Professional Storage Tips
We’ve all seen the clutter and chaos on the show Storage Wars, were the host opens up the storage container to reveal an epic mess. Cardboard boxes are rotted away, personal belongings are strewn about. Clearly someone had been in there at some point retrieve some items. But did they find what they were looking for? Probably not.
If you’re investing in a self storage, storage container, or a small storage space there are steps you can do to avoid a mess. If you want your storage space to look neat and organized and not like a scene from Storage Wars, we have some tips for you! Not only will it help you have peace of mind. It will make it easier and faster for you to find what you’re looking for when you need it! Let’s begin!
Professional Storage Tips
- Containers/Boxes/Totes
Believe it or not one of the most important things to consider when preparing to store your belongings is your container solution. Will your belongings be stored long term. Are you storing them in a climate controlled location. Or will they be affected by hot and cold temperatures. Quality cardboard boxes are a great choice for short term storage. Especially if they are being stored in a climate controlled location. For long term storage, we recommend sealable containers, typically plastic. When properly packed and sealed, plastic containers can help your items hold up over long periods of time.
- Write a Detailed Manifest
Time and time again people complain of not being able to find what box they put what in! We understand. When you’re packing up boxes or containers writing “kitchen” or “hall closet” seems sufficient. However, in 6-12 months will you really remember which “kitchen” box your coffee maker is in? Without opening the other 20 boxes? While it might take extra time and dedication writing a detailed manifest makes all the difference in the world, for example.
Let’s say you learn that your sister in law is expecting her first baby girl. You hurry off to your storage unit to get clothes you saved from your own girls. Unfortunately, you can find yourself wasting hours sorting through countless boxes labeled, “Girls Clothes”. Instead of labeling a box generally, get specific!
Example:
Girls Clothes: 0-3 Months: Winter: Pajamas, Onesies
Girls Clothes: 6-9 Months: Summer: Dresses, Onesies, Swimsuits
The same can be done for anything you store! For example,
Kitchen: Mixing Bowls: Mixing Utensils, Blender
Kitchen: Mugs, Cutting Boards, Knives
Garage: Christmas Decorations: Christmas Tree Lights, Ornaments, Stockings
We hope that this has been helpful and that these tips can help you organize and store your stuff like a pro!
