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Mini Storage Planning Tips
An article provided by Simply Self Storage

If you find yourself needing to rent a mini storage unit, then planning your use of space is extremely important. Not only will it save you money by preventing you from renting a storage unit that is larger than your needs, but it will also allow you to find your possessions when you look for them - after you have placed them in your unit.

Early Planning

Before you even rent your storage unit, first think about what you are going to store. Begin by making a list of the items you want to place in the unit. Once you have your list, start grouping items that are similar together.

Think about what things can be broken down to further reduce the amount of space they will need. For example, are you able to disassemble your dining room table or chairs, or are you able to take apart drawers to flatten them?

Also consider how you can use available space in other ways. For example, if you are planning on storing appliances like refrigerators, they will need to be emptied. You can store small boxes of items, blankets and other items on refrigerator shelves.

Ask yourself if you will need to have access to some things even when they are in storage. For instance, if you are storing business records, you will probably want to be able to identify and pull out boxes of records. Alternatively, you may want to be able to remove certain items of clothing or put in new clothing, like when seasons change and the weather becomes warmer or colder. Also, if you have kids, they will probably want different toys at different times of the year.

Packing

Once you know how you will use the space, the next step is packing. Start by deciding what items you will place in boxes and what items you will pack in another way. You can find sturdy packing boxes that will stand up to being used for a long time - or even several times - at moving companies or at self storage facilities.

As you start placing your items in boxes, make sure that you keep a running inventory of what items are included in each box. This will make it easier if a box should be damaged and you need to make a claim for damages. Also, having an inventory will help you keep track of the boxes as you transport them. Number each box, marking the number on all sides. Taping a copy of the inventory on each box will make it even easier to know precisely what is in that box if you need to open it for some reason.

Pack fragile items by wrapping them in packing paper or newspaper. You can purchase packing paper at moving companies or at self storage facilities. Be careful not to over-pack the boxes with fragile items. Instead, fill the box to the top so that you can easily close the box and then fill up empty spaces in the box by stuffing balled packing paper as a cushion to prevent breakage.

If you are packing kitchen items like canned goods, use smaller book-sized boxes to prevent filling the boxes to the point of being too heavy to lift. Place packing paper at the top and between empty spaces to provide a cushion and prevent collapse of the box if you decide to stack them.

You can pack clothing and other soft items like blankets, bedding and sheets in plastic bags that will allow you to vacuum out excess air. These bags are wonderful for not only reducing the amount of space you will need, but also keeping your items clean and protected from mold, mildew or pests.

Placing Your Items in the Storage Unit

The more organized you are when you place your possessions in your storage unit, the easier it will be to retrieve your things when you need them, whether that is while you continue to use the unit or when you are removing everything entirely.

Make sure that you have a written inventory of everything you place in the unit. This will help you if there is some sort of damage, like flooding or a fire. It will also help you if you believe something has been stolen from your unit. Number each box and note the box number on your inventory list. Keep a copy of your inventory with your personal records and consider taping a copy of the inventory to the outside of each box.

Place items like furniture toward the back of the unit, with stand up sofas, desks and other items on their ends to use less floor space. Mirrors and paintings should be stored on their sides, not laid flat, to prevent breakage or damage.

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