Let’s get it right out: moving homes is a hassle. The entire process of packing, shifting, and unpacking stuff is overwhelming, to say the least. Besides the chaos it brings, there is always a fear of getting your precious items damaged during the move. Moreover, when you start packing, the stuff keeps piling up, and you find the entire house overstuffed with unnecessary items. Luckily, self-storage units are available all across the country and are highly helpful for storing your albeit unnecessary but precious items.
Renting a self-storage unit may be a solution to your home moving-related problems. However, you still have to prepare your belongings for storage before moving. So let’s find out how you can do that!
1. Research Storage Facilities
Before you prepare your items for storage, you should do thorough research about different storage facilities in your area. When you store your precious items, you must ensure their safety and security. So, look for storage facilities that offer adequate security 24/7.
As far as the storage unit is concerned, try visiting the site before moving your belongings. It will help you see the space for yourself and create your storage strategy accordingly. Moreover, you can also get an idea about the location and neighborhood.
But before visiting any place in person, complete your research about different options. You can ask friends already renting storage spaces or go online and read client testimonials about a particular facility. Moreover, you can read reviews and recommendations of storage facilities online. For instance, you can look for the review of Mini U Storage online, and you will find out everything you need to know about it.
2. Learn Cans and Can’ts of Storage
After finalizing a storage facility, don’t start taking out your items immediately. Instead, find out what you can and cannot store in a self-storage unit. You can do general research before choosing a facility, but each storage facility has its own list of restricted items. So, make sure you know about the restrictions of your chosen facility.
Some general items that you can and cannot store are:
Cannot Store:
Typically, flammable, hazardous, or perishable items cannot be kept in a storage unit.
- Chemicals
- Explosives or fireworks
- Fertilizers
- Medicines
- Narcotics and drugs
- Paint
- Perishable food items
- Petrol
- Plants
Can Store:
Some commonly stored items in self-storage units are:
- Furniture
- Electronics and appliances
- Files and documents
- Photographs and magazines
- Books and media
- Rare or collectible items
- Vehicles
- Seasonal items
3. Create an Inventory
After learning about the restrictions of your chosen storage facility, it’s time to create an inventory list of the items that you want to store. Inventories help keep a record of everything you have put away and streamline the packing process. You can make different categories, like sentimental, collectibles, etc. Organizing your packing process will help you move and place items in the unit according to a system and not haphazardly.
4. Start Cleaning Your Belongings
Once you have identified the items you need to store in the unit, it’s time to prepare them to move to the storage unit. You can start by thoroughly wiping, vacuuming, and cleaning your items, especially furniture. Furniture is one of the most commonly stored items in storage units. It is also the one to be easily affected by the weather and other conditions. So, if you are storing furniture, vacuum it, remove excess dirt, and wash it with soap and water. Then, let it completely air dry. You can also use furniture protection spray before storing it.
5. Choose the Correct Storage Containers
If you are storing small items, like cutlery, books, documents, or clothes, make sure you choose proper containers. Go for clear plastic containers to help organize stuff more easily. Moreover, when you can see what’s inside each box, you can plan your move accordingly.
6. Label Boxes Clearly
Always put similar items in one box and label them right after packing them. While it helps overall, it is especially useful if you use cardboard boxes because you cannot see what’s inside each box. So, when a box is full, close it with duct tape, and label it with a marker prominently.
7. Protect Storage Boxes from the weather
Most storage units are not well-equipped to handle extreme weather conditions. You should make sure your facility takes the necessary steps to ensure the safety of your items. But you can never be too careful with your precious belongings. So, it is better to prepare them for battling extreme weather conditions, like humidity and dust. To keep your belongings safe, ensure you store all dry and clean items.
The Final Word
Moving from one place to another can be challenging, especially if you are a hoarder with a lot of stuff. You should try decluttering before thinking about other options, but rent a storage unit if you cannot part with your stuff. However, please prepare your belongings well before storing them away to avoid damage or loss.
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