If you find yourself with more belongings than your home can comfortably fit, or you’re dealing with changes like moving or remodeling, self storage offers a handy solution. However, just renting a space and filling it up without a plan is not the best approach. To get the most from your self storage unit and keep your belongings safe, you need to do a little planning. Treat your storage unit like an organized extension of your home. Here’s a simple guide to help you through choosing, packing, and organizing your storage space.
Good self storage starts with more than renting a unit; you need to think about security, easy access, and keeping everything in order. This guide will lead you through each step, from picking the right space to best packing practices-so your belongings stay just as you left them.
How to Choose the Right Self Storage Unit
Picking the right self storage unit is the first important step. Units come in many sizes, and it’s best to know what you need ahead of time. If you wait until the last minute, you might end up with a space that is too small or too big, or you might not get features that protect your items properly.
Start looking for a storage facility early. This gives you time to compare prices, visit locations, and make sure your preferred size and features are available. A little prep time saves you stress later.
What Should You Think About Before Renting a Unit?
Look at what you’ll be storing. Make a list-this helps you figure out not just how much space you need, but also what type of unit fits your stuff. For example, storing electronics or documents is different from storing furniture. Also, think about how often you’ll visit the unit. If it’s just for long-term storage, price or climate control might be more important than easy access. Your budget matters too, so look up costs and what’s included in each facility.
Comparing Storage Unit Sizes and Types
Self storage units come in a range of sizes-from small lockers for just a few boxes to large rooms for everything in a house. Most facilities can help you choose a size and show you what fits in which unit. Ask for suggestions based on your item list.
There are also different types of units. Regular units work for many things, but if you have items sensitive to temperature or humidity, consider a climate-controlled unit. These keep your belongings safe from hot, cold, or damp weather.
| Unit Size | Ideal For |
|---|---|
| Small (5’x5′ – 5’x10′) | Boxes, small furniture, seasonal items |
| Medium (10’x10′) | One-bedroom apartment furniture |
| Large (10’x20’+) | Entire household, appliances, vehicles |
Is Climate-Controlled Storage Worth It?
Climate control matters most for things like wood furniture, electronics, art, photos, important papers, and certain clothes. These items can get ruined by dampness, heat, or extreme cold. Mold, mildew, or warping are common without proper temperature and humidity control. Check your local weather-if it changes a lot, climate control is a good idea for almost anything you store.
Choosing Location and Security Features
Pick a storage place close to where you live or work if you plan on visiting often. Otherwise, you might avoid checking on your items or picking things up when you need them.
Security is very important. Look for storage businesses with secure gates, cameras, good lighting, and staff on-site. Read reviews and ask about their security measures. Saving a little money with a low-security facility can lead to big losses if something happens to your belongings.
How to Prepare Items for Self Storage
Before moving anything into your unit, take time to sort, clean, and check everything. This helps prevent problems like mold, pests, and damage. It also makes finding things later much easier.
Cleaning and Maintenance Before Storage
Always clean items before packing. For furniture, dust or wipe down and vacuum cushions. Use wood safe cleaners, and make sure appliances are clean and dry (remove any water from hoses, too). Put a light layer of oil on metal tools or bikes to prevent rust. For anything with tires, check and fill the air before storing. Extra care now avoids problems later.
Packing Supplies You’ll Need
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Sturdy boxes or plastic bins | Storage and stacking |
| Packing paper or bubble wrap | Shield fragile items |
| Strong tape | Secure boxes closed |
| Markers or labels | Label box contents |
| Plastic sheeting or pallets | Keep items off concrete |
Plastic bins are especially good for items that need extra protection or if you’ll need to check them regularly. They keep out pests and moisture better than cardboard and let you see inside without opening them.
Things You Shouldn’t Put in Storage
- Perishable foods (can spoil and attract bugs)
- Flammable liquids or hazardous chemicals
- Very valuable or irreplaceable items (like jewelry, important papers, or collectibles)
- Plants or animals
How to Pack and Protect Items
Packing is not just about getting items in boxes. How you pack determines if your things stay safe and organized or get damaged. Use the right packing methods to keep everything in good shape.
Packing Tips for Fragile and Valuable Things
- Wrap breakables like glass and dishes in bubble wrap or several layers of paper.
- Put plates and mirrors on their sides in boxes (they break less easily this way).
- Fill empty spaces in boxes with packing paper or towels.
- Label all boxes with fragile items so you can be careful when moving them.
Cardboard Boxes vs. Plastic Containers
Plastic containers last longer, let you easily see what’s inside, and keep moisture or bugs out. Cardboard is fine for short-term storage or things not easily damaged. No matter which you use, always seal boxes fully with tape.
How to Keep Moisture and Pests Away
- Don’t put boxes right on the floor. Use pallets or sheets of plastic.
- Leave appliances fully dry and open.
- Don’t store dirty or food-stained items.
- Add silica packs to boxes with clothes or papers to control dampness.
Labeling and Keeping Track of Your Stuff
- Write the contents on each box-be detailed (‘Kitchen – pots’ vs. ‘Kitchen’).
- Make a master list or spreadsheet of everything in your unit.
- Draw a simple map to remember where bigger things are.
Best Ways to Organize Your Storage Unit
The way you fill your unit matters. Organize things so you use all the space, avoid damage, and can reach your items easily.
Arranging Furniture, Boxes, and Big Items
- Set heavy, large items at the back and sides.
- Take apart furniture if possible; wrap legs for safety.
- Store couches and mattresses on end to free up floor space (keep them stable so they don’t tip over).
- Place protective material under furniture to keep away from floor dampness.
- Fill empty drawers with smaller items.
Creating Walkways and Making Everything Accessible
Don’t just pack your unit from wall to wall-leave a small path down the middle. This lets you get to things at the back without emptying the whole room. Put items you’ll need soonest at the front or along your walkway.
Using Shelves and Making the Most of Space
If allowed, put up free-standing shelves. Good stacking also helps-heavier boxes on the bottom, lighter ones on top. Don’t stack so high that piles become shaky. Try not to press boxes against the walls, to allow air to circulate and help keep things dry.
Arranging for Easy Access and Safety
Keep items you may need more often near the entrance. Place heavy things low and never on high shelves. Watch out for sharp or breakable items-secure and cover them if needed.
Tips for Storing Specific Items
Different types of belongings need special care. A bit of extra effort when packing them keeps them safe and in good shape.
Furniture and Mattresses
- Clean first.
- Cover with sheets or blankets-don’t use plastic right on surfaces (it traps moisture).
- Wrap legs in paper or bubble wrap.
- Put mattresses in special bags to block dust or dirt.
- Keep any hardware in labeled bags and tape them to the right piece.
Electronics, Appliances, and Tools
- Back up electronics and remove batteries or cords; store cords in labeled bags.
- Clean and dry appliances. Leave fridge and freezer doors slightly open for air flow.
- Wipe metal tools with oil and tie long handled ones together.
Clothes, Linens, and Documents
- Clean everything and store in sealed bins. Use silica packs to prevent mold.
- Hang delicate clothes in clothing bags if possible.
- For documents or photos, use acid-free boxes.
- Consider keeping backups or digital copies of your most important papers.
Books, Photos, and Fragile Items
- Air out books before packing. Pack them flat in small boxes.
- Store photos in acid-free containers, not plastic bags.
- For decorations or ornaments, wrap carefully and use sturdy boxes. For string lights, wrap around cardboard.
Keeping Your Self Storage Unit Safe and Maintained
Even when your unit is filled and organized, don’t forget to check in. Regular visits help catch problems before they get worse.
Which Locks and Security Features to Use
- Buy a strong, high-quality lock (disc locks or closed shackle padlocks are best).
- Use only trusted people for spare keys or access codes.
How Often Should You Check Your Unit?
If you use your stored things often, you’ll be in and out. For long-term storage, check every few months. Look for any leaks, damp spots, pest activity, or surprise damage, and fix them right away.
Looking for Signs of Problems
- Check for damp spots, weird smells, or mold.
- Watch for bug droppings or gnaw marks on boxes.
- Look for crushed or torn items.
Biggest Self Storage Mistakes to Avoid
- Renting a unit that’s too small or too big
- Not preparing or cleaning items before storage
- Storing things you shouldn’t, like perishable foods or dangerous materials
- Poor packing, leading to damage or losing track of things
- Overfilling the unit so you can’t reach your stuff
Quick Self Storage Checklist
- Make a list of your items.
- Choose a secure, reliable facility.
- Select the best size and type of unit.
- Clean and check everything before packing.
- Get strong boxes or bins, packing paper, bubble wrap, tape, and labels.
- Label boxes clearly and keep a full inventory list.
- Organize the unit to keep items accessible.
- Use shelves and stack smartly.
- Place items needed soonest where you can reach them.
- Buy a quality lock.
- Visit the unit every few months.
- Have insurance for your stored things.
- Never store forbidden or dangerous items.
- Don’t store things you can’t afford to lose.
- Ask for help to move heavy things.
- Don’t share your key or code without good reason.
With these simple steps and reminders, you’ll have a better, less stressful self storage experience. Good luck and happy storing!