Preparing to Use a Storage Unit

Plan Your Move-In Ahead of Time: Before you start, think about what you are storing, how often you'll need to access it, and the best way to store it. This planning is the number one way to get the most out of your storage unit.
Declutter Before Packing: This is considered the biggest mistake almost everyone makes when moving. Decluttering significantly reduces the amount of work, the number of items to pack and carry, and the space needed in storage. It's crucial to have a trash bag and a donation bag next to you as you pack to get rid of items you no longer want or need. By doing so, you avoid moving clutter to your new space or storage, which would otherwise add to your things to manage.

Assess your belongings: Go through each drawer, cabinet, corner, closet, and bin. This process can be slow and take time, but it helps you identify what you truly need and love.
Ask why: Understand why you feel the need to declutter and why you accumulated clutter in the first place. This can help prevent future clutter buildup.
Prioritize removal: Get items out of your house as quickly as possible once you've decided to get rid of them to avoid second-guessing.
Consider sentimental items: It's okay to have emotional attachments, but ask if these items are enhancing your life. For photos or artwork, consider digital backups. Remember that getting rid of an item doesn't erase the memories attached to it.

Categorize Your Items: Group similar items together. For example, if your unit will hold seasonal decor, sports gear, collectibles, or temporary items (like during a home remodel), categorize them accordingly. Packing by category (e.g., all clothes together, all bedding together) makes the packing process smoother and items easier to find later.
Zone Your Unit: Map out where everything will be stored, determining placement based on how often you'll need access. Items you need frequently, like holiday decorations or seasonal sports gear, should be in a more convenient location.
Rent the Right Size Storage Unit: Most storage websites offer charts to help determine the appropriate unit size based on your apartment size. Knowing the general amount of stuff you want to keep after decluttering will help you book the correct size.
Find Out What You Can and Can't Store: Before renting, always inquire about any restrictions on items you can store. For example, you must avoid storing food to prevent attracting critters and bugs.
Thoroughly Clean the Unit and Your Items:

Clean the unit: Ensure the unit itself is clean before placing your items inside.
Clean your belongings: All items, especially clothing, should be washed or dry-cleaned according to their instructions before storage to prevent unseen oils, stains, food spills, mildew, insects, and other vermin from attracting. You should also wipe down furniture and electronics to prevent bringing dirt into storage.

Make a Simple Chart or Map: After arranging everything in your unit, draw a basic map or chart of its contents and tape it to the wall for quick reference. This will help you find items quickly, especially if they are stored for a long time. Taking a photo of each tier as you pack can also help you remember what's inside, particularly if you have multiple containers.

How to Pack Your Items for Storage

Gather Quality Packing Supplies:

Storage Containers:

Clear plastic bins are recommended over cardboard boxes as they allow you to see what's inside without digging. They are sturdy and durable, which is important for long-term use, especially if lids are opened repeatedly.
While cardboard boxes are okay, they are not recommended for long-term clothing storage because pests like rats, mice, and silverfish are attracted to them.
Suitcases can also be used for clothing storage if their lining is clean.

Protective Materials:

Furniture pads, paper pads, and stretch wrap (plastic wrap) are essential to protect belongings from scratches, dirt, and damage. Wrap upholstered furniture in plastic wrap to protect it from dirt.
Mattress bags/slips and sofa slips are important for keeping mattresses and sofas protected and dust-free. Choose durable ones, possibly with handles and zippers, for easier transport and better protection.
For fragile items like plates and dishes, layer paper plates or wrap them in socks, towels, blankets, or sheets instead of buying expensive bubble wrap.

Securing Items:

Loading straps can be used to secure items inside containers, but avoid excess force to prevent damage.
Tie-down ratchets are generally not used in storage units, so ensure stacks are stable and firm.

Labeling Supplies: A label maker, fine pens for handwriting, or even a typewriter can be used to create clear labels.
Vacuum Seal Bags (with caution): These can save space, especially for bedding, pillows, and bulky coats. However, some fabric experts have doubts about their safety for long-term storage of natural fibers, as clothes need air to maintain integrity and can become compressed. Avoid using them for fine, expensive fabrics or heirlooms. Pack them in clear bags to avoid them being mistaken for trash.
Shelving: Plastic or metal shelving, or even wire shelving, can help maximize vertical space and provide easier access to boxes. Cover wire shelving with felt for added protection and a nicer look.
Dollies: Use dollies to move heavy cartons and appliances.

Packing Techniques:

Heavy on Bottom, Light on Top: Always place the heaviest boxes and items on the bottom to create a stable base, with lighter items on top.
Disassemble Furniture: Take apart large furniture items like tables or couches to make them smaller and easier to store, maximizing space. Keep all screws and small pieces safe in a bag attached to the frame.
Store Items Upright/Vertically: Store disassembled furniture parts in a vertical position, ideally towards the back of the unit. Stand items like coffee tables on end to save floor space. Stack boxes high and store furniture upright.
Utilize Internal Spaces: Fill open spaces within larger items like fridges or shoes with smaller items, socks, or undies to maximize space and provide stability.
Protect Furniture and Upholstery: Wrap furniture with paper or furniture pads and plastic wrap to protect against scratches, dirt, and damage.
Pack Clothes Carefully:

Wash or dry-clean all garments before storage.
Use wooden, padded, or plastic hangers for garments to protect fabric and prevent misshaping; avoid wire hangers.
Fold and stack sweaters and knit items, rather than hanging them to prevent stretching.
Line plastic clothing containers with acid-free tissues. Add a desiccant (drying agent) to plastic containers to manage moisture.
Cover clothing racks with linen or cotton covers to protect against dust.
You can pack clothes by type of clothing or by outfit, similar to how packing cubes are used for travel, which helps with organization and finding items.

Fill Open Spaces for Stability: Fill any gaps between tiers, cartons, or other items to prevent shifting during transit. Pack items tightly.
Distribute Weight Evenly: Ensure the weight of your packed items is evenly distributed from end to end and side to side in the container. For large appliances like refrigerators, leave space in the middle of the container to maintain even weight distribution.
TVs and Fragile Electronics: Load TVs onto a higher row of a tier, on top of a dresser or TV stand with solid objects on each side, to prevent crushing or shifting.
Rugs: If rugs are heavy, leave space to stand them up; if light enough, slide them on the very top.
Label Everything Clearly: Label every box and bin with its contents. For containers, make sure the label is facing the front of the storage unit or aisle so you can see it upon entering. Also, on the top of every box, clearly label the room it's going into for easier unpacking.
Photograph Assemblies: Take photos of furniture, electronics, and computers before disassembling them to help with reassembly later. Put small cables and screws in sandwich bags and tape them to the corresponding item.

Arranging Items in the Storage Unit:

Pack from Back to Front, Floor to Ceiling: Begin by lining the outer walls first and packing items from the back of the unit towards the front as it fills up. Pack tightly to prevent shifting.
Heavy Items at the Back on the Bottom: Start loading with large, heavy belongings like furniture and heavy boxes, placing them towards the back of the unit on the bottom.
Maximize Vertical Space: "Go vertical" with your belongings. Stack boxes high and store furniture upright. Use shelving to create multiple levels, which can significantly increase usable storage space. Place items you rarely need on higher shelves.
Leave an Aisle or Walkway: Create a path down the center of your unit for easy access to all your items.
Frequently Used Items Towards the Front: Place items you anticipate needing more often in an easy-to-reach spot near the door.
Cover Items for Long-Term Storage: If storing for an extended period, cover items at or near the top to reduce exposure to light.
Consider a Foldable Ladder: If your storage unit has a particularly high ceiling and you use tall shelving, keep a foldable ladder or step stool inside for easier access to higher items.

Get Your Storage Unit Today!

Ready to make the most of your space and keep your items safe? SecureSpace offers clean, secure storage units in a variety of sizes with 24/7 surveillance and easy online reservations. Find Your SecureSpace Location and Rent Online Today!