Preparing for Long-Term Self Storage takes planning
If you’ve decided to rent a long-term storage facility, then you want to make sure you pack well. So, what are the most important things to remember when you pack up your items? Read our list below to find out.
Furniture covers and protectors: Even though your furniture is in an enclosed facility, you still want to protect it from dust. This will also be beneficial during the move in and out of the facility and will be one less step you need to complete. Look for light plastic covers for large pieces of furniture as well as mattress covers, and sofa covers.
Furniture pads: Strategic packing of your facility is important. It is OK to stack items on top of each other, but it’s important to protect the furniture surfaces by using furniture pads to cushion between items. When it comes to furniture pads, it is always better to have too many than too few. Purchase them from a company like U-Haul that has a lenient return policy and simply return the leftover.
Color-coded label stickers. The best invention since sliced bread?
Labels, labels and more labels: This is an especially important consideration because of the fact that by the time you retrieve your items from storage you may forget entirely what you packed and where. Purchase color-coded labels for easier identification. Add a short description under the label with the specifics of what is included inside.
Pack things securely: It’s always important to pack your furniture securely whether you are transporting or storing. Start by disassembling your furniture that can be disassembled. Next, pad the hollows of furniture from the inside using sheets and towels in storage, or furniture pads. This will make it easier to load and unload the storage facility and will keep your furniture protected. Click here for more self-storage tips.
Take inventory: As you are packing and loading items into the self-storage facility, keep a list of what’s inside. This list will provide a reference that you can keep with you for later; just in case you question if you packed something or not. Organize your list by room so that it’s easier to recall and check later.
Store Smaller items in boxes or containers: This will protect them from dust and help keep them organized. Boxes and containers that are uniform in size will be easier to stack. Larger items such as furniture and exercise equipment may not need to be boxed, but it might be a good idea to protect them by wrapping them with furniture pads or fabric.
Use foam to protect valuable during long-term storage.
Protect Breakables: Even though most items never move while they are in storage, breakables should be packaged well enough to protect from damage on the move into and out of your storage unit. For family heirlooms, collectibles, and other items that can’t be replaced, consider packing in cushion foam or other packaging that protects the items from water and other elements.
Pack Strategically: If you want to have access to some items on a regular basis, pay attention to the order in which you load your items into your storage unit. Pack the items you think you’re least likely to use in the back, and the items you may need sooner in the front. If you’re not sure exactly when you might use items, consider renting a slightly larger unit and packing items stacked up on the walls with an aisle through the center. This extra cost may save you time unpacking and repacking your storage unit in the future.
