Whether you need somewhere to keep your non-essential belongings during a move or want to free up some livable space in your home, a storage unit is an excellent place to keep excess items off-site. However, storage and packing are not always as easy as it appears, but a few simple tips and tricks can ease the process and make retrieving items a breeze. When relocating your items, these moving tips can keep you organized and protect your belongings.

How to Get Items Ready for Storage

Secure a Storage Unit First

Before you do anything, rent your self-storage unit. If you need to decide how large of a unit you will need, take stock of every item you plan to store, and think about how you can stack these items to save space. For example, if you’re packing up sheets, you can fold them and place them in boxes for stacking, but you are less likely create piles of unused furniture. Once you secure storage, ask for a copy of rules and regulations, so you can avoid accidentally violating them.

Clean & Prepare Everything

Vacuum and clean everything with an all-purpose cleaner before you move it into a box or container for storage. This moving tip will help prevent the dirty, musty odor that often accompanies items retrieved from long-term storage. Wrap appliances and fragile items in bubble wrap or foam to prevent them from breaking. Disassemble large pieces of furniture, and secure screws and small pieces by placing them in a small bag and taping them to the underside of the piece of furniture. Label all boxes clearly with a brief inventory of what’s inside them.

Be Strategic About Placement

When moving items into your unit, consider how often you will need to retrieve them. For example, any seasonal items you’ll pick up every year should be kept in a convenient, easy-to-reach area while furniture you are storing indefinitely can be stowed in the back. Additionally, boxes should be stacked with care to avoid falls. Pack heavy items in large, wide boxes, and stack lighters containers on top of them. As you put everything away, clear a path so you can find items when you need them.

If you need temporary storage while moving, Carlton Movers can help. They provide moving, storage, and distribution services to residents and businesses throughout the greater Cincinnati, OH, area. For nearly 50 years, they’ve offered moving tips and high-quality relocation services to their clients, equipping customers with moving and packing supplies, too. Call (513) 579-0007 to inquire about storage options, and visit them online for more information about their moving trucks.