Before you begin packing, create a detailed inventory of items you intend to store. This will not only help you keep track of your belongings but also assist in determining the size of the storage unit needed.
Have a look at the different types of storage unit to get an idea of what to expect.
Invest in sturdy, high-quality boxes to protect your items – it can be tempting to use second-hand boxes to save money, but for precious items, purpose-built boxes are best!
Different sizes are essential for various items to ensure a snug fit for your more valuable and fragile items, reducing the risk of damage while in transit and stored. Take care not to overload your boxes – especially when storing heavier items such as books.
Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. This makes unpacking and locating specific items in your storage unit much easier.
Where possible, disassemble larger pieces of furniture to save space and avoid damage – especially if you’re planning on maximising your storage space.
You might also want to consider wrapping individual parts in bubble wrap or draping larger items of furniture in blankets for added protection, both while in transit and in long-term storage.
Vacuum bags are great for compressing soft items like bedding and clothing, saving valuable space in your storage unit!
What’s more, vacuum-packing soft items is an effective way of protecting them from the risk of vermin or mould damaging the items if you’re storing them for a longer period of time.
Wrap glasses, dishes, and other fragile items individually in packing paper or bubble wrap to prevent breakage.
When available, use the original packaging for your electronic items, such as speakers, TVs, laptops, etc.
Plastic bags can trap moisture and cause mildew, which is why they’re generally not recommended for long-term storage, especially for fabric items.
If you’re set on packing away your books into storage, there are a few things you can do to keep them safe. Firstly, for valuable or antique books, you might want to consider a climate-controlled storage unit that is designed to preserve paper items.
Secondly, when packing your books, aim to stack books flat to avoid damaging their spines, and consider using small boxes as they can become quite heavy when loaded up.
A common use of self-storage units is to store away seasonal items, such as Christmas decorations, that aren’t needed for a large portion of the year.
For seasonal decorations or clothing, clear plastic bins are ideal for easy identification and protection against pests and dust.
If you have a look of items to put into storage, you could arrange your items in a way that creates an aisle. This allows for easy access to all items without having to move things around every time you want to take something out.
Again, this may be a common-sense recommendation, but always place heavier boxes at the bottom of stacks to prevent them from crushing lighter, more fragile items.
When storing items for a long period of time, it’s only natural that they’ll begin to gather dust over time. Covering items with sheets or drop cloths is a simple but efficient way to protect them from dust and has the added benefit of adding another layer of protection from damage when moving things in and out of storage.
Moisture is your biggest enemy when it comes to storing items for a long time, especially fabrics and clothing.
Include silica gel packs in your boxes to absorb any excess moisture and protect your belongings from dampness.
You may be putting things away that you don’t intend on using for the foreseeable future – but if you’re putting items into storage while moving house, for example, there may be some things you need sooner than others.
Store items you anticipate needing more frequently at the front of your storage unit for easy access.
Make sure that your policy actually covers the value of the items you have stored in your unit.
There are some things that you should never put in your storage unit. Not only does it put your storage unit (and therefore, your belongings) at risk – you all risk invalidating your storage contract and storage insurance.
If you’re storing large items such as a dressing table, cabinet, or desk, use the drawer space to store small items, maximising your storage space.
Fuel is one thing you should never put in your storage unit, so make sure you’ve thoroughly drained anything that has it – such as garden equipment – before placing these items into storage.
Likewise, if you have items with other types of liquids in them, it’s best to remove these to keep your goods secure and avoid leakages.
This might be unnecessary in secure storage units, but you could consider elevating your belongings off the floor on pallets to protect against flooding or spills. If you are using cardboard boxes, keeping them off the floor is an effective way to ensure damp does not get into the boxes and destroy what’s stored inside.
Finally, once you’ve got everything packed up and into storage, try not to completely forget about it!
Regularly visit your storage unit to check on the condition of your items and ensure everything remains in order.