Finding storage space has become so easy as a result of how accessible storage units have become across the UK. The availability of self storage units and the cheap storage they offer have made them extremely popular. A storage facility is normally a clean, well secured collection of indoor and outdoor storage units offering storage space in a variety of sizes.

Packing up and moving items for storage is not as straightforward as it seems. There are some pitfalls along the way and several actions that need to be performed before the move to a storage unit takes place.

Spending a while to read about this could save you a lot of extra trouble and help reduce the workload by learning from the experts like Stop & Store Penrith.

In this article we provide you with all the information you will need when you decide to move your goods into self storage, from preparation, to moving, how to store the best way, and what to look out for on the way. We hope this will help make your storage experience smoother.

What to Pack in Storage When Moving House?

Using the pareto principal, 80 % of the space in your house is taken by 20% of your household items. Think about it. If you remove that twenty percent and put them into self storage, you will have most of the house empty. Consider which items you would take to self storage to create your space and make life easier for you when you move to a new address.

  • Your furniture takes up the most space and is the most common item found in a storage unit.
  • All your seasonal equipment and clothing can be safely moved into self storage, you will need it only next season anyway.
  • The fridge, stove, freezer, and other large household appliances need to make way for clearing into self storage.
  • Start early. Get your books and magazines ready, clear the bookcases and you will be amazed at how bare the house is getting.
  • Clear the home office of its files and documents into storage!
  • The last essential batch of items are the collectibles and artwork pieces that you have at home.

Preparing for Storage

You would want your items well protected in storage in order not to be damaged in any way. In order to keep everything dry and dust free, here is a list of what you need:

  • If it’s a move you are going to do yourself, get a supply of cardboard boxes, blankets, and tools to dismantle your stuff.
  • Ask your storage partner about the availability of stackable boxes, they are best.
  • Materials for the protection of your goods, like dishcloths and bubble wrap.

Decide what you want to move and make an inventory. If you are using a mover to assist you, they are going to need the list. It helps you anyway to get organized and focused on what you are going to pack and to help you estimate how much storage space you are going to need.

  1. Give the correct directions for packing and unpacking.
  2. Ensure the storage space is adequate.
  3. Choose the right day and time.
  4. Do the move.

Preparing for the Move

Moving is a stressful event at the best of times. Moving goods into self storage as an in between step can be one way to relieve this stress, as it is a two step process of arranging a mover (if you are not doing it yourself) and selecting the right storage facility for the storage of your goods.

Your challenge is to bring the two together simultaneously so as not to run into any problems.

Often its more sensible to use a professional to help you move, especially if you have heavy furniture and appliances to move.

The Movers

It’s advisable to know for sure whether the movers can help you on the planned day before you arrange our storage rental. Have the inventory list available so that the movers can advise whether they have the right sized truck available to take the capacity intended.

You will have to ensure that the truck you intend hiring will be able to offload at the storage unit you chose. Armed with the truck information, ask the storage facility about access. This includes any height restrictions, turning circles and ease of access.

This is important because if your mover can’t get proper access, they may have to call for a second vehicle to part load near the premises. This would be a disaster as they will have to handle the shipment twice and it’s sure to cost you extra.

Provide loading and unloading instructions

Even though the movers do this every day and are experts at unloading, these are your possessions, and you would want to have the unloaded in a place you can find anything later. So, your instructions should start when loading so that you can offload in a structured way.

Make sure that you accompany the movers to the storage unit so that you can offload and pack everything in the way you would like. You will need aisles and ensure that your more fragile goods are not packed in a way that they could be damaged.

Storage Notes

Just a few things you should remember before you commence self storage:

  • It’s a good idea to insure your goods while in storage.
  • Read the contract carefully so that there are no surprises later.
  • Ask for a discount. Many storage providers do this, especially for longer term rentals.
  • You should be able to do the entire booking online, and once you have signed up get the access code.
  • If the movers are going there without you, give them the access code, or ask the staff to hold the key and give it to them when they arrive.

The self storage facility at Stop & Store Penrith will give you excellent levels of service. The staff are standing by to help you and are just a call away if you need any advice.

Contact us today by phone or email for a no obligation quotation on 01768 800291 and speak to our professional Stop & Store staff.

Find us on https://www.stopandstore.co.uk/penrith storage/

We are looking forward to hearing from you.