If there’s time, we always advise that you plan how you are going to fill your storage unit before you start moving your things in. It’s also well worth getting some guidance from our members of staff who have years of experience.
At Extra Room Self Storage we’ve helped more than 10,000 people move into storage, so we’ve almost always got some ideas on the best way to store your belongings.
If possible, make a list and identify those items that you are most likely to need while stored. These should be stacked within easy reach, preferably near the door. Think about whether you need to create a walkway or passage around your room, but always make sure it’s safe to do so.
Think Vertically
Storage rooms and units offer much more than floor space. Providing boxes are strong enough to take the weight, they can be stacked high, right up to the ceiling. Sofas and beds, for example, are often best stored on their ends to make use of the height, and chairs can often be stacked seat to seat.
People are always surprised how much they can fit into a relatively small storage unit. Think Dr Who’s Tardis but without the time travel!
Largest and Heaviest First
It sounds obvious, but always place your largest and heaviest items on the ground to create a base layer. This means that you can stack lighter things on top and reduce the risk of boxes or goods becoming crushed.
If There’s Space, Use It
Wardrobes, chest of drawers, and other hollow containers can also be filled, so don’t forget to use this space. Leave some clearance if you think you may need to open the doors or drawers though.
Use High-Quality Packaging
A little investment in some high-quality packing materials can help to protect your items. Quality double-walled cardboard boxes or plastic boxes are recommended. They are more robust and offer more protection from crushing if boxes are being stacked on top of each other.
If you can, spend some time packing properly using bubble wrap and packing paper and seal boxes with tape. This will also protect your items during transit to and from storage.
Label Your Boxes
If you don’t clearly label your boxes to describe their contents, it could be like looking for the proverbial needle in a haystack should you need to retrieve a specific item. The last thing you want to do is open boxes and other packaging unnecessarily.
When you start storing, make sure the labels are facing the door, so you don’t have to turn boxes around to read them. Colour coding the packaging can be effective too.
Little Extras Can Make All The Difference
Racking and hanging rails can be a useful addition to your storage unit, especially if you are a business storing stock or equipment that you need to access. At Extra Room Self Storage, we have racking and rails available for rent and we’re always happy to help you find the best option to meet your needs.
Take Cover
Removal blankets are useful for protecting surfaces from scratching. These thick, heavy-duty woollen blankets can be laid over furniture or wrapped around items for additional padding and, to help protect your belongings, Extra Room Self Storage provides removal blankets free of charge for your storage.
TLC for Special Items
Fragile items such as mirrors and pictures should always be stored upright and ideally be packed in a protective material. Electrical appliances should be clean and thoroughly dried out before being placed into storage, and if they have doors (fridges for example), these should be left ajar to allow for ventilation.
Why Extra Room Self Storage?
Whether you’re storing clothes, furniture, business documents, stock or just making space while you move home, we offer spotlessly clean, secure, indoor storage rooms within our state-of-the-art storage facilities. If you need home or business self storage in Hinckley, Nuneaton, Tamworth or surrounding areas, we’re here to help you make room for it.