Top Tips for Using Self-Storage Units
Whether you're moving house or decluttering, hiring a self-storage unit can prove infinitely useful. If you're going to the effort of paying for one, you need to do what you can to make it work for you. Here are some handy tips for using a storage unit.
Focus on Security
While it's sometimes tempting to go for the cheapest option, you need to look carefully at what you're paying for. Security should be one of your main priorities. Ask the storage unit owner how people access the site, whether there is CCTV, and what other security measures they have in place. The higher the security, the more likely it is that your goods will remain safe.
Use the Right Packaging
The way your items will sit in a storage unit is different from the way they sit at home. This sometimes means that they're more likely to suffer from scuffs, scratches, and breakages. As such, you need to choose the right packaging for each item. When using cardboard boxes, make sure you focus on those that are thick and sturdy so that they don't accidentally break when you come to remove them from the storage. If an item is prone to scratching, use old sheets to protect them. Finally, anything delicate can often benefit from layers of bubble wrap.
Categorise and Label
If you're going to dip in and out of your storage unit periodically, you need to categorise and label the boxes you place in there. Clearly label each box on every side and the top. That way, you stand a stronger chance of identifying the contents regardless of how you stack them. Consider placing boxes with similar contents in the same area of your storage unit. As a result, each time you visit you'll have an easier time getting to your items quickly.
Maximise Storage Space
Avoid placing your items in the unit in a haphazard manner. Doing so is likely to result in space wastage, which in turn means you may pay for more units than you need. Stack heavy items on the bottom, top them with lighter items, and find out whether shelving is available for vertical storage. Try to avoid packing boxes together too tightly, though. Doing so can reduce the amount of air that flows through your unit, which in turn increases your risk of damp.
Finally, make sure you leave enough space to move around in your storage unit so that accessing items is easy. For more information about using a storage unit, contact a storage facility in your area.
