matter where it is placed. Using plain boxes, with nothing on them, costs a little more, but you can write your list of contents down right onto the box, and you can tell, at a glance, where everything is.
Storing
Stack heavier boxes on lower rows. They should get lighter as you go up. Leave aisles in between the stacks of boxes for yourself to get in, out and to the boxes you may need access to. Try to store the boxes you won't need to get into in the back most portion peaking toward boxes you will need into often in the very front. Don't pack boxes directly against the wall, because it can cause mold and mildew. Leave one inch for ventilation.
More on Storing
- Do begin with pallets or tarps to keep boxes dry
- Do use shelving to keep storage efficient and organized
- Do store refrigerators open to prevent mold and mildew
- Do remove fluids such as oils from machines before storing
