Moving items into a storage unit can help to open up your home, while also keeping certain items safe from the risk of damage. Sporting goods and other such pieces can easily get scraped or scratched when stored in a crowded garage, and clothes you have in the back of the closet can get mildewed or eaten by moths if left to sit for months at a time. Before you move anything to storage, however, or even start shopping around for a storage unit, note a few important tips that will help you prepare.
Purge
Purging unneeded items will allow you to downsize the storage unit you'll rent, and also means you'll need fewer storage bins for them. Have a friend help if needed, so they can insist you let go of old clothes that are outdated, and all those broken household appliances they know you'll never actually get around to fixing.
Storage bins and accessories
Cardboard boxes are never good for long-term storage; cardboard can absorb moisture and humidity, which then allows the items being stored to absorb that same humidity. Clothes, books and metal tools are then easily damaged when in storage.
Organise the items you will store so you can determine how many bins and totes you should buy, and then wrap clothes, artwork and books in acid-free tissue paper, to keep inks and dyes from running and staining other items. Wrap furniture in bubble wrap, so that those pieces don't get scratched and damaged as well.
Keep an inventory
To easily access the items you'll hold in storage, keep an inventory. A simple way to do this is to label each bin or tote with a letter or number; use a marker or buy stick-on labels from an office supply store. Set out all the items you'll put in each tote and take a picture, then name the picture the same letter or number of the tote. You can then easily see that Christmas decorations are in tote A, summer clothes are in tote B, that cocktail dress you need for a date night is in tote C, and so on.
Rent moving equipment
To make the move easier on you, rent a truck with tie-downs that can hold your bins and other items in place. It's also good to rent a hand truck or dolly, so you don't hurt yourself physically while trying to load and unload your items. This will make quick work of your storage and ensure nothing is damaged in transit.
