Whether you rent a self-storage unit for your personal items or are using contractor storage units for your business, keeping your items safe and organized it the top priority. Before you begin moving your things into your unit, consider purchasing the items on this shopping list.
Read on to learn about the supplies that can help protect your belongings while they are in storage and some tips for using them so navigating your unit and finding what you need when you need it will be hassle-free.
Your shopping list
- Waterproof containers: Though cardboard boxes tend to be the baseline for storing things, consider upgrading to waterproof containers for your important items. Sturdy plastic containers offer added protection from moisture and can be stacked to maximize the space in your storage unit.
- Strong packing tape: Essential for sealing shut your boxes, strong packing tape is a must-have. Be sure to apply several layers of tape to any seams on both boxes and plastic containers to deter pests from getting inside.
- Colored-dot stickers: Colored-dot stickers are useful for creating an easily visible color-coding system in your unit. For example, you will be able to enter your unit and quickly find the blue dot boxes, which is your color code for office supplies.
- Wide-tip markers: In addition to the colored stickers, you can further label your items for clarity. A dark colored marker with a wide tip will be the easiest to read from the entrance if you orient your labels toward the front.
- Plastic sheets: Plastic sheets are great for draping over large items and will help prevent dust accumulation or water damage in the event of a ceiling leak.
- Large cloth covers: For furniture, soft cloth covers work better than plastic sheets, which can trap moisture and cause mold or mildew damage on wooden or upholstered items.
- Shelving units: Metal or plastic shelving units make better use of your space and can keep smaller or more valuable items off the floor. They can also help you to arrange your area into accessible rows, so you don’t have to move things around to get what you need.
- Blank paper: Once you have organized your items in your unit, create a map of the space for reference. If you used a color-coding system, you can fill in the map with the relevant colors and make a key for what each color represents. It may be helpful to have two copies, one for you to take with you and one to leave at your unit. For the map in your unit, be sure to place it in a protective plastic sleeve.
With these supplies and storage facility that prioritizes security, your belongings are sure to be safe and organized. Abba Storage provides self-storage units in a state of the art facility with top-tier security features and offers a variety of unit sizes and climate-controlled options. Contact our storage experts today at 952-969-9222.
