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Beginners guide to self storage

December 12, 2014 |

As populations increase, the availability of space is constantly put under pressure on land, the oceans and even the skies above let alone available space in homes. The phenomenon has reached such proportions that self storage companies are popping up everywhere to confront the challenge of the need to store extra belongings somewhere else safe. The procedure has become such a normal part of life it is expedient for you and other potential user of self storage to have access to some hints relating to it. Here is a simple self storage guide.

It’s all a matter of spatial need

After convincing yourself that you need extra storage space, it follows that you must then determine the type of self storage facility that can provide the kind of spatial area you need to store you belongings. Because of rental charges, it would be prudent to start small and select an area of from 100 to 150 cubic feet that encompasses a room of about 10 feet square and from 7 to 10 feet high.

Not everything can be stored

Not unlike public transportation systems that traverse land, sea and sky, self storage units are also security conscious not only for the safety of their facilities but also for the safety of your belongings and assets. They will take positive precautions against your storing of dangerous chemicals, hazardous materials, poisonous substances, inflammable and explosive substances in their facilities.

Secure packaging means safe belongings

When it comes to packaging your belongings for storage, it’s definitely advisable to enlist the assistance of self storage centre staff. After all, they know everything there is to know about self storage procedures and they can provide realistic and effective advice. In addition they can help select and sell ideal packaging materials such as boxes, bubblewrap, tape and marker pens.

Distribute the weight for easy handling

Skillful packing can contribute much to facilitate easy handling and storage especially when you are deliberately conserving on available storage space available. Small but highly heavy items such as books should be packed carefully into small packages for ease of handling and transportation. To ensure security, the bottom of boxes should have double tapping applied for added support.

More attention to the fragile

Make sure that all fragile items are stacked atop heavier ones in the storage room to ensure that they have plenty of ground support. You shouldn’t overlook the need to provide as much bubble wrap and tissue paper as possible for the fragile items for maximum protection during the transportation stage and when storing them. Never use newspaper to fill gaps between fragile items as the ink can smudge.

Clear identification is makes everything easy

Even though your belongings will be stored separately in a self storage facility, along with many other stored packages, clearly labelling each box is a definite plus. Labelling is critical when it comes to identifying the contents of each package. The labelling also becomes important during the reclaiming of the packages from storage. Very little time will be lost during the reclaiming process.

Planned stacking is worth the time

Many house owners that desire the services of a self-storage business for whatever reasons often overlook this last but very important aspect. Boxes are placed haphazardly without any order without pre-empting the need for retrieving some items later. Put these nearest the door and place a walkaway to get to the back of the stack. Place the heaviest items on the floor and place fragile items in your furniture drawers and cupboards.

If you’ve found this self storage guide useful please share it with your friends. No matter what type of self storage you may require, this self storage guide can help.