For those who are moving, going away for long periods of time, or simply trying to declutter, renting a storage unit is a great idea! It’s easy to accumulate too many material possessions throughout our lives and while donating, selling and giving away items are good ways to declutter, a storage unit allows you to keep valuable items without having them take up space in your home.
If you’re considering renting a storage unit, here are some tips to take into consideration beforehand:
- Be organized.
When packing for your storage unit, you may not be able to foresee the day you’ll need to go in there and retrieve items. However, that day will come and a little bit or organization will go a long way to helping your future self avoid a storage disaster! Here are some quick organization tips:
- Label everything clearly.
- Pack your unit with the shortest items in front and tallest items in back, for maximum visibility.
- Make a checklist or map showing you where things are located in the storage unit.
- Depending on the size of your unit, you can stack things in ways that create pathways for easy access. That way, if you need something from the very back corner of your unit, you won’t have to move everything else out of the way first.
- Go for climate control.
Humidity, and sudden temperature swings, can damage valuable items, especially electronics, wood, metal and paper documents. A climate controlled unit will protect against temperature changes, keeping your belongings in the same condition they were in when you first stored them.
- Use plastic.
Many people think of cardboard boxes when they think about storage. However, cardboard is vulnerable to moisture and pests. Plastic storage containers and plastic wrap will give your items superior protection.
- Elevate your items.
You can use wooden pallets or use plywood beams as shelves to keep your boxes and other items off of the floor. While most storage units offer flood damage control, there’s never a guarantee your items will be a hundred percent protected. Keeping them off the floor will protect them against water damage and keep them safe in case of pests.
- Choose a secure unit.
When it comes to keep your items safe and secure, not all storage rentals are created equal. At Jiffy Self Storage, we offer high security levels including computer-controlled access, camera monitoring, an alarm system and a night custodian. These measures aren’t just for keeping your belongings safe, they’re there to keep you safe as well.
For more information, contact Jiffy Self Storage today!
