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How to Properly Organize a Storage Unit

A person is using a tape dispenser to tape a box in a warehouse.

Putting your items into a storage unit is a great way to free up some space in your home. However, when moving items into a storage unit, you need to make sure that you've properly packed all of your items so that they are protected against any physical damage. You also need to make sure that your items are stored in such a way that they are unlikely to shift, fall over or otherwise cause damage to other items in your unit.

Thankfully, the process of organizing a storage unit is fairly simple, and putting in just a little bit of effort while moving your items into the unit can save you much more time and effort later on.

Packing Your Boxes

When packing your items into boxes to move into a storage unit, the most important thing that you have to remember is to keep your boxes at a reasonable weight. This makes it much easier for you to move them into the unit and means that organization won't require a great deal of strength to accomplish.

Within the boxes themselves, you'll want to stack the heaviest items on the bottom and the lightest ones on top. Obviously, this will prevent lighter objects from becoming squashed, but it also makes it easier for these boxes to balance and makes tipping and shifting much less likely.

Be sure to wrap all fragile items in bubble wrap, moving paper or any other form of cushioning. You'll also want to use bubble wrap or other cushioning to fill up empty space within the boxes. This keeps all of your items securely in place within the box, adding further stability to your items.

Finally, remember to label each box to identify the contents. This makes keeping your storage unit organized a breeze. You may also want to have a list of all of the items that you put into storage, especially if you are storing important documents or items that you may need at a later date.

Protecting Large Items

You’ll want to disassemble larger items that cannot be broken down and fit into boxes, such as appliances and pieces of furniture, to make them easy to handle. You'll also want to wrap them completely in bubble wrap or moving blankets, secured with moving tape, to prevent them from becoming damaged while in transit or if things shift and fall over in the storage unit.

Proper Organization Techniques

Once all of your belongings have been properly prepared to be put into a storage unit, you can begin actually loading up your unit. Identify the boxes that you may need to take out early or relatively often, and put them aside to be loaded in last; the items that you aren't likely to use should go in first.

Place large items, like furniture and appliances, in the unit first. Because of their large size and weight, you can place other boxes and lighter items on top of them without having to worry about damage.

Furthermore, you should make an effort to lay pallets down in aisles down the length of your storage unit. These pallets will keep boxes off the ground, protecting them from moisture damage and potential pest infestation. Keeping the pallets in aisles can help keep your items organized, since you'll be able to easily walk to the back of the unit if necessary.

Finally, be sure to keep your stacks of boxes to a minimum height where they aren't likely to fall over. The optimal height will depend on the size of your boxes, but as a general rule of thumb, keeping stacks around waist height is generally fairly safe. Of course, keep heavier boxes on the bottom, and lighter boxes on the top.

For all of your self-storage needs, contact All Secure Storage today.

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