Advice for Using a Self-Storage Unit

Moving can be tough and tiresome.  It’s even harder when you have a lot of items. Sometimes you need to make the decision on what to bring to your new place. If you recently moved in with someone, you have two homes that will combine into one. Do you really need two dining room tables? Most likely not. However, if you don't want to get rid of your extra items, you should invest in a storage unit.  A storage unit is a rented space to safely lock up items for a monthly fee.
 

Storage units are dry but accidents can occur. There may be a flood and that could go into your storage unit. A great tip is to invest in wooden pallets.  Pallets allow your items to be off the ground by a few inches so in case of a disaster, you will know your items will be dry. You can ask local businesses if they have extra ones.

Plastic containers

A great idea is to put items in a plastic container rather than a cardboard box. They tend to be sturdier and more waterproof. Additionally, a clear plastic container is helpful because you can see everything inside.

Maximize space

Storage units come a variety of sizes--they range from sizes that fit items from a small room up to sizes to store items from six rooms. Make sure you pick the right size for the amount of stuff you have. Have you ever played the game "Tetris"? That’s how you should handle your storage unit. Rearrange your items efficiently so you use every square inch of your storage unit.

Keep an aisle

Another great idea is to make sure to leave an aisle. This allows you to walk through your storage unit with ease and find what you are looking for. It also allows you a 360-degree view of your unit, rather than just looking at it from the front. You may still have to move boxes around to get to the item you’re looking for, but it’ll be easier to access.

Label and keep an inventory

Make sure to label boxes and keep an inventory when you start packing items. It will help you keep track of what you have and find your items quicker. Being organized will save you time in the future.

Items to store

You can store pretty much whatever you’d like in your storage unit. This includes:

You can think of your storage unit as a spare room in your house. Anything you still want to keep but simply don’t have the room for, put it in your storage unit. A storage unit is secure and usually climate-controlled, which can give you peace of mind. Your items may be safer in a storage unit than your garage--older garages can be damp and some don’t even have locks.

Items you can’t store

For the most part, you can put anything in your storage unit, but there are some items you shouldn’t store in there. 

There are not proper living conditions for animals in a storage unit. Some storage units aren’t climate controlled, so perishable items will spoil and attract critters, like bugs and rodents. Explosives, ammunition, firearms, or flammable items are hazardous and could destroy your items and the surrounding units as well.

Storage units are a great investment and allow you to keep items safe until you are ready to use them again. A lot of storage units give you the first month free, so it's great way to see if using an unit is right for you. Even if you don't have a lot of items, you can find the storage unit that's best for you.