How to Store Things in a Storage Unit – Online Storage Unit

With around 1,505 storage sites in all of the UK, it would be safe to say that storage units have become the new common. Gone are the days when people would have to dedicate an entire room of their house to storage.

Now, people don’t have to ask their family or friends to store their extra belongings. Not just this, but the troublesome process of selling off possessions just to get rid of clutter can also be avoided with these storage units.

However, no matter how useful these units are, if you don’t know how to use them properly then you might not be able to get the most out of them. Fortunately for all of you, this guide will help you in learning how to store things in a storage unit efficiently.

1. Choosing Storage Units Efficiently

First and foremost comes the process of finding the right storage unit for your needs.

If you want no hassle of pick and drop and just want a space to put your stuff, an online storage unit should be the right choice for you. However, if you like to do things on your own, going to a self-storage outlet will be a good idea.

Once you’re done deciding the type of units, the next thing you need to decide is the size. For students, smaller-sized units would make do while those who want it for their furniture or commercial use should opt for bigger areas.

Keep your amount of items in mind while making a decision and be sure to pick one that offers the most amenities at reasonable rates.

2. Clean Thoroughly

If you have decided to use a storage unit then it means that you are looking for a place where your belongings will be housed for a month or maybe even longer. Whatever the period may be, you must conduct proper cleaning before storing anything.

Anything that is not cleaned beforehand can end up with dust, rust, and in worst-case scenarios, insects. When one object is dirty, the rest of your belongings will likely be in trouble too. To avoid this, clean each object thoroughly.

3. Organizing Efficiently

The next piece of advice we have for you is to organize every step carefully. Regardless of whether you are using a self-storage outlet or an online storage unit, proper planning and packing can go a long way in making processes easier for you.

Don’t just randomly pile all your belongings into a couple of boxes and call it a day, no. What you should do is get appropriate packing material. Once that is sorted, use a notepad or an online notes maker and jot down all the things that you plan on stashing away.

Label and mark each box carefully and then only start adding stuff so that all your belongings are packed in an organized manner,

4. Don’t Pack Valuables

This one should be pretty self-explanatory.  It doesn’t matter if you are choosing an online storage unit or a self-storage facility, never store your valuables. Unsure of what counts as valuable? Well, there is one easy way to make this decision easier.

Whatever item you cannot afford to lose should not be placed in a storage unit. This includes jewelry,, house art, family heirlooms, and even cash!

Although online storage units like STORED do provide their customers with insurance coverage, there is still a majority that won’t.  For all such cases, it is wise not to put your belongings at risk.

5. Space Utilization

A very commonly made mistake by students and homeowners is that they tend to leave a lot of space in their storage boxes. This is a very basic mistake that is often overseen as people don’t think much of it.

However, it can be quite damaging both to your energy and to your wallet as well. When you are leaving space unnecessarily in your boxes, it will automatically lead to you requiring more boxes. Not just that, but there will be more effort involved in labeling and sorting each box.

6. Take All Precautionary Measures

A lot of times accidents can occur while loading and unloading are taking place. Whether professionals do it or you do it yourself, in any case, the risk of damage and dents is always present.

To avoid this, make sure that you take all precautionary measures from your end. Wrap your belongings in bubble wrap and other storing material. If it’s furniture then use moving pads that will keep moisture out and ensure that your belongings stay in the best condition.

Wrapping and labeling fragile items is especially crucial for increased care during the loading and unloading process. Precautionary measures also include getting insurance for your stored objects.

7. Stacking Rules

Now, this tip is for all those individuals who end up using self-storage outlets to store their belongings. In such types of storage, the customer will be responsible for hauling their belongings to the unit and then storing them as well.

Stacking strategically is the best possible way to make the most out of your space. Start by putting the heavy and durable objects right at the back. Once done,, you can then put the labeled fragile boxes in front to avoid any damage.

Make sure not to stack them on one another.

While stacking, you should also ensure that the objects most in use are placed at the front.

8. Use an Extra Pair of Hands

You would be surprised at how easy the entire storage process can be if you bring in an extra pair of hands. This can be your friends, family, or even professional help. Online storage units often send their team of individuals who will help you with disassembling, reassembling, loading and unloading, etc.

Don’t be shy to ask for help. An extra pair of hands can always make your work easier and more convenient.

And there you have it! Make sure to follow these steps while storing your belongings and you can be sure that your items will be safe and sound whenever you feel the need to get them back.