Self-storage can be the answer for a lot of different problems, from not having enough storage in your home to needing somewhere to keep everything you own until you can get into your new place. While the reasons for using a storage unit can vary greatly, one thing remains the same, and that is that you should pack your things carefully and correctly into the unit in order to keep them well-organized and protected. Here are tips on packing a storage unit once you rent one:
Empty water out of things before moving them into storage
It's important to prevent water from getting on your things when you store them. It's also important for you to take the necessary precautions to prevent issues like stagnant water and/or mold growth from occurring in the storage unit.
One of the best ways to prevent things like these from happening is to make sure that you drain the water out of any and all of your water-run appliances and other items. This includes everything from your coffee makers to your refrigerator's ice maker and water dispenser.
Avoid using plastic trash bags
Many people use plastic trash bags when packing up things like their linens and other soft items. However, this is a bad idea, especially when the items may end up staying in storage for a good amount of time. Not only can plastic bags be easily ripped, so the items can fall out all over the unit, but they also trap in any moisture that is on anything inside the bags. Plus, packed plastic bags can cause the storage unit to be more difficult to keep organized and neatly packed.
Instead, a great option is to use vacuum-sealed bags. These bags are thicker to avoid issues with the bags ripping, and they are also clear so the contents can be recognized, and they allow for the air to be removed from the contents, which significantly shrinks them down so they take up much less space.
Seal all boxes tightly
If you use plastic storage boxes, make sure all the lids fit down securely and don't overfill the boxes so you have to tape the lid down. If you use cardboard packing boxes, then use good-quality packing tape to tape all of the seams of the boxes. It's important for all of the boxes to be properly sealed shut. This will prevent dust and dirt from getting inside of the boxes, and it will prevent any insects from being able to get inside of the boxes at any point of the moving and transporting process.
Pack the unit with aisles
When putting your things in the unit, stack the heaviest items on the bottom all the way to the lightest on top, and try to go as high to the ceiling as possible. Create aisles between the stacks so you have a way to easily and safely access anything you need to get at before removing everything from the unit. Following these tips will help keep everything safe in an organized unit.
