Self storage units are a convenient solution for decluttering your home, storing seasonal items, or keeping your belongings safe during a move. But it’s important to pack your items well to ensure they remain in good condition and are easily accessible when you need them. In this guide, we’ll cover some helpful do’s and don’ts for packing your items for self storage, so you can make the most of your storage space and keep your prized possessions safe and secure.
Make the most of your self storage with these essential dos and don’ts.
The Do’s of Successfully Storing Your Belongings in Self Storage Unit
Label Everything before storing in Self Storage
Labeling is your best friend when it comes to self storage. To make your life easier, we recommend clearly labeling each box with what’s inside and where it should go in your new space. This way, you’ll be able to find everything you need quickly and easily!
Use Quality Packaging for Self Storage
Invest in high-quality packing materials such as sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and packing paper. This will ensure that your items are protected from dust, moisture, and damage while they are in storage. It’s worth the extra cost and effort to protect your belongings!
Disassemble Furniture
To optimise storage space and ensure the safety of larger furniture items, consider disassembling them. Remember to keep all hardware and assembly instructions in a clearly labeled bag for easy reference.
Protect Fragile Items in Self Storage Unit
Protect fragile items like glassware, ceramics, and electronics by using bubble wrap, packing peanuts, or foam padding. Place them in plastic containers and label them as fragile.
Wrap Furniture and Mattresses
Cover your furniture and mattresses with protective covers to prevent dust, dirt, and scratches. Breathable covers are best to avoid moisture buildup.
Use Uniform Box Sizes
Use boxes of the same size when packing. This will make stacking and organising your storage unit much easier.
Create an Inventory List
Keep a detailed inventory of everything you store. This will help you keep track of your belongings and is crucial for insurance purposes.
Leave Aisle Space in your Self Storage Unit
When packing your storage unit leave a small aisle down the middle to provide easy access to all your items. This will save you the effort of having to move everything around to reach something at the back.
Pack Your Unit Strategically
Place items you won’t need soon at the back of the unit and those you’ll need more frequently closer to the front.
Secure Your Valuables
For added protection, keep valuable items like jewelry, important documents, and electronics in a secure, lockable container within your storage unit.
The Don’ts of Packing before Self Storage
Don’t Overpack Boxes
To ensure the safety of your belongings and make the boxes easier to handle, it’s crucial to avoid overloading them. It is advisable to adhere to the weight limits suggested by the manufacturer.
Avoid Using Plastic Bags
Plastic bags may trap moisture, leading to mould and mildew growth. Stick to boxes and breathable covers for your items.
Don’t Use Newspaper for Wrapping
Instead of using newspaper, use plain packing paper or bubble wrap to avoid ink transfer and staining.
Don’t Use Duct Tape
It loses its adhesiveness over time so your boxes will not remain sealed. Rather use high-quality packing tape instead.
Don’t Store Perishables or Hazardous Materials
It’s important to note that self storage units are not appropriate for storing perishable or hazardous materials due to the potential health and safety hazards they may pose. If you have any doubts about an item, it’s best to check with your storage facility for a list of prohibited materials.
Prepare Your Appliances for Self Storage
Before storing appliances like refrigerators and washing machines, make sure to clean and dry them thoroughly. This will prevent odors and moisture buildup. It’s also a good idea to leave their doors slightly ajar.
Start Packing in Good Time
Pack your belongings well in advance of the storage date to avoid disorganisation and careless packing due to rushing.
Pack Your Unit with Care
Always place heavy items at the bottom to prevent crushing delicate belongings. Place large items of furniture at the back of your unit. Don’t place anything heavy on your TV.
Don’t Skip Insurance
Remembering that accidents can happen despite our best efforts to prevent them is important. To ensure peace of mind, it’s worth considering purchasing insurance for any items you have stored.
Avoid Unauthorised Access to your Self Storage Unit
To ensure the security of your storage unit, it is vital to safeguard your access code or key from unauthorised individuals. This simple precaution can help protect your belongings from theft or damage.
If you’re getting ready to store your items, it’s important to plan carefully and pay close attention to the details. By following these helpful tips, you can make the most of your storage space, keep your belongings in tip-top condition, and make the retrieval process a breeze. Trust us, taking the time to pack things up the right way will pay off in the end. Your stored possessions will stay in great shape, and you’ll be able to rest easy knowing that they’re safe and sound.
Stop & Store Fareham Self Storage Facility
By choosing to keep your goods at our storage facility you are entrusting your goods to us.
On our side, we offer a secure, clean, and easily accessible self storage unit in Fareham.
Our state-of-the-art security system includes monitored CCTV surveillance, and our facility is well-lit and securely fenced.
Hiring a storage unit is a popular way to solve your space problem and with careful planning and attention to detail, your belongings should be damage-free when you need to retrieve them.
You can hire storage space on a short-term or long-term basis, depending on your needs.
Stop and Store Fareham is open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Please contact our friendly team today!
Tel: 01329 556174