Putting your possessions into storage can be a great idea. Whether you are looking to downsize and get rid of some of your furniture at home or the office or create a bit of space while you repaint your living room or bedroom, you must get the process just right.
To make things a little more manageable and simplify the process, we’ve examined some of the main points to consider while navigating the storage maze. From evaluating your storage needs to protecting vulnerable items, here are some things you may need to remember.
Think about your storage needs.
Before you can even start with your search, consider your storage needs. Simply begin by identifying what items you need to store and their sizes. You need to consider how accessible each of your items needs to be, how long you will store each, and how much space you think you will need. You will also want to look into whether self-storage services will be best or if you might be able to benefit from some other kind of service available. Considering these factors will ensure that you choose a storage solution that efficiently meets your specific needs and preferences.
Declutter Effectively
It is also important to declutter effectively before you store any of your items. Decluttering, defined as removing unnecessary items from an untidy or overcrowded place, is essential before storing your possessions. You do not want to end up paying more for more storage than you need just so that you can put off dealing with your unneeded possessions at some point later on.
You must try to be as ruthless as possible. If you are putting a specific item into storage, you clearly do not need to use it right at that moment, but be honest about whether you genuinely think that you will need it at some point in the future. Getting rid of clutter can be difficult, especially if you seldom do this, but it will definitely save you some money and, ultimately, will most likely make you feel good as well.
Take an inventory
Once you have gotten rid of all those items you do not think you will need, you can start taking an inventory. It is expected that once you put something into storage, you will most likely forget that it exists, potentially resulting in making repeat purchases of items you thought you had already lost or given away. Hence, it is considered good practice to put everything you leave in storage in a spreadsheet or other easily navigable document so that you can always check what things are kept in your storage facility. This practice enhances efficiency and can help you make good decisions about managing your stored belongings effectively.
Protect vulnerable items
Once you know what you are putting into storage and are sure that all of those items need to be there, you can start to prepare them. While some more durable items might not require a lot of preparation, others—especially very delicate items—will definitely require some time and effort to protect them.
Proper preparation of your items is crucial to maintain their condition during storage. Make sure to invest in quality packing materials. That might mean putting your items in boxes with plenty of padding, bubble wrap and ‘fragile’ labels or wrapping them in protective blankets and sheets, depending on the item. Also, consider if any items you are storing require climate-controlled storage to safeguard against temperature and humidity fluctuations. Some items, such as electronics and paper documents, will need this. Always place heavier items at the bottom of boxes and stack lighter items on top to avoid getting damaged. This might seem like a bit of a pain while you are doing it, but the importance of getting your items back in one piece at the time that you’ll need them means that it is worth it.
Avoid packing dangerous and hazardous items
Dangerous items, such as fireworks, guns, explosives, and hazardous items, such as flammable liquids, radioactive materials etc. are prone to causing unexpected accidents. If ever you will need to store these, always make sure to consult and ask help from experts of these things. This would ensure that you’re less likely to cause an accident. As the saying goes, “it’s better safe than sorry”.
Clean items before putting them into storage
This can be optional, however, if you are going to put your items into storage for a long period of time, it’s always a good idea to clean them first. Removing accumulated dust, dirt and even rust on the things that you are storing can help maintain them in a good condition for a longer period of time. Once the time comes that you need to collect these items, they’ll most likely still look good as new.
Getting the storage game just right is easy – all it takes is a little thought and planning. By going through the basic steps we have listed above, you can successfully move your items into a storage facility without any difficulties. With thoughtful consideration and proactive planning, you should be able to get it right the first time around with no problem.
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