Are you one of the 9 out of 10 homeowners considering a remodel in the next two years and wondering where you can put your furniture and other items while the work is done?
Or maybe you are a contractor who needs a secure space to store construction equipment, tools and building materials for an upcoming project?
If so, renting portable storage units is likely just what the doctor ordered.
Unlike public storage where you can store stuff at their location, portable storage containers can be conveniently stored at your location for easy access.
This means that just because your items are “in storage,” they are still nearby, easy to get to and use whenever you need them.
What Is a Storage Container?
A storage container is a large self-storage unit that is portable and can be delivered directly to your house or business. Normally you will pay for the rental by the month.
You can use these storage units to move stuff out of your way during a remodel or renovations. You can also use them for equipment or materials that you need to store temporarily in a convenient location.
Storage containers come in a variety of sizes, so there is sure to be one that will meet your need.
How Does Renting a Storage Unit Work?
Once you determine the size of your storage container unit and enter into the rental agreement with the storage company, they will deliver the storage unit to the delivery location you specify.
After delivery, you will have the ability to load your items at your convenience and lock them securely inside the unit to keep them protected. You can load as much or as little into the storage unit as you see fit.
When your project is complete and you no longer need the storage unit, simply arrange for the storage company to come to pick it up.
Tips for Packing a Storage Container
Some pre-planning and strategy on how to organize a storage unit will go along way towards making the most out of your use of the storage unit.
It will also help you locate items you’ve placed in the storage container, in case they need to be retrieved prior to fully unloading the storage unit for its return.
Use the following self-storage tips for a successful experience.
1. DO Plan Ahead
Keep in mind that you will likely need to access items from inside your storage unit during the rental period. In order to do this efficiently, you will need to know where your stuff is stored.
Make a simple map where you can list the location of boxes and items that are not packed in a box.
Label your boxes and keep a list of what’s inside the boxes.
2. DO Keep Accessibility in Mind
When planning how you will store your items in your storage unit, think about which items you are most likely going to want to use or have access to.
Pack those items closer to the front of the storage unit or in such a way that makes them most accessible. Conversely, put the items you know you won’t need to access often towards the back.
Thinking about this upfront will save you time not having to wade through other stuff to get to what you want.
3. DO Take Advantage of the Vertical Space
When packing your storage container, pack heavier items on the bottom so you can place lighter items above them.
When possible, turn longer items upright so they take up less of a footprint and reach up towards the ceiling. This includes items like couches, bed frames, mattresses.
4. DO Use Pallets to Keep Items Off the Floor
If you want to keep items from getting wet because you anticipate rainy weather during your rental, putting pallets under your stuff is a good idea.
Especially if you are packing your items in paper boxes and storing paperwork or other items sensitive to water.
5. Do Take Care When Stacking Boxes/Items
To ensure the safety of those entering your storage unit as well as your belongings, stack items with care and in such a way as they won’t easily topple over.
Stack larger and heavier objects near the floor with lighter items above. By doing so, if something does fall over, it will be lighter and lessen the risk of an injury.
6. DO Wrap Sensitive Contents
To keep furniture from being scratched and glass items such as mirrors, picture frames, and drinking glasses from being broken, take the time to wrap these items, preferably in bubble wrap.
Old blankets, towels, and sleeping bags can also be used.
7. DO Pack Your Boxes Properly
Pack boxes so that the heavier stuff is on the bottom. After the box is packed, insert crumpled paper or packing peanuts into the empty spaces to keep items from moving around.
Wrap any breakable items with packing paper/newspaper or bubble wrap to keep the items from banging together.
8. DON’T Cram Items
If you pile your items and boxes in like sardines, the only items you will be able to access easily will be those in the top of the front row.
Keep pathways open in between boxes and your other items.
By doing so, you’ll be able to easily access more items stored in the storage container.
9. DON’T Forget to Tape Boxes Closed
To keep the contents of your boxes safe from dust and insects, be sure to tape your boxes closed.
By doing so, you will also keep out moisture which could lead to either mold or mildew formation.
10. DON’T Forget You Can Use Temporary Shelving
Metal shelving can be brought in to your storage unit. It just has to be temporary, meaning it cannot be permanently affixed to the unit itself.
The shelving will allow you to use more of the vertical space and keep items safe from being damaged. It will also provide you with easier access to them.
11. DON’T Forget to Break Larger Items Down
When it makes sense, break items down to save space and get more stuff into your storage unit.
Some items of furniture such as office/computer desks, tables, bed frames are ideal for this. But anything you think you may be taking in and out of your storage unit does not.
Remember to use masking tape (and a sharpie to write on the tape) to identify the pieces you separate for easy re-assembly later.
12. DON’T Forget to Use Space Inside Furniture/Items
Remember that you can store smaller items inside drawers of furniture or appliances, such as unplugged ovens and dry refrigerators.
Using these locations to store more in your unit. It can also help you locate these smaller items easier and protect them from getting damaged.
13. DON’T Store Open Containers of Liquid
Be sure to tightly seal any container that holds a liquid. This includes paint and other toxic substances. Storage units have no ventilation to allow fumes to dissipate.
Containers holding water need to be sealed to discourage mold or mildew growing inside the unit.
Along similar lines, don’t leave wet towels or other fabric inside to hang to dry.
Order Your Storage Units Today
Whether you are remodeling or doing construction on your home or business, or if just need extra space to store some stuff for a while, order storage units today.
You’ll rest assured knowing you’ll have the extra storage space when you need it.
Plus, having the delivery date set will help motivate you towards getting the contents together and organized properly ahead of its arrival.
If you have any questions or want to learn more about renting a storage container, contact A.B. Richards today.