Storage Tips
Maximize Space, Minimize Stress: Expert Tips for Efficient and Safe Storage
Getting started with your self-storage unit can become more complex than expected. To make the most of your space while prioritizing efficiency and safety, it can be greatly beneficial to follow proven storage strategies to help out you and your items. Premium Spaces has gathered expert advice to remember as you begin using your space.
Organizing Your Unit
- Organize wisely. Begin by placing the heaviest belongings at the bottom of your storage unit, stacking lighter and more delicate items on top. Position flat furniture such as tables and desks top to top for space efficiency.
- Make a path. Designate a central walkway leading to the rear of the storage unit for easy retrieval of items. Frequently used things should be located near the entrance, while bulkier and less-needed possessions can be stored toward the back.
- Utilize containers and racks. Items like shovels, hoes, and rakes can create clutter when scattered, so store them upright in a trash can. Similarly, items like pool cues should be hung on a rack, keeping them organized and safe from being stepped on.
Protection Tips for Items in Storage
- Elevate your items. Keep your items off the floor by stacking them on skids or pallets, allowing airflow underneath.
- Remove furniture legs. Whenever possible, detach the legs from furniture before storage. To conserve space, place tables and couches on their sides, wrapping the floor-facing side with a protective covering.
- Secure paper items. Protect photographs, artwork, and posters by taping them flat between two sturdy cardboard pieces to prevent any curling.
- Lay mattresses horizontally. Cover mattresses with plastic and position them flat in your storage space.
- Protect metal surfaces. Wipe down metal items thoroughly using a cloth with a few drops of machine oil to prevent rust formation.
- Choose climate-controlled storage units. Store items made of delicate materials like wood, paper, and leather in climate-controlled storage units to help shield them from damage due to extreme temperatures. These storage units stay within a consistent temperature range, offering year-round protection from fluctuating conditions.
Where Can I Buy Packing Supplies or Moving Materials?
There’s no question that proper packing requires a lot of supplies like bubble wrap, packing peanuts, boxes, moving labels, and wrapping paper to protect your items from damage. Thankfully, if you happen to need more, our storage facilities are stocked with all the moving and packing essentials you need. We even have disk locks available for purchase!
In addition, we offer a few supplies that might come in handy for items already in storage, such as mattress and furniture covers and moving blankets. As an added bonus, our facilities are also equipped with dollies and carts for customers to use as they move in and out of their self-storage units. Select facilities provide a free moving truck with your first month’s rent, too, making them a one-stop shop for all your moving and storage needs.
Safety Tips
- Check for restricted items. Federal regulations and building codes restrict certain items from being stored in storage units. Visit our FAQ page for a complete list.
- Empty all engines. Before bringing equipment like lawn mowers, ensure all gasoline and oil are completely drained.
- Secure your unit. Invest in a top-notch lock for your storage unit—quality locks are available for purchase at all our facilities.
Find us at your nearest facility and contact us if you need additional advice on storing with Premium Spaces.
