Tips On How To Prepare Your Items For Self-Storage
There are numerous self-storage units in the market; therefore, finding a convenient and affordable one can be easy if you know what to look for. However, there is more to storing goods than merely putting them inside your storage unit. Here is a step-by-step process on how to prepare your things for storage.
Familiarize with the Storage Restrictions
Before storing your goods, read the restrictions of the storage premises. Some units forbid storing highly volatile items like gasoline, explosives, fertilizers, chemicals, and narcotics. Most units don't allow their customers to store flammable or perishable goods.
Identify the Goods You Would Like to Store
The amount of rent you pay for a self-storage unit depends on the size. Taking everything to the unit without filtering means you will need a larger unit, and thus, you will pay more. To save on cost, consider which items you would like to store in the rented unit. If you find some items that are neither valuable nor useful and don't have any sentimental value, consider donating or selling them.
Draft an Inventory for the Items You Will Be Storing
If you rent out a self-storage unit because you are moving, it is easy to forget items you have stored. As you pack, come up with an inventory list to ensure everything remains organized. You can draft two copies. Retain one and leave the other in the unit with the goods. It will make moving out of the unit easy.
Clean the Goods
You wouldn't want to retrieve items full of mold or mildew. To avoid mold growing on your items, clean and dry them before storing them. You can wipe down the surface with a cleaning spray and vacuum your couches before placing them in storage.
Pack Your Items in Clear Plastic Bins
You have adapted using boxes when moving and storing items. However, cardboard boxes make it hard to identify the items inside, unlike clear bins. Clear bins save you the hassle of searching for a particular item in the unit.
However, if you would instead use boxes, consider labeling the boxes clearly. Shop for high-quality boxes that can withstand long-term storage. Instead of using a general label like "kitchen items" try to be more specific and label "utensils, pots, and pans."
Safeguard Against External Factors
If you are renting a basic self-storage unit, you will need to take an extra step to safeguard your items against external factors like weather. Measures you can take include drying your items before storing them and applying a protective spray, especially on leather and furniture.
Always thoroughly clean your items before storing them to prevent mold from growing. If you can, pack your items in a clear bag for easy identification. Remember to only store what you will need in order to save on cost. Keep these tips in mind when looking for self-storage options, such as LoDo Self Storage & Moving Center.