Planning your unit & getting the most for your money

Label boxes

Group common items together in boxes with an easy to read label for easy retrieval when needed

Use the walls

Store bulkier items up against the back & side walls, this leads to a generally more efficient use of space and the ability to stack smaller items on top

Stack up to the ceiling

Your storage unit investment includes empty vertical space, which is very often underutilized. Stack to the ceiling where possible, ensuring heavier boxes are at the bottom so they aren’t crushed by heavier boxes on top.  Smaller boxes & other items can be stacked on top furniture and bulkier items.

If you use your vertical space efficiently you maybe able lease a smaller unit, and ultimately spend less on your month to month lease.

Stand up bulky items vertically

Stand longer & bulkier items up on one end (eg. couches ) , as you’ll use far less of the floor space

Disassemble when possible

Often larger items can be disassembled and are far easier to store , the best example is a bed frame which takes up a very large area assembled, however disassembled and standing up in a corner of the facility has a very small footprint, and makes use of the vertical space of the unit

Consider shelving

Shelving can be an efficient solution for storing boxes, as you can stack boxes to the ceiling without crushing boxes below.  It can also come in handy for high volumes of medium sized, loose items (tools, appliances etc.)

Create aisles

Creating aisles may not be necessary but if you plan to revisit to retrieve items frequently, creating natural aisles with your items will ensure they are quick and easy to access.

Protecting your items from damage or erosion

Use new boxes & don't overfill

If boxes are wearing out they can deteriorate further in storage, leading to spills and possibly breakages. Buy new boxes particularly if you’re storing items for a long period of time, and don’t overfill them with heavy items

Pack books in smaller boxes

Larger boxes of books can easily break apart (even in newer boxes) and are difficult to move even when using trolleys.

Bubble wrap glassware and fragile items

Don’t pack breakable items such as glassware, crockery, plastic models etc.  without first bubble wrapping them, and be careful not to store them in boxes where heavier items maybe placed on top

Store mirrors and artwork vertically

Mirrors and artwork can break easily if stored flat,  store these items vertically and where possible sitting in between softer items (mattresses etc)

Cover furnishings

Covering furniture can help prevent scratches or the build up of dust and dirt.  Mattresses should always be kept in a mattress cover.

Remove batteries from electronics

Remove batteries from remote controls and other electronic items if storing items for a long period of time so that battery acids don’t leak and damage other boxed items.

Make sure everything is dry

The last thing you want is to revisit your storage unit and find it full of mold,  ensure water is drained from everything, taking particular care with washing machines or fridges.

Drain fuel from any motorized items

Combustible materials are absolutely not allowed to be kept in self-storage as they are an obvious fire hazard, ensure any machinery fuel tanks are emptied before storing (lawn mowers, whipper snippers etc.)

Leave appliance doors slightly open

Fridges & washings machines should be stored with the door slightly ajar, and checked they are dry and clear of any mold

What NOT to keep in self storage

Explosive , hazardous or toxic materials

Any substances that are explosive, hazardous or toxic to people cannot be kept in self storage

Animals & Plants

Anything living such as plants, animals and other biological materials cannot be kept in self storage

Illegal Items

It should go without saying that if its illegal (drugs, weapons & stolen goods), it cannot be kept in self storage

Yourself

No you cannot live in your self storage unit !