Nearly everyone could use more space in their home. No matter how big or small your house or apartment is, chances are you have found a way to fill it with stuff. Utilizing a storage unit is an excellent way to declutter your home without getting rid of the possessions that enrich your life.
And the way you use your storage unit matters. Here are five tips to help you optimize your storage unit for the best possible experience.
Most self-storage facilities offer various sizes of storage unit, ranging from small lockers to walk-in units the size of a small room. Renting the smallest storage unit in order to save money can be tempting, but it's not necessarily the best choice. While you may be able to squeeze all your belongings into a small locker, consider whether that will make it difficult to access items as you need them. It's best to rent a storage unit that gives you adequate space so your personal items aren't cramped and stuffed together.
Keeping seasonal items in your storage unit is a great way to free up extra space in your closet. However, improperly stored clothing may become damaged, soiled, or wrinkled. Whenever possible, store your clothes in airtight containers that will not allow moisture in. Vacuum-sealing bags will help consolidate your clothing to save space in your storage unit, providing protection from liquid and insects.
Make sure everything is clean and dry before packing it away, since mold and mildew can grow on clothes that are still damp from rain or snow and stains can become set into clothing if not cleaned immediately. Plan to wash and iron your clothing after taking it out of storage; this will ensure your clothing looks and smells fresh.
Save yourself time and stress by labeling every box you put into your storage unit. If you use plastic containers and would like the option to relabel a box at a later date, use wet erase markers to make a label that will stay put until you wipe it off.
To save even more time, draw a diagram of your storage unit after you've put everything away. Draw each box on your diagram and number them all. These numbers will correspond to a matching list that tells you where everything is at a glance, so you'll never waste time hunting for lost items in storage.
Schedule your trips to your storage unit to coincide with other errands you need to run. Save time by getting all your errands done in one outing. Before leaving your house, make a list of everything you plan to retrieve from your storage unit. Having a plan will minimize the amount of time you spend trying to remember what you came for, and you won't realize on the way home that you forgot something important.
If you plan to store furniture, appliances, or other large, heavy items in your storage unit, rent a unit located on the ground floor. Ground-floor storage units are more costly, but it's worth it to avoid straining your back carrying large items upstairs. Loading and unloading bulky items will be much easier if you can park your vehicle right in front of your first-floor storage unit.
By following these simple, quick steps, you can get the most utility out of your storage unit. If you're looking for a storage facility to suit your needs, look no further than
All American Storage. We provide storage unit access all week long, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Contact us to rent a storage unit today.
