How to Pack Your Storage Unit
Sometimes it’s necessary to rent a storage unit for your belongings, either because your new place is smaller than you thought or because you can’t get into your new home as soon as you expected. Whatever the reason, it’s important to make the most of your unit, while also packing it in such a way as to limit the risks of damage to your belongings.
Invest in Some Pallets
Wooden pallets only cost a few bucks apiece, and they can go a long way toward protecting your belongings against damage if you rent a first-floor storage unit. Set them on the floor of the storage unit before you move in, so you can protect against damage from potential flooding. Similarly, putting your furniture and packed boxes on pallets protects them from spills that may leak in from adjacent units.
Buy Some Industrial Plastic Wrap
Movers’ wrap is an investment that will serve you well as you start packing your belongings for moving and storage. If you wrap as much as you can in plastic wrap, you can protect your furniture and your packed items from collecting dust and dirt. Additionally, tightly wrapped items will be protected from insects and rodents that may be looking for a dark, cool place to nest. Plastic wrap is also an essential for securing moving blankets.
Fill Your Boxes
First, try to get all same-sized boxes, so they will stack more securely. Additionally, make sure you fill every box up, so it will remain stable and support the other boxes. If necessary, fill half of the box with packing popcorn or newspaper. By filling the box to the top, they will maintain integrity and won’t buckle under the additional weight of stacking.
Create a Master Inventory List
Everyone thinks to mark each box with its contents but creating a master inventory list is advisable as well. By keeping a detailed list with you, it will be easier to locate specific items, if you happen to need them, before you ultimately unpack in your new home. This list will also help you know if something has been damaged in the unit, so you can submit a claim to have it replaced.
Don’t Forget the Renter’s Insurance
This one doesn’t even occur to many people, but it’s the best way to protect your valuables. You never know what may happen, even when you only plan to occupy the unit for a brief period. Severe weather, fire, or theft can occur at any time, so it’s better to protect yourself against those risks. A renter’s insurance policy ensures you’re reimbursed for any losses you suffer while your valuables are in the unit. Insurers will cover storage units, so ask your insurance agent if your current coverage will suffice.
Create More Space
You can use extendable shower curtain rods to create a place to hang formal or expensive clothing. Similarly, by standing a wooden pallet up on its end, you can create shelving and additional storage space. You can also use a pallet to secure mops, brooms, shovels, and rakes by slipping the handles between the planks of wood.
Packing your storage space with a little planning can help you make the most of the space you have available. It can also help you arrange your items to provide the best protection against damage. While this isn’t your home, it is your space for storing your valuables, so you want to make sure you’re packing wisely and safely.