Whether you're storing household items or excess business inventory, making everything fit into your storage unit can be a real challenge. Storage units are priced according to size, and using space efficiently can save you plenty. Here are five tricks to help meet the storage challenge.
Start with a map to plan placements
By deciding in advance "what goes where," you won't waste time and energy shuffling things around. It's important to consider how accessible stored items need to be, as well as size,shape and weight factors. The map will also be helpful in locating stored items later. Inexpensive shelving may help keep small boxes organized. If other family members or employees will need to retrieve items, it may be a good idea to tape the map just inside the door of the storage unit.
Place large, heavy items in back and on the bottom
As items stack up within the unit, having a base of larger, sturdier items will make stacking more efficient. Fragile items won't be crushed, and stacks will be more stable. Odd sizes and shapes may be more stable in a back corner, surrounded by a barricade of boxes to keep them in place.
After placing items all around the insider perimeter of the unit, from floor to ceiling, the space that remains is available for items you're most likely to need. If you need access to everything, a movable shelving unit on casters can be easily rolled out of the way.
Listen to expert advice
If you're facing special storage challenges such as odd sizes and shapes, ask your storage professional for tips. The storage experts at thestoragecenter.com are committed to making your storage experience satisfactory. You may be able to learn from others' experience!
Uniform-sized boxes with lids stack best
Open boxes can tip and spill. Recycled grocery boxes seem to be an economical choice, but lack necessary sturdiness. Moving boxes or banker's boxes are easier to stack efficiently. Labeling boxes on all four sides as well as the lid will make contents easier to find. If you won't need to access contents, taping the lids will make boxes even more sturdy.
Pack boxes efficiently
Pack boxes the same way you organize the overall space: large,heavy and bulky items go in first. Fill each box to the top, and you'll need less boxes. Full boxes are also less likely to be crushed by heavier boxes placed on top of them. Be careful not to force boxes out of shape or overfill them so that lids don't fit securely.
By following these simple tips, you can avoid damaging stored items, and easily find items you need to retrieve.