Simplify and Store: A Unique Approach to Moving Things to Storage

You may be downsizing your residence, or you may find yourself transitioning between 2 locales. Whatever the scenario, you might seek a temporary solution for stowing away some of your belongings. Renting a self-storage unit, especially from renowned facilities offering self-storage in North York, provides a practical remedy to your immediate storage dilemmas.

While most cities offer cost-effective and convenient storage solutions, tossing your possessions into a unit without proper organization is far from ideal. Grasping the right way to prepare items for storage ensures your cherished belongings remain pristine, shielded from environmental factors and the test of time. Dive into our guide to discover practical tips on packing your items for storage, ensuring they stand the test of time.

Choose What Goes into Storage

The decision to store particular items usually stems from not needing them immediately but foreseeing a use for them soon. Naturally, the lack of space at home drives the need for external storage. As you contemplate what to store, prioritize items you foresee using again. Remember, the more belongings you decide to keep in storage, the larger the unit required, subsequently increasing costs. Thoroughly evaluate each item’s worth, assessing its value, emotional significance, and utility. In essence, if an item doesn’t hold importance or utility, it may be best to leave it outside your storage plans.

Gather Your Packing Essentials

Before delving into packing, it’s wise to outline the required materials. When moving items to a storage unit, you’ll need an assortment of packing boxes, marker pens for labelling, bubble wrap, tissue paper or newspaper, packing tape, and protective coverings like dust sheets. For those particularly cumbersome or fragile belongings, consider wooden crates. This might be especially relevant if you’re storing something like a counterbalance lift truck rear post. Plastic bags might seem convenient, but you best avoid them since mildew thrives in them. If you’re packing on a tight budget, remember that there are avenues to source moving boxes at no cost.

Ensure Items Are Clean Before Boxing Them Up

Storing items for an extended period means they should be in their best condition beforehand. You effectively remove accumulated dust, dirt, and other residues by thoroughly cleaning each item before packing. This proactive approach guarantees that when you eventually retrieve your belongings, they will emerge from storage looking as pristine as when they entered.

Label Everything

It cannot be stressed enough: every box should carry a clear label. Labeling streamlines the process of both storing and retrieving items. In addition to making it easier to find specific items later on, it alerts you immediately if anything is amiss.

Grouping related items during the packing phase significantly enhances organization. For instance, consolidating all kitchen-related items or office essentials ensures you stay focused during unpacking. A pro tip to elevate your organizing game is embracing a colour-coded system. Opt for labels in various hues or utilize multi-coloured markers to demarcate categories, making identification a breeze.

Steer Clear of Hazardous Items in Storage

It’s imperative to remember that certain items, particularly those of a hazardous nature, have no place in a storage unit. Additionally, anything perishable is a no-go; they can introduce many issues. Always consult the facility’s prohibited items list before you begin your packing process. As a general guideline, steer clear of storing any food, plants, flammable, corrosive, or explosive items, anything with a strong scent, and damp or wet items.

Furthermore, significant monetary or sentimental items should remain close to you. It would be best to keep such treasures within your home’s safety and comfort.

Pack by Spaces

While it might be tempting to pack items based solely on how they fit into a box, this method can lead to chaos during unpacking. As moving experts like the Inner City Moving and Storage Company would advise, it’s best to pack according to specific spaces in your home.

Rather than pulling items from all over the house, focus on one space at a time. This makes packing more systematic and significantly eases the unloading and unpacking process. For instance, if items from one drawer of a desk fit perfectly into a box, that’s your cue. Always remember to label your boxes clearly. A label such as “Master Bedroom – beside table (Her’s)” is precise yet informative, ensuring you know both the contents and their destination.

Prioritize Weight Distribution in Your Boxes

Remember the golden rule when organizing your belongings for storage: heavier items go at the bottom. Using similar-sized boxes whenever possible is advantageous to maintain balance and prevent things from shifting. This strategy ensures that your stored items remain stable, minimizing the risk of damage. Also, refrain from putting delicate or soft items at the base; they can become compressed or damaged by heavier objects placed on top.

Maximize the Use of Cardboard and Moving Blankets

While employing moving blankets might seem straightforward, their effectiveness depends on their application. Avoid plastics for long-term storage; their lack of breathability can lead to condensation and mould growth. Moving blankets, on the other hand, facilitate air circulation and offer added protection.

Furniture wrapped in blankets is shielded from potential damage, but don’t limit blankets to just that. They can fill gaps, stabilize stacked items, and buffer between belongings. Think outside the box – literally. Cardboard and boxes, for instance, are not just for containment. Positioned under heavy items, they can safeguard the floor of a moving vehicle or storage unit. Similarly, a flattened box can envelop an object, shielding it while maintaining the neatness of your stacked items. When protecting your possessions, sometimes you need a touch of creativity.