Self Storage Tips and Tricks to Maximizing Your Storage Unit

How to Utilize a Storage Locker

• Use all the space available, including the height.
• Leave a walkway in your space for easy access.
• Place frequently used items near the door. Label your boxes and take home a list of the labeled boxes for future reference when you need to locate your goods.
• Heavy items like books or tools should be packed in small boxes so they are easy to lift.
• Protect your fragile goods with packing paper or bubble-wrap and place them near the top of your storage space.
• Fill Containers to Capacity: partially full or bulging cartons may tip or collapse when stacked.
• Protect fragile goods with packing bubble-wrap etc. and place packed box near the top of your storage space. All glass items should be individually wrapped. Wrapped items should be placed near the top of the cartons. Do not place heavy items on boxes of glassware.
• Have blankets, draperies and out-of-season clothing cleaned, then pack them right on the hanger in a wardrobe box.
• Appliances: A refrigerator or freezer should be dry and stored with the door slightly open. Some goods can be stored inside large appliances and boxes can be stacked in or on top of stoves, refrigerators, and freezers.
• Old photographs tend to curl over time. To keep them flat, place them between two pieces of cardboard and tape them together. Do not place boxes directly on concrete floors, but use pallets or skids to prevent moisture absorption.
• Prohibited Storage Goods: Never store perishables, liquids, explosives, flammables and fuels, toxic materials or other items that need a controlled environment.

Tips to Safeguard Your Things

Whether you need a short term fix or a longer term self storage solution, storing your belongings doesn’t have to be a headache.

Learn to safely move furniture without damaging your home. The right equipment can help do-it-yourself movers handle everything from mattresses to appliances.

Although most boxes are standard in dimension and intended for general use, there are unique boxes specifically designed for a purpose, such as telescoping boxes for large mirrors or pictures, and wardrobe boxes with built-in hanging rods.

Using boxes of the same size and shape makes stacking easy

Use the right size boxes. Put heavy items, like books, in small boxes; light items, like linens and pillows, in bigger ones…

Dollies are often the best way to move large and heavy objects like washing machines or dryers. You can decide to rent these for easy convenience

Wrap your dishes before putting them in the box. By creating a barrier around each plate, bowl or glass you’re safeguarding it from other items scraping up against it. Unused newsprint is fine for if you’re packing dishes for moving but not suitable for storage (newspaper ink can rub off on and stain items over time), but softer options like bubble wrap or linens are ideal.

A lot of time and planning goes into any move. Stop in for your FREE packing planners check list.

How to Pack and Organize Your Storage Unit

Packing a self-storage unit can seem intimidating to customers who have never used a storage unit before. Although there are an unlimited number of ways to pack a unit, there are several self-storage tips and tricks that can help you make the most out of your space.

• Be sure to put the most frequently used items near the front of your storage unit for your own convenience. This will allow you to quickly access the items you need without shuffling through to the back corner of your storage unit.
• If you plan to store any large furniture, such as couches, dressers, or even bed frames, you’ll want to ensure that these items are utilizing primarily vertical space. Standing these bulky items on end helps to maximize less-used vertical space and allows you to fit more inside your self-storage unit.
• How you store furniture can make or break your space. Properly wrapping your furniture is the first step: use mattress and sofa slips and cover wooden furniture to keep items clean and dust-free. After your furniture is properly covered, you may be able to stack some low-weight items on top of your furniture to help utilize vertical space.
• Taking apart large pieces of furniture can help you get the extra inch or two required to fit through narrow doorways.
• In Canada, there are certain items that aren’t allowed inside a self storage unit. They include hazardous and toxic chemicals, flammable items – such as aerosol cans, gasoline and kerosene – and perishable food items. This is, of course, above and beyond items that are illegal in the first place.