If you need extra storage space for items that you may not need to use immediately, then a self-storage unit is a must. These are ideal for short-term storage solutions, and they can be quite useful when you’re in a pinch.
When you’re getting yourself a self-storage unit, do make sure that you aren’t disorganized. If you keep your storage unit cluttered and messy, you will regret it once you come back to get any items out of it.
Thus, you should make sure that you keep everything organized as you store your items inside. On that note, below are some smart organization tips that you should use when you’re storing items in your self-storage unit:
Plan an organized layout
First, you should plan out how you plan on laying down the items that you’d like to store. If you’re going to be storing large items in the unit, you will most definitely need to plan things out before you put everything in. Otherwise, you’re going to have a hard time coming back and taking items in and out of the unit if you’re not careful.
Also, if you’re going to be storing smaller items in some of the bigger items, then do take note of that. That way, you’ll know where everything is when you come back.
Stick to one box size
If you’re going to be storing your smaller items inside boxes, then you should try and put them in boxes that are of the same size. Keeping items in different-sized boxes will make it harder for you to stack them up against one another.
If possible, it’s best to stick to small or medium-sized boxes. That way, you can easily remove items from these boxes when needed. Plus, they hold up better when they’re at the bottom of a stack than the larger boxes that are storing larger items.
Label each box you pack
You might need to take out some items that you left in the storage unit, so you want to make it accessible as much as possible.
With that said, you should make sure that you have a visible label for each box. That way, you won’t end up putting the label somewhere that will be covered up by something.
If you can, try and label the boxes with the items that you think you’ll need access to more often than the other items in the unit.
Take care of your fragile items
No matter how well you think you’ve prevented your fragile items from breaking, it’s still better to be safe than sorry.
Wrap the fragile items in bubble wrap and newspaper and then store them in boxes. Don’t leave them stacked on top of something so that you don’t have to risk them from falling and breaking.
If you’re going to be storing any breakable items, then make sure you have soft packaging around it for protection. Some soft padding around the fragile items can also help if you want to add some.
Lay pallets on the ground
According to Centron Storage, you want to make arrangements in your unit that will help protect your items from getting attacked by pests.
These pests can make their home underneath your boxes. So when you’re planning out your unit’s organization, include some pallets to raise your boxes from the ground.
Before you put these in, though, do clean out the unit first so that everything is extra sterile. This will help minimize the chances of little critters getting into your unit in any way.
Accordingly, if you do notice any unwanted pests lurking in your unit, you might want to consider reaching out to a team of local pest control experts who can tackle any infestations quickly and professionally. Furthermore, an online search for an “exterminator near me” is all it should take for you to track down some local pest control companies in your area.
Shelve and stack your boxes
If you plan on renting out your self-storage unit for a long time, then you might as well install some shelving solution in the unit. Shelves will make it easier for you to be organized, and it will help you keep track of the boxes that you need access to the most.
Make sure that the shelves you’re using are of quality because you’d want them to be sturdy, especially if you’re going to be using it to store heavier items.
Disassemble furniture to save space
Planning on storing pieces of furniture in your storage unit? Before you do that, try and disassemble the furniture first. Doing so will reduce the space that every piece of furniture can occupy.
If you’re going to be disassembling your furniture, make sure that you keep track of its parts so that you don’t miss anything. Keep the screws and bolts in a container, and then store them with their respective furniture.
Avoid unpleasant situations
As much as possible, you want to open up your unit and see that everything is just how you left it. You ideally would want it to smell exactly as you left it too.
Try and put in some moisture absorbers in your storage unit so that your items are safe from mold and mildew. Also, leave mouse traps and baits so that these creatures don’t end up wreaking havoc on your items.
Check back once in a while on your items to see their status and make sure that nothing is broken.
Wrap up
Keeping an organized self-storage unit may seem like a bit of work at first, but it’s work you’ll appreciate in the future.
Not only will it save you from the hassle of rummaging through a mountain of various household items, but it’s also a great way of keeping them safe and secure.
If you plan on storing items in a self-storage unit, then make sure that you follow the above-mentioned organization tips.