How to Use Self Storage: Six Tips To Prepare Your Belongings for Storage

Moving into a storage unit isn’t the same as moving into an apartment or new house because for a lot of reasons. One is that the storage unit is probably the last step of the move and you may be running out of steam. There is also the problem of space. Your new abode is not going to be as tightly packed as your storage unit. Storage units also are small. Keeping track of your possessions and having them easily accessible is a challenge. Here are some steps that may make your storage experience easier:

1. Make a List
It might seem overwhelming to catalog every single thing that you plan on packing into your storage unit, but it will make your life a lot easier. Organized is always better. Plus, you may be able to take an inventory of your stuff and decide to donate some of it to Goodwill realizing you just don’t need it anymore. Finally, unforeseen events happen. Theft, fire, flood – and having a list and even better, photos, will help you and any insurance adjuster that may get involved in assessing the value of your belongings.

2. Make Sure Everything is Clean
Organization and cleanliness go hand in hand. If you take the time to pack your belongings properly, the state of your unit will reflect that decision. Plus as your are going through to make sure your storage unit property is clean, folded and neatly packed you may realize that you have some items that can’t go in a storage unit. Scented candles, gasoline, food, liquids, etc are not allowed. Lock It Up Self Storage staff will help you if you have any questions about items you can’t store.

3. Empty Things Out (So You Can Fill Them Up Later)
This tip will make more sense when you get around to packing your storage unit. If you have a dresser that’s going into storage, it will probably be more useful for you empty it out and pack it full of small boxes and other items when you’re packing your unit. This will make the most of your space. Also, it should go without saying, but if you’re storing a refrigerator or freezer be sure to empty them out and clean them before you take them to your storage unit.

4. Make Sure Things Are Dry
This won’t be applicable to most things, but definitely make sure that everything you put in your storage unit is dry because if you pack away anything that is even a little damp, when you pull it out again it will be moldy. Buy mattress bags to keep it clean without running the risk of retaining moisture like plastic coverings would do. Keep clothes and dishes in cardboard boxes that are easily stackable, labelable and won’t harbor condensation. Go the extra mile and actually purchase good boxes, meant for packing.

5. Label All Your Boxes
Much like making a list, labeling all your boxes will make things a lot easier when it comes time to actually get something out of your storage unit, which is going to happen at some point. If you’re really on top of things you could even attach the relevant list that you’ve made to the outside of the box so you know exactly what’s inside.

6. Pack Your Unit With Room To Spare
Some folks pack their unit with an alley down the center to access all of their boxes. Packing your storage unit so there is an alley in the center of the unit will help you if you ever need to retrieve any of your belongings down the road. You only want to unpack your storage unit once. Making everything accessible will help in case you need something out of your unit down the road.

Are there any items that I can not store?

State laws determine what may be stored. You alone control access to your storage space. If you have any questions about storing a specific item, check with your local laws or ask your Lock It Up Self Storage Site Manager. Items you should never store in a public storage facility include, but are not limited to, the following items:

- Live animals
- Liquids
- Explosives
- Flammable liquids and fuels
- Toxic materials
- Perishables Food items can attract rodents and pests
- Other items that need a controlled environment