Tips On How To Maximize Your Self-Storage Solutions

The best self-storage solutions start with picking the right service. Next, you need to find the right size of the unit to store all your stuff. But you still need to make sure that you actually use your storage unit properly. If you don’t, then you’re going to get a lot of headaches later on.

So how do you make the most of your self-storage unit? Here are some tips that should help:

1. Have a clear plan as to how you will arrange all the items in your unit. Try to keep similar items together, such as the kitchenware, the toys, and the off-season clothes.
2. When you place your items inside the unit, try to put the items you’re least likely to look for in the back. The items that you will try to get most frequently should be at the front of the unit. This seems like an obvious tip, but then you won’t believe how many people forget this “obvious” step.
3. You should make use of all your available space, so you need to think in 3 dimensions. In other words, you shouldn’t forget to stack your items so you can pack in a lot more. The safe method to do this is to put your heaviest boxes at the bottom of each stack, with the lightest boxes at the top. This keeps the heavy boxes from squashing the items underneath them if they’re at the top instead. Also, when you need to get items in the middle or the bottom of the stack, it’s easier to lift the lighter items first.
4. What if you need to get some items from the top of the stack? Don’t jump or tip-toe to reach the top. You should have a stool (a folding stepstool works best) inside the unit for these situations.
5. When you arrange your stacks, make sure you have a clear path through the center so that you can also access the back part of the unit more easily. If you don’t, then you’ll never be able to get to the items at the back, as you may not find it worth the effort of first removing the items in front.
6. Don’t think you can remember where you put all your items in the unit. Make a simple map of the area, with labels for each stack. Put this map right on a handy wall in the unit.
7. To maximize the space, you should have items right near the walls of the unit. But they shouldn’t be touching the walls. Instead, there should be an inch of separation between your stuff and the walls. This helps with the air circulation inside the unit.
8. Keep a few handy DIY tools hanging on the walls. These should include pliers, screwdrivers, a utility knife, and a hammer.
9. Utilize all your available space, and that means you should also make use of the spaces inside the cabinets and the refrigerator. The fried is a great place to stack your books and CDs. You should just keep the fridge door wedged open to ensure proper air circulation. If you have trash bins in your unit, use them to house your garden supplies like your hoses and shovels.
10. Make sure that your furniture and mattresses are properly covered. You can buy protective materials that are specifically designed for these items.
11. If you’re storing items that use fuel, make sure their fuel tanks are drained before you store them.
12. For problems, you should be able to pop into the manager’s office for some help and advice.