Self Storage Tips

Ever wonder how to pack a storage unit to maximize your space?

There are several tips below that will show you how to store your items, which will save you time and space.

The right packing material is key

If you are using moving boxes from a company that provides moving and storage products, you can get moving supplies and packing material that will make the process much easier.  Bubble wrap, a Sharpie marker, and a tape gun might just be your best friends during this process.

 Label your inventory

Be sure to label all sides of your boxes to identify the contents and be sure to stack the boxes so that the main label faces outward.  Plan on forgetting the contents after you’ve stepped away for a bit.  Labeling will save you time later!

Pack smart

Give some thought to the items you plan to pack and store.  Pack like items together when you can and make sure you wrap all fragile items to avoid breakage, damage, or scratching.  Make sure you don’t pack or store anything combustible (such as paint, chemicals, or propane tanks) or anything perishable.  Place those items you feel will be frequently accessed toward the front or on the isle for easy access.  And, don’t over pack boxes.  A two-person lift items and/or boxes should be on the bottom of the stack.  You could also consider furniture covers and moving pads to keep items off the floor or as a buffer between items whenever possible.

• Clothes – consider investing in a wardrobe box to allow clothes to hang.
• Upholstered items – wrap with bags or sheets to protect from dust.
• Bedding – consider vacuum-sealed bags to condense and protect.
• Photos – think about a temperature-controlled environment.
• Electrical equipment – pack in their original boxes when possible.
• Wood/leather items – treat with oil or polish to protect prior to storage.
• Appliances – seal openings and exposed areas.
• Stack up not out

Start with the heaviest items and place them on the bottom.  If you are able to remove legs or wheels to reduce shifting, that’s a good idea.  Make sure weight of items (including contents of boxes) is evenly distributed to avoid collapsing, leaning or falling.  Measure height of storage unit to see if your contents can be stored on its end such as mattresses and be sure to maximize “dead” space such as empty drawers.  Fill them if it makes sense.  Also, sometimes it’s a space-saver if you disassemble items such as bed frames, tables, etc.

Leave a path

Often times, we pack and store in haste never giving consideration to the fact that we might need to visit our storage unit to add-to or retrieve items from the unit.  Leaving a walking path for easy access will serve you well later.  Think this step through before placing your first box!

Need more helpful tips or ideas? Call us and we’ll be happy to help!

1. Create “Open Me First” boxes- Pick one or two boxes per room as “Open Me First” boxes.  Put in them the things you’ll need first at your new location.  Then mark the sides of the boxes so you’ll know which ones are which. » Continue reading…

1. “Fat” is in-  Use the thickest, darkest marker you can find for labeling boxes. Pencils, pens, tin or light markers are almost impossible to see even just a few feet away.
2. Two sides-  Label each box on the two broadest sides, opposite one another.  That way if a box gets turned, you can still identify its contents.
3. Abbreviate room names-  Start box labels with the abbreviated name of the room followed by a box number, such as “BTH2-6” for “second bathroom, 6th box.”  You can then track each box to make sure everything arrived safely.
4. Label “Open Me First” on boxes where it applies.
5. Mark “Fragile” where appropriate.
6. Identify contents- Identify the major contents and where they came from, such as “Medicine Cabinet” or “Linen Closet- Towels and Wash Cloths.”
7. Box Inventory-  Keep a clipboard and write down each box’s room, box number and contents (graph paper is great for keeping things recorded neatly).
8. Verifying delivery- When unloading, check off each box as it gets unloaded at your new place.  Then you’ll know everything arrived safely.
9. Labels out- Ask movers to stack boxes in your new place with the labels facing out so that you can easily spot a specific box.

During the self-storage process, it will be worthwhile taking some time to plan exactly how to pack you items in the most efficient manner to utilize the given storage space. Keep in mind that most people pick a particular unit size based on price. A smaller well-packed unit will be cheaper than a larger one that is poorly organized.

When organizing a self-storage unit, there are two key things that should be considered. Firstly, you should make sure that the items you’ve stored can be accessed easily so they can be obtained in a quick and efficient manner at a later date if needed. Secondly, care should be taken when storing your items. Below are a few tips to consider while going through the process of organizing your self-storage space and ensuring everything is cared for. » Continue reading…

There are some self-storage companies throughout the Twin Cities area that offer packing as an additional service. However, this is typically offered at an additional expense leaving most to pack their belongings themselves. Properly packing a self-storage unit is an art form as you will need to put some thought into it before you begin. After all, one of the primary advantages of using a self-storage facility is the fact that you can continue to access your items on an as needed basis.

When packing a storage unit, it is important to pack your items in a manner that they can be located at a later date quickly and without having to unload unloading everything. This can be achieved by making an inventory of what you’ve packed, marking each box, and creating a description of where each item that you have stored is located within your storage space. The small amount of extra time required upfront to make an inventory and description of your stored belongings will save you several hours potentially when it comes to finding a particular item in your storage unit at a later date. At Edina Mini-Storage we sell several different moving supplies, boxes, markers, and labels to ensure that your belongings are properly packaged and labeled prior to being placed in a storage unit. A few other packing and storage recommendations to consider include: » Continue reading…