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How to Pack Possessions for Self Storage
An article provided by Simply Self Storage

Many people are finding that self storage is necessary as they downsize and move to smaller living spaces to save money during the downturn in the current economy. Packing possessions correctly for storage is extremely important to avoid damage while they are being stored or as they are moved from your home to the storage unit and then, eventually, out of storage.

Packing Clothing

Regardless if you are planning on using a self storage unit or a mini storage unit, if you are planning on keeping clothing in your unit, then you will need to find a way to store your clothing so that it does not get damaged. Also, you may find that you do not want to store all of your clothing, but want to be able to access clothing with the change in seasons and replace warm weather clothes with winter clothes.

There are several wonderful products that can help store clothing in your storage rental unit. For example, there are plastic storage bags that can be used to place a large number of items and then the air can be removed with a standard vacuum cleaner suction hose. The bags store flat or in cubes and this kind of storage can save you a great deal of space. Also, they keep your clothing clean and free from pests or dust.

You can also purchase clothing boxes that are called “wardrobes." These boxes are used to store clothing on hangers and have a metal or plastic bar that is placed across the top of the box so that clothing like coats, dresses or suits can be hung.

Before you place your items in a self storage unit, make sure you clean all of your clothing, otherwise you may run the risk of your clothing becoming contaminated with mold or mildew or other pests, particularly if you live in an area or will be storing your possessions in an area where the climate becomes very warm during summer months.

Packing Fragile or Breakable Items

When packing fragile items in a self storage unit, make sure to wrap these items in bubble wrap or layers of packing paper or newspaper. You can purchase bubble wrap and packing wrap, along with boxes at self storage companies, moving companies or truck rental companies.

When packing boxes with fragile items like antiques, pottery, dishes or other items, fill the box completely, filling spaces with extra bubble wrap or wrapping paper or even packing peanuts. However, do not overfill the boxes because when you close the box, then you may run the risk of placing too much pressure on your packed possessions, breaking them. Once the box is filled, close the box firmly with packing tape.

If you are packing items like toys or other bulky items that might be broken, fill the box completely with the items and then fill empty spaces with bunched up balls of packing paper or packing peanuts.

Lawn and Garden Equipment

If you will be storing lawn and garden equipment in your mini storage unit, be sure to drain any liquids from your lawn mower and other equipment. This includes gasoline or other liquids, since self storage units tend to become warm and anything like gasoline may be a combustible and dangerous in the confined space of your storage unit.

Repurpose your large trash cans by standing up rakes, hoes and other long-handled equipment in them.

Creating Additional Space

Remember that you want to use as little space as possible for all of your possessions when you are placing your possessions in self storage. So breakdown any items like chairs, tables or other pieces of furniture. Also use space provided in your empty refrigerator, stove or other appliances to store small boxes or other items in them.

Store bulky furniture like sofas and mattresses up on an end or stack chairs on tables that cannot be broken down.

If you are renting a large space where you will be using vehicle storage, use the inside of your car to place items on the backseat or in the trunk.

Packing Lists and Labels

As you pack your possessions to be placed in a self storage unit, make sure that you create packing lists of everything. You can even place a packing list on the front of every box, so that you will know exactly what is in each box. As you pack, also label each box with the room the items were in and a general description of the items in the box (i.e., kitchen – pots and pans). In addition, number the boxes so that you know the total amount of boxes when you begin transporting your possessions to your self storage unit and then when you remove the boxes from storage. This way you will prevent accidentally forgetting a box as you move.

Another benefit to creating packing lists is that should there be damage or a theft from your self storage unit, you will have a documented list of items for an insurance claim.

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