Tips for packing and organising your storage unit like a pro

Need to put stuff into storage? Whether it’s for a few weeks or many months, it’s important to ensure that you’re packing and organising properly. In doing so, you’ll be helping to keep your items in good condition and just more simply make your task much easier than it needs to be. 

Step one is always to work with a professional and reliable storage company that provides all the staples of good storage. Remember, not all storage facilities are created equal! At KeepSafe Storage Perth, we’re proud to offer state-of-the-art facilities, 24/7 CCTV monitoring, and easy access storage units to our customers. Once you’ve arranged your storage, you’ll need to get down to the busy task of organising your unit like a pro. Follow the tips that we’ve outlined below, and you’ll be well on your way to doing the job properly at the first time of asking. 

Make a List 

It’s easy to forget about the items you’ve put into your storage unit. You’ll know that they’re kept safe and secure, and that’s all that matters. However, it can be useful to know exactly what you have in your storage unit. After all, you never know when you might need an item, but you can’t recall whether it’s in storage or you threw it away. Before putting your belongings into storage, consider creating an inventory of your items. That way, you’ll have a clear overview of everything that’s there. You might never need that list, but if you do, you’ll be happy that you took the time to put it together. 

Invest in Plastic, Clear Storage Boxes

Thought you’d just throw everything into plastic bags and be done with it? Think again — that’s the fast option, but it’s not the best one. First of all, you’ll want boxes, which are easier to store than bags (hello, easy stacking). Second, it’s best to use plastic, clear storage boxes wherever possible. In doing so, you’ll get multiple benefits. They’re usually easy to stack, strong, and come in a wide variety of sizes. Plus, if they’re clear plastic, then you’ll be easily able to see what’s inside without digging around, which can save a lot of time and stress.

And Pack Things Properly

Getting the right boxes for storage is key, and so is learning how to properly pack your items into those boxes. Taking the time to neatly store your belongings can go a long way towards ensuring that it’s easy to locate items later on down the line. It’s best to avoid overpacking your boxes. Instead, just put in as many items as it can comfortably manage. And of course, it’s recommended to put the same types of items into a single box (for example, all your kitchen utensils; all your books). 

Use Wardrobe Boxes for Clothing

Planning to store clothing at your storage unit? You’ll want to ensure that they look just as beautiful when you retrieve them as they do when they enter the storage unit. One smart tip is to pick up some wardrobe boxes, which will allow you to spaciously hang clothing within a closed box. They’re strong and tall, which means you can place extra items at the feet of the box. 

If that option is a bit too much for your needs, then at the very least you should neatly fold your clothes and place them carefully in a box. Again, it’s best to pack by type (for example, all your sweaters in one box; all your jeans in another). 

Back Up Your Electrical Devices 

Renting a storage unit can be highly practical for people looking to keep their electrical devices while they’re travelling or in between properties. However, while it’s highly unlikely that your device will be damaged while it’s in storage, it’s also important to remember that no item lasts forever. You can’t expect a laptop to still be in full working condition if you leave it for eighteen months. As such, it’s recommended to backup your electronic devices before putting them into storage. That way, you can ensure that your cherished photos, videos, and documents are all safe, even if your laptop calls its quits while it’s in storage. 

Storing Furniture? Disassemble it First

Renting a storage unit is a great way to store unneeded furniture. However, because furniture tends to be bulky, it’ll be best to disassemble it before you place it into storage. You’ll find that you can save a lot of floor space by taking this method, and plus, it will make it easier to transport, too. 

If your furniture does not come apart, then consider getting creative and using it in other ways. You can always store things inside your chest of drawers. 

Place Heavy Boxes At The Back, On the Floor

Any heavy backs are best put at the back of the storage unit, on the floor. If they’re placed off the ground, there’ll be an increased chance that they cause damage to lighter boxes. Plus, by putting them on the floor you won’t need to lift them, and you’ll find it easier to access other boxes. 

Items You’ll Need to Retrieve? Put Them Front and Centre

The best storage units offer 24/7 access, so you can come and go whenever you please. If there are items that you think you might need in the future, then consider putting them at the front of the centre of the storage unit. That way, you can grab what you need without having to pull out more boxes than is necessary. You may need to access your winter clothing, but you probably won’t be retrieving that upright piano of yours on a whim. 

Be Liberal With Your Use of Labels

Finally, remember that labelling is your friend. It takes two seconds to write down what’s in a box (plates, baby items), yet it can save you a significant amount of time later. Indeed, if there’s one piece of easy advice we can give you, it’s: be generous with labels!