Self Storage Safety Tips
A safe storage unit is an organised one! If you have lots of boxes, when stacking them make sure the heaviest ones are on the bottom.
One of the key considerations when choosing a self storage unit is safety and security so never select a storage facility simply because it is the cheapest. That doesn’t mean that a cheap self storage facility can’t have excellent safety and security measures but it is worth comparing both the self storage prices and other features such as the security measures before making a decision. A reputable self storage company will have robust security measures in place on the premises to protect your goods. But also, it’s important to know what you can do to help yourself when packing and moving into your storage unit.
Packing your goods safely
When preparing your goods for storage, it pays to pack items properly and take time to prepare thoroughly. Not only will this make you feel super organised, but it’s also a good safety precaution and will help your move go as smoothly as possible. Poorly packed and over-stuffed boxes will be too heavy to lift. Plus, any glass or crockery could smash in transit and you certainly don’t want that to happen.
First things first, make a list of all the items going into storage. This means you won’t have to rely on memory when trying to remember what’s in your unit, and it will help in the unlikely event of an insurance claim.
Next, invest in some decent packaging materials. Strong and sturdy boxes are essential. All good storage companies will sell a varied stock of packaging materials and you’re likely to need:
- A selection of boxes
- Furniture covers
- Bubble wrap
- Strong tape
- Marker pens
- Labels
Wrap all breakables in plenty of bubble wrap and make sure all space within a box is filled. You can use more bubble wrap or newspaper for this purpose. This prevents items moving around while in transit. Always labels boxes containing glassware, crockery or other breakables as ‘Fragile’.
Loading your storage unit
A safe storage unit is an organised one! If you have lots of boxes, when stacking them make sure the heaviest ones are on the bottom. Boxes that are light in weight or containing fragile items can go on top. Be careful to not stack boxes too high or make them excessively heavy to lift. It’s very easy to cause strain to the back, neck and shoulders when lifting heavy boxes incorrectly.
When loading your unit, it is recommended to leave a walkway through the centre if this is possible. This will give you much easier access to items stored at the back of the unit, instead of pulling everything out when you want to retrieve something.
If you have furniture to store or other large bulky items, it’s best to get these into the unit first. Dismantle any items, where possible, like dining tables or bed frames. Cover upholstery with furniture covers to protect from dust and potential damage. Arrange these items against the walls and then all the boxes and smaller items can be packed and fitted around the larger ones. You want to optimise the unit space as much as possible and careful, organised packing will definitely help.
Check your items for any moisture before putting into storage. Goods stored for any length of time must be thoroughly dry to prevent any mould growth. You want your items to come out of storage undamaged and in good condition.
All it takes is a bit of preparation and planning to make moving into your storage unit a much easier and safer process.
