Throughout a lifetime of collecting items and gathering things that you need, you will inevitably find yourself in need of some sort of storage at some point. That’s where self-storage units come to the rescue. If you have an overabundance of stuff that needs to have a place to live for a while as you decide what you need and what you don’t, then renting a self-storage unit is an affordable way to help you easily declutter your life. When it comes to organizing your storage effectively, there are a few things that you should probably keep in mind. Here are a few tips to help you maximize/optimize your self-storage.
Organize The Unit Effectively
The first step to optimizing your new storage space is to organize it efficiently. Storage units are available in different sizes (in feet) such as 5 x 5, 5 x 10, 5 x 20, 10 x 10, 10 x 20, and more. Each of these unit sizes is deliberately intended to be used for certain types of storage. A 5×5, for example, is really only intended for smaller quantities of items to be stored. Since it’s about the size of a walk-in closet, you’re not going to be able to store an entire house’s worth of stuff in the unit. But it is ideal for storing your small bedroom items (sans the bed, of course) or other personal things you are happy to keep in storage while acclimating to your new home. Regardless of the size of the unit you choose, a good recommendation for storing items is to start by placing larger, more sturdy items on the bottom (similar to how you’d organize a closet at home). This way, you have more room to stack smaller items on top. Use strong tote containers and seal containers or boxes well enough to keep dirt and any potential pests out of them. Larger items, especially furniture, should be stored toward the back of the unit. You may also want to consider dismantling larger pieces and storing the parts separately for a more compact unit.
Create A List Of What You’re Storing
Good organization is definitely your best friend when it comes to using self-storage. But keeping track of everything works in conjunction with great organizational skills to effectively manage your inventory. Well, your valuables at least. To make the storage process easier, you should create a list of everything you’re planning to store and make sure you label your boxes/totes appropriately.
Disassemble Furniture Before Storing
As we mentioned above, dismantling larger items (like furniture) prior to storing is crucial for organizing your storage unit. First off, it helps you keep things a bit more organized within the actual unit itself. You can put pieces of the furniture together in different sections or totes and label them appropriately so that you can reassemble them when the time comes. You can also stack vertically rather than having to worry about a chair or something taking up a lot more space than it really should. Before you decide to disassemble your furniture, make sure you’re doing so in a clean area and using the proper tools. The last thing you want is some sort of issue related to reassembly when you go to use your items straight out of storage. By taking a few small precautions ahead of time, you can save yourself a big headache down the line.
Choose A Unit Based On What You’re Storing
It should go without saying that you need to do a little bit of research before locking in a rental agreement with a storage facility. Once you’ve figured out the size you might need, you should also choose a unit based on what you’re planning to store. In Washington, there are a plethora of self-storage options. When you’re storage units in Spokane, find an aggregate site that has reviews, pricing info, reputation scores, and so on to ensure you’re getting the best deal you can. Before selecting self-storage, you’re going to want to figure out what exactly you’re going to store, whether it be a vehicle, furniture, or just a few belongings that you don’t currently have space to store at home. This will heavily influence your decision on what kind of unit to get and where that unit will be located.
Ensure Proper Climate Control
The weather can have a seriously negative effect on certain items. To keep items safe while in self-storage, you can try finding a climate-controlled storage facility. In these types of facilities, the unit is kept between a certain temperature range (typically between 55 and 88 degrees Fahrenheit). This serves to protect fragile items like paperwork, musical instruments, or personal electronics from the elements while they’re being stored. When it’s cold outside, the climate control will heat the unit and vice versa when it’s hot. Such a simple amenity doesn’t really add a significant amount to the cost and may be your best bet for keeping some of your more valuable items safe.
