During the self-storage process, it will be worthwhile taking some time to plan exactly how to pack you items in the most efficient manner to utilize the given storage space. Keep in mind that most people pick a particular unit size based on price. A smaller well-packed unit will be cheaper than a larger one that is poorly organized.
When organizing a self-storage unit, there are two key things that should be considered. Firstly, you should make sure that the items you’ve stored can be accessed easily so they can be obtained in a quick and efficient manner at a later date if needed. Secondly, care should be taken when storing your items. Below are a few tips to consider while going through the process of organizing your self-storage space and ensuring everything is cared for.
- At Hutchinson Self-Storage we have pallets available free of charge for those who may be worried about placing their belongings directly on the floor of a storage unit. We also sell mattress bags, sofa covers, chair covers, and dust bags to prevent any of your items from mildewing, molding, or obtaining damage.
- For heavier items, we have flat carts or dollies available free of charge to assist with loading and unloading our self-storage units.
- In all but our smaller 5×5 and 5×10 self-storage units one should consider making an aisle down the center of the unit for items to be easily accessible. Also, leaving enough room at the back of the self-storage unit to be able to walk around items is helpful.
- Larger items should be stored first and towards the back of a self-storage unit.
- When stacking boxes in your self-storage unit, the heaviest boxes should be placed on the bottom to avoid damaging your items and to make each row of stacked boxes sturdy and less susceptible to being tipped over.
- Similar sized boxes should be stacked together to save space. Also, like size boxes will stack better.
- One should avoid stacking furniture against the outside walls of a storage unit.
- If you’re storing metal objects avoid resting them against items susceptible to damage.
- Try to assess what you’ll need to access frequently, as these items should be kept towards the front of your self-storage unit.
- Items that are hollow should be filled with small boxes to maximize your available space. For example, wardrobes, drawers, washing machines and fridges.
- Boxes and containers should be stacked in manner that you can see the labels you have put on them in case they need to be found at later date.
- The doors on all kitchen appliances should be left wedged open while in a storage unit to prevent mildew, mold, or bad odors.
- Don’t store anything in the facility that you’re not sure is sturdy vertically – if it seems wobbly store it horizontally.
- Putting down moisture absorbers, deodorizers and vermin bait is always a smart investment to prevent any moisture, odor, or rodent problems from forming.
