There’s more to self storage than putting your belongings in plastic bags and used boxes and tossing them into your self storage unit. It’s important to pack your possessions carefully,
and arrange your storage unit for easy access.
At Paladin Self Storage & RV Parking, we want to help you have an exceptional storage experience.
We’ve gathered a few self storage tips and tricks to help you pack your unit for easy access, the safety of your belongings, and the optimal use of available space.
- Decluttering should be your first task. You don’t want to waste space (and money) storing items that you’ll never use.
- Sort the small items you plan to store using the “Keep, Discard, and Donate” method.
- Break down spaces to declutter by room or area.
- Give yourself a timeframe and set a timer. Even 15 minutes a day will get the job done.
- Estimate the number of boxes and containers that you’ll need.
- Determine how much packing paper, bubble wrap, tape, and packing peanuts to purchase. Remember to pick up markers and labels.
- Create an inventory list and keep copies in a safe place away from your storage unit.
- For easy future access, Identify which items you may need while they are in storage.
- Measure and estimate the collective packing size of the items you plan to store.
- Cover the floor with furniture pads or pallets to keep your belongings above the floor.
Self Storage Packing Tips
- Be sure your boxes are strong enough to hold 25-30 pounds (don’t overpack).
- Account for extra space so that you’ll have easy access to your belongings.
- Frequently used items should be placed in the front of your unit.
- Place boxes that contain fragile or delicate items on top of boxes packed with heavier, sturdier things.
- Leave an opening for easy access to important personal or business documents.
- List contents on all four sides of the boxes.
- Use high-quality packing tape.
- Storing flammable, hazardous, or combustible materials (paint, paint thinner, gasoline, or propane) is prohibited.
- Drain fuel from lawnmowers, snowblowers, trimmers, or any other gas-powered equipment that you may be storing.
- To keep unwanted pests out of your unit, storing perishable items, such as food or even pet food, is prohibited.
- Wrap large pictures and mirrors in cardboard and mark them “FRAGILE.” To save space and keep these items from being damaged, store them on end against a wall.
- China, crystal, porcelain, and any other breakable items should be carefully wrapped in packing paper and/or bubble wrap and boxes should be marked “FRAGILE.” These boxes should be stacked on top of the heavier items.
- Use empty dresser drawers to store linens and small items. Even fragile items can be stored in drawers if wrapped properly. Wrap valuable linens in acid-free paper to prevent staining or deterioration.
- Stoves, refrigerators, washers, and dryers make excellent packing spaces for blankets, towels, bedding, table linens, and even heavy clothing.
- To prevent accidental damage, place TVs and other electronics in the rear of your unit.
- Shovels, hoes, rakes, and hoses can be stored in clean, empty trash cans. Stack empty cans inside each other.
- Sofas and loveseats can be stored on end to save floor space.
- Wrap cushions in plastic furniture covers and place them on top of sofas.
- Cover everything with furniture covers or pads.
- Don’t place sharp or heavy objects on upholstered or leather furniture.
- Wrap furniture legs.
- If you’re storing furniture that can be broken down, keep small parts in plastic bags and tape them to the item.
- Break down tables that have removable legs, and cover them with furniture covers or pads to prevent damage.
- Never cover or wrap wood items with plastic. It can leave a residue that causes permanent damage.
- If you store mattresses on their sides, prop them up so that they stand straight. This will prevent them from bending and becoming out of shape and lumpy.
- When you break down a bed frame, keep all small parts in a plastic bag and tape it to the frame.
- Wipe metal items with machine oil to prevent rust and corrosion.
Create a Map for Easy Retrieval
Make a map of your stored boxes and items, place it on a clipboard, and hang it in a visible location near the front of your storage unit. If that doesn’t work for you, take a photo to store on your mobile phone.
Any type of hand-drawn sketch will work. You’ll be happy to have this when you need to access an item quickly.
We hope these self storage tips and tricks will streamline your storage experience. If you have additional questions, give us a call. We’re always here for you.
