Renting a self-storage unit can be one of the most helpful things you do to help de-clutter your home, but using one requires some strategic skills. Planning out what you want to store ahead of time will help you store everything away in a functional manner. This is the time to tap into your organization skills; pull out the boxes, the labels, and whatever else you need to keep track of what you’re storing away and know how to relocate it when need be.
First off, you will want to create a walkway in your storage unit so you can easily navigate through when you need to retrieve something. By doing this, you’ll save time that you would otherwise be using to unpack your entire unit.
Next, label and box up your items. Separating and consolidating your belongings into respective boxes will also make finding them in the future much easier. Try to purchase boxes that are similar in size to allow for easy stacking. You will optimize the storage space this way. Also, label your boxes, that way you will not have to open every single box to find what you’re looking for.
Before locking you items away, take the time to make a list of everything you are storing. While no storage owners anticipate anything happening, it is good to have incase an insurance claim needs to be made. In addition, a list will help you remember what you’ve put away, so you aren’t frantically searching through your house for an item. You will have all of your belongings accounted for this way.
Finally, make sure to cover your items with some sort of protective barrier like a tarp or item-specific bags. Most storage units are clean and safe from climate changes, but this extra precautionary act will keep your mind at ease.
