If you want to make the most of commercial storage units, you need to go about using it in the right way. With that in mind, here are some tips to help.
Start with a plan
To create your plan, you need to assess the volume of items you want to store. This will guide you as to how much self-storage space you need. If you’re storing a lot, it’s advisable to allow a bit of extra space so you can create aisles within the unit. It’s also advisable to reserve a little more space than you think you’ll need to allow for miscalculations.
Then look at the type of items you want to store. This will guide you as to what packing supplies you’ll need. Ideally, you’ll want to put as many items as possible into boxes of the same size. This will make stacking a lot easier. In addition to boxes (and other containers), you’ll need packing tape and labels. It’s worth paying for high-quality brands.
It’s also recommended to have wooden pallets and dust sheets. The wooden pallets will keep your items off the floor. This helps to encourage air circulation and prevent condensation. Depending on what you’re storing, you might also want to install your own shelving/racks.
You’ll also want dust sheets. Put some on the floor (beneath the pallets) and some on top of your boxes. Storage units are thoroughly cleaned between uses but it’s practically impossible to stop dirt coming in on air currents.
Pro-tip
Remember to check what you can and can’t store in your commercial unit. Most storage units prohibit certain items for safety reasons. Everyday household items will probably be fine, but you may not be able to store chemicals such as household cleaners or gardening products.
Prepare your items as much as you can
At a minimum, ensure that you take appropriate health-and-safety precautions. These include:
Ideally, clean and, where relevant, oil items before putting them away. If you’re short on time, prioritise items that are used outdoors.
Make sure that all items are totally dry before you pack them. If there is any moisture on them at all then there is a high risk of mildew/mould. What’s more, this may attack other items.
You may find it helpful to dismantle furniture. This makes it more compact to store and less vulnerable to damage. On the other hand, this benefit has to be set against the time it takes to dismantle and rebuild the item(s). It’s therefore a judgement call.
Pack smart
As much as possible, try to pack the items you are storing by category. You may find that in some instances this leaves you with space left over in boxes. If so, you will need to decide whether or not to fill this with other items.
If you’re packing items of different sizes and weights in the same box, put the heaviest items at the bottom. Try to keep the weight evenly distributed around the box. This will make it easier both to lift and to stack. Respect the manufacturer’s weight limit.
Think about what sort of conditions will help your items to store well. For example, if you’re packing clothes then make sure that there’s plenty of air in the box. Avoid using vacuum packs. They can save space, but they do not let your clothes breathe.
If possible, keep lighter and/or delicate items in their own boxes. Definitely, put any items you’re likely to want to use in their own boxes. This will allow you to position them strategically in your storage unit.
Whenever you pack a box, write down what’s inside it. Label the box with a number and, if relevant, an arrow, to show which way up it goes. If you’re storing valuable items, you might want to take photographs of them. You can also seal boxes with security tape rather than regular packing tape.
Stack strategically
With all that preparation done, stacking should be fairly easy. Start with your heaviest boxes. Make them your bottom layer and work up to your lightest ones. At the same time, put the items you’re least likely to want to use at the back. Keep anything you might want to access at the front. If relevant, create walkways to help you access your boxes more easily.