People turn to self-storage units at all different kinds of times in their lives. When they’re moving and can’t keep everything with them when a relative passes away, and their belongings can’t be dealt with as quickly, and so on. 

You can rest assured that your belongings are safe within not only your individual unit but within the self-storage complex itself. Most self-storage facilities are enclosed by a strong, tall iron gate and have a security guard on site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Plus, the standard material that storage units are crafted from is un-break-in-able steel, which you can learn more about at packagesteelsystem.com.

But you can’t just pack up all your stuff, drive it over to the storage unit, and throw it inside. There’s a methodology, and below are 8 of the most important tips to keep in mind when storing your belongings in a storage unit.

Choose the Right Unit for You

There are as many storage facilities in the country as there are types of storage units. Some facilities you have to get permission from a security guard to enter will enter with a key. Some units are the size of small houses, and some are the size of a closet.

Assess how much you have to store and how you want to store it before selecting which storage unit is right for you. You will also want to take into consideration the locaton of your prospective facility. For example, you wouldn’t want to rent a self storage unit in Manchester if you are located much closer to Oldham or Ashton-under-Lyne. Instead, it will be more practical for you to rent a unit in the city instead. 

Take Inventory and Make an Itemized List

It’s important to stay organized. Number each box that you pack and enter the details of what it contains in a spreadsheet, whether in a handy notebook or on your phone for easy access.

Pallets Beneath Heavy Things

If you don’t want the bottoms of your furniture to scuff up from sliding in and out of the unit, place them on pallets. This also prevents vermin like ants, mice, and silverfish from creeping up and getting into your stuff.

Don’t Let Books Hog Up All the Room

You’d think books would be the easiest things to pack and transport. They’re sturdy, portable, and all of a similar size. But gather enough books together, and the weight and size of them can become untenable. 

The key to a book packing and storing is small boxes and lots of them. You want each box to be easy to move around, though if too many start stacking up, you might want to consider donating some to lighten the load!

Disassemble Furniture

You can don’t much with a mattress, but there’s a lot you can do to make a bed frame more storable. The same goes for bookshelves, dressers, and some tables.

Investigate your bulky, awkward furniture for strategies of disassembling to make packing and storing tighter and more flexible.

Take Care to Wrap Fragile Items

Glass, porcelain, and china need always to be wrapped. Try, if you can as well, to place these items on top of furniture, so they don’t risk being crushed, but not too high that they risk falling and shattering.

No Plastic Bags

Plastic bags are easier to get than boxes, and they’re cheaper too. But they won’t do you any storage favors. Plastic bagged items are impossible to stack, they spread out all over the floor, and if they’re too heavy, they’re impossible to move around. Your best bet is sticking with boxes.

Remember You Can Ask For Help

Most storage facilities have an attendant on hand 24/7 that can assist you with all your questions and storage needs. They’re experts, so don’t be afraid to call on them!

The Secret is Simplicity

The secret to self-storage is simplifying the process. Make a list, get uniform-sized boxes, and store smartly.