You might need a storage unit for many reasons. They are helpful during the transition from one home to another. They can also store valuable belongings that won’t fit in your home for the long-term.
It doesn’t matter what reason you have for putting your stuff in storage. However, it is important to learn how to properly pack a storage unit. A good storage company will protect your items, but you can still keep them safe by packing it carefully. Here are the details.
The Prep Work: How to Safely Get Your Stuff Ready for Storage
You’ll first need to pack and find self storage in Tampa. This is the first line defense to keep your belongings safe. Here are some tips to help you pack correctly.
Be aware of the restrictions
A storage unit will list restricted items for a reason. This is not intended to make your life harder, but it can cause damage to your stuff.
Many items that storage companies prohibit are flammable. It is easy for something flammable in storage units to catch fire, causing havoc. Do not take any chances. Instead, follow the restricted item guidelines.
You can request a restricted item list from your storage company if they don’t have one. This list typically includes paint, gasoline, explosives, as well as some chemicals.
You might not need to pack some of these items. You should not store plants or perishable foods. This could also cause damage to your other stuff.
Label everything you do
It’s easy to organize your belongings by labeling them as you pack them. It will make it easier to unpack when you need it. It will also help you pack your unit safely.
A label, for example, will let you know what boxes contain fragile items so that you don’t stack heavy boxes over fragile ones. You can label in large letters and place the labels so they are easy to see. You might even want to label multiple sides of each box.
Use Proper Packing Supplies
Although it may be tempting to just use whatever boxes are available, this is not the best option. It’s worth investing in better-quality materials when packing items you care about.
You should start with sturdy cardboard boxes that will not collapse when you stack them one on top of the other. To protect fragile items, make sure you have enough soft packing materials. While clothes and bedding can be used, bubble wrap and packing papers can provide much-needed protection.
Create an inventory list
It’s a good idea to keep track of everything you have in storage. This is especially useful if you only plan to store a small amount of your stuff. It will be easy to recall what is in storage and what not.
An inventory list can also help you determine the size storage unit that you will need. Keep your inventory list handy so that you can quickly update it when you move things around.
Clean the Unit
Clean your storage unit before you pack it. It won’t take too long to clean your storage unit. Simply sweep it and wipe all surfaces with a basic cleaner.
A good storage company will let you rent a unit that has been cleaned. It’s important to clean these areas again as dust and dirt can quickly build up in these places
Get down the Pallets
Flooding is possible in your area. To prevent flooding, place pallets on the ground before stacking boxes on top. Even if flooding is unlikely, this is a smart idea. A plumbing problem can cause damage to the entire bottom of your unit.
Pack boxes in order
When you begin putting things into your storage unit, ensure there is a system. It’s tempting to just put in boxes as they fit if you have a tight deadline. This can lead to more damage in storage.
You should use rows you are able to walk between so that you have easy access to your stuff and can check for damage periodically. You should stack heavy objects on the bottom and lighter or fragile items on top. But don’t stack piles too high, they might tip over.
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