subject: Self Storage Tips For Being Efficient [print this page] Renting a self storage unit is a great idea for those in need of extra space. Finally, you will have a place to keep your stuff that is secure and safe. All you have to do is cart all the things you want to put in there out to the business and start throwing them in the storage unit, right? Wrong. Even though you now have a lot of extra space, using it ineffectively will mean that not all your belongings will fit. As you make a list of the items you want to store it is important to also come up with a plan to maximize every square inch of space. This article will give the reader some pointers on just how to go about doing that.
Don't waste space!
Your newly rented storage unit probably has a lot of space but there is even more in there than you purchased from the storage business. Take stock of all the empty crevices, drawers, and vacant appliances that you are putting into the unit. Space inside an unused stove or refrigerator is a great place to store smaller items and conserve the square footage outside of larger items. Keep drawers inside dressers and fill those babies up with Christmas lights and the punch bowl set you got as a wedding gift.
Take it apart and keep it together!
Dismantle, dismantle, dismantle!
Remember all the things that you had to assemble throughout the years; that new day bed, an end table that never seemed to fit in, and that cheap TV stand. A rule of thumb to follow is that if it came disassembled, it should be stored that way. It is far easier and more space efficient to take apart furniture and toys so they can be stacked and otherwise stored in smaller spaces. Although they are taken apart and probably not going to be used again, do not forget about your hardware. These items can be sold or given away later, but no one will want them if they cannot be re-assembled. Put screws, nuts, and bolts in plastic baggies and attach them to your items with tape.
If you plan to access some items in your storage unit, put them at the front by the door if only one door exists. Make an inventory of items stored in the unit, and where their location is for good measure, and yes, you will forget what you have in there over time. Frequently accessed items should be close to the door while things that are not going to be used for a while can be buried.
Rent a storage unit, not a fire hazard!
Safety first then storage.
Items in storage units are not generally watched over, and the space in which the items sit is tight and cramped. This can be a bad situation brewing is the units' owners store combustible fluids or even chemicals. Paint or any other items that are combustible or are considered fire hazards should not be stored anywhere within the unit. It is also a good idea to make sure than no items being stored in the unit have come into contact with flammable substances, items such as shop towels or rags. These items can and may catch on fire at any given moment, even though some may not believe this as a fact. Being extra cautious to keep items such as these out of your unit will prevent possible fire, which would result in the loss of yours and the neighboring units belongings. Lawn Mowers and other similar items can be stored, but only after all flammable fluids have been drained and cleaned from the machine.
Common sense self storage techniques include making an access path if all your belongings need to be accessed on a regular basis, wrapping up all clothing or other sensitive items in boxes with adequate tape, and stacking the smaller or lighter items on top of larger or heavier ones. Being organized and creative is difficult at first but it is far better than having to completely unload your unit in order to find something or not being able to find what you are looking for at all.
