How to Make Moving Items Into Your Self Storage Unit as Smooth as Possible

Self-storage is a great solution to house your belongings during a move or simply to free up space in your home. It’s a proactive way to take charge and organize your things, both in the short and long term. Housing unnecessary clutter in your home can create safety hazards and can affect your wellbeing.
Now that you have decided to organize your life and free up space, you will have to plan out how to move your things efficiently to your self-storage unit. You will want to do it in the safest way that protects both you and your belongings throughout the entire moving process. The following are a few tips to help you plan a safe and successful storage experience.
Choose a Self-Storage Facility Near You
You can conduct an online search to locate a storage facility that is located conveniently near you. Simply search “self-storage near me” or “self storage in Richmond Hill” and you will see a map outlining the various locations and options in your area. The less time it takes for you to travel to and from your home to your storage facility, the better.
Pick a Reliable Storage Company
If you choose to store your belongings at a facility, you are choosing to place your trust in a third party to ensure the safety and care of your belongings. Even if you aren’t storing high-value items, it’s still pretty important to go with a company that has a good track record, like Abacus Self Storage. Before you sign anything, you should read reviews and past customer testimonials. If at all possible, you should make a visit to the self storage facility to see how clean it is, what their security standards are, and so on, which will probably give you a good idea as to how well the facility is managed, and the quality of service you will get.
Keep in mind that you will get what you pay for, so don’t go for a sketchy company just because their rate is only a few dollars cheaper than the competition. You can also ask your friends or family for referrals. You want to be sure to get your things back in the same condition as when you put them into storage!
Don’t Choose a Unit Last Minute
You need to take into account some key factors before picking your storage unit. These include the size, price and convenience for your situation. In order to make the right choice, you should start the search process as soon as possible.
If you take too long to book, the unit you want might not be available, or you might not have the time to conduct the necessary research to see what options you have. Your best bet is to start looking early and have a backup plan in place, compared to starting late and making a rash decision.
Take an Inventory on the Things you Plan to Store
Taking an inventory of the belongings you plan to store can be helpful in two ways. It will help you determine what size unit you need, and it helps you stay organized once you move things. It doesn’t need to be super-detailed, just a general idea of what you intend to keep in your unit.
For example, a kayak and seven medium boxes. Based on your inventory list you will be able to have an idea of how much space you need and you can use a storage unit sizing guide to select the best unit to fit all of your items.
Don’t Overpack
When you are filling up your moving boxes, avoid packing too many items in the box, making the box walls start to bend or bulge. Doing so will impact the integrity of the box and it will be more likely to collapse under the weight, causing damage to your belongings and even allowing them to spill out. This can also make your boxes or storage bins too heavy. You should separate your items across your storage boxes and bins so the loads are not too heavy for those lifting them.
Separate Fragile Items
Fragile items that can be easily cracked, shattered or broken should be placed into their own storage boxes and they should be wrapped well with bubble wrap or other soft items like blankets. Pack them carefully to avoid damaging them and clearly label each box as “FRAGILE”. Make sure to place these bins in strategic places in your unit where the labels are visible.
Label Your Boxes
Make it easy for yourself after you move into your storage unit, by labeling your boxes and/or listing the contents of each box on a label on its exterior. You might not see those boxes for a few months and even if you have a great memory, you probably won’t remember where you packed your kitchen utensils or sporting equipment. For this reason, you should try your best to label your boxes with any useful information. The last thing you want is to have to open everything up again just to find something.
Don’t Leave Items Unprotected
You can prevent your items from becoming damaged by making an effort to properly pack and wrap them. Furniture should be covered with sheets or moving pads, but avoid plastic which can trap moisture and cause mould growth. Small items should be boxed up and fragile items should be securely packed in to stop them from moving around and possibly getting damaged.
Pack Heavy Items and Boxes Lower
When moving your storage boxes, always place the heavier boxes at the bottom. Packing them up high can cause damage to the boxes below them, and they can also pose a tripping hazard or cause back injuries. Save your light items for last. Always store your items smartly. By following these self-storage tips you can ensure that you have the best storage experience and your belongings are kept safe and sound.
To move into a self-storage unit as painlessly as possible, call Abacus Self Storage at 905-763-8600 or contact us here.