Storage Tips from Ballinger Heated Storage

Before you start putting items in boxes, make an inventory of all the belongings you’ll be storing. Not only does this provide a record of everything that will be in your storage unit for insurance purposes, but it also helps you get organized so you can keep track of which items are in which boxes.

When storing your belongings, it’s a good idea to keep like items together so they will be easier to find and unpack later. Don’t mix a bunch of random things together. Kitchen items should go in kitchen boxes. Bedroom items should go in bedroom boxes. Office items should go in office boxes. You get the picture!

The worst thing to happen when packing items for self storage is forgetting what you put where. By using labels, you can detail both the category of the box and a list of the items stored in the box. That way, should you need to grab certain things from your storage unit later, you’ll know exactly which box they’re in. Don’t want to buy a label maker? You can use masking tape and a permanent marker as a budget-friendly labeling system.

Packing too much into a storage container isn’t recommended. Not only can overpacking your boxes cause damage to your belongings, but it can also cause strains and injuries when you’re moving them. When it comes to heavier items like books and electronics, you’re better off splitting up items to distribute weight more evenly.

If you plan to store fragile items, be sure to keep them separate from everything else! Use proper packing techniques and materials, such as wrapping delicate belongings in bubble wrap or foam packets. And never stack heavier objects on sensitive objects, as this can damage them.

When packing your car, truck or trailer, load the heaviest items first. This helps you balance weight across the vehicle and prevents heavy items from sliding during the move. It’s also good for unloading later, because by removing the smaller, lighter items, you’ll open up space for the bigger, heavier items to come out.

Use extra pillows, blankets, or towels to fill in gaps when packing your vehicle. By filling those holes, you can ensure that boxes and other items won’t slide around in transit. Plus, you’ll be adding a layer of padding between any fragile items and furniture or other heavier objects.

It can be beneficial to use padded blankets, especially if you don’t want any items shifting or being damaged during the move. Mirrors, TVs, and upholstered furniture can also be covered with padded blankets to protect them from scratches and dust. Don’t have padded blankets? Ordinary blankets from your home or even a couple of old sheets will work just fine.

If any of the items going to self storage have movable parts like doors or wheels, be sure to secure them or take them off before you pack your vehicle. Not only does this make it easier for you to get more items in your car or truck, but it also prevents these items from moving around while you’re driving.

There are countless ways to maximize space, so it’s smart to take advantage of every square inch of your storage unit. Consult our storage unit size guide to get an idea of just how much you can fit into the appropriate-sized space. Remember that any items you’ll need to access frequently should be toward the front of your unit, eliminating the need to dig through your storage unit to get to them.

Remove the feet on furniture, break up bed frames, pull apart shelving and place any pieces of hardware (screws, nuts, bolts, etc.) into sealed bags that you attach to the object. This lets you benefit from a little bit more space inside your self storage unit, while protecting scratchable items from the hardware that protrudes from other items.

The storage units at Ballinger Heated Storage have 9-foot high ceilings, so don’t forget to use this vertical space. By stacking items, you’ll limit how much is on the floor, making it easier for you to maneuver through your unit. It also means you can store heavy items down low and light items up high for convenience.

With shelving units, you can better utilize vertical space to organize your storage unit effectively and keep small items off the ground. And with pallets, you can raise cardboard boxes, storage tubs, and furniture off the ground to better protect your belongings from dust and dirt.