Packing Your Home Into Self Storage
Self-storage can be a great way of clearing clutter or re-arranging your belongings during a move. However, you should always keep in mind that self-storage is not suitable for everything since there are some items that can pose danger to the facility and other tenants belongings.
Here at Simply Storage we are experts when it comes to self-storage, thus we have compiled the following points of what you can and cannot store in a self-storage unit.
What You Can Store
Furniture
A storage unit is ideal for storing pieces of furniture such as beds, sofas, tables, and even wall units – if they fit! Before storing your furniture, make sure you place a plastic tarp or corrugated cardboard mat on the floor to prevent unnecessary scratches to the floor. To make good use of space, disassemble tables and beds and store the parts at one end of the storage unit.
Lamps
Due to their delicate nature, you need to be very careful while storing lamps. Wrap them with suitable wrapping papers or cloths and place them in separate boxes. To prevent them from being damaged by ink stains, do not use newsprint to wrap them.
Even if you have limited space, do not risk placing heavy items on cartons containing the lamps, and don’t forget to remove the bulbs. Bulbs are generally easily replaceable but clearing up a broken one takes time and is potentially dangerous, removing them before storage the safest procedure.
Dishes and Glassware
Wrap your glass items and dishes with paper towels to give them enough cushioning and protection, and then place them inside a dish pack box.
After placing them inside the dish packed box, use packing materials to fill the remaining space before sealing the box with a strong piece of tape. Place the box in a safe place and do not put any heavy item on top of it.
Vehicles
As long as your vehicle is insured, registered, and in a perfect condition, you are free to store it in a storage unit. Before storing your vehicle, make sure it is perfectly clean, the gas tank is full with high-quality fuel, the tyres are properly inflated, the parking brake is disengaged, and the battery is disconnected.
However each storage unit will have different rules in regards to the storage of vehicles, so it’s best to check with your individual provider and keep our tips in mind if they do allow it.
Books
Do not place boxes containing books directly on the concrete floor. Consider using pallets or plastic tarps to prevent moisture absorption.
What Not to Store
Perishable Food Items or Animal Products
Do not store perishable food items such as cheese, flour, vegetables, ripe fruits, cereals, or meat. You should also avoid storing animal products such as pet food and cat litter.
These items will spoil after a while and create a foul odour that will attract rodents, insects, and bugs. Worse still, rotten food items can damage or create stains on other valuable items such as clothes, books, or furniture.
Pets and Plants
Storage units do not have good ventilation systems and are always dark, making them unsuitable for animals and plants. If you leave your pet or favourite houseplant in such an environment, besides the obvious ethical issues, you are sure to find it sickly or dead when you come back. If you do not want to walk with your pet, consider leaving it at your relative’s house or look for a pet sitter.
Vital Documents
Do not store your vital items such as drivers licence, tax returns, credit cards, birth certificate, passport, estate plan, homeowner’s/renter’s insurance, brokerage statements, or retirement plan in a storage unit. This is to help you avoid theft identity or unnecessary loss of documents.
Some companies will offer insurance for the contents of your self-storage, but it is still inadvisable to store vital documents. You may also need access to them on short notice, so be sure to keep these with you during a move, or in your home at all times.
Benefits of Self Storage Units
Storage units are not only affordable, but also flexible and easily accessible. Whether you are in the process of buying a house, selling, moving, or renting, storage units are there to provide you with the extra space and time needed to alleviate the stresses related to the situation.
In addition, many self-storage companies are always more than willing to advise you on what to store and what not to store. They have individual guidelines to help you familiarise with them so you can be able to store the right items at all times.
