Most people don’t consider leasing self storage until their space is exhausted.
Then, they move quickly and don’t think about packing carefully and arranging their storage units for easy access. They stuff their belongings into plastic bags and used boxes and toss them into a self storage unit. At On Your Way Storage, we want to help you avoid this chaos and have a streamlined storage experience. For this reason, we’re sharing a few self storage tips and tricks to help you carefully pack your possessions for easy access.
General Tips for Long-Term Storage
General Tips for Long-Term Storage
  • Pest Prevention: Using repellents and sealing openings.
  • Climate Control: Importance of temperature and humidity control.
  • Regular Inspections: Periodic visits to check on your stored items.
  • Ensuring quality Houston Storage, including Classic Car Storage and Covered Storage solutions.
Planning Your Move to Storage
Planning Your Move to Storage
  • Selecting a Storage Facility: Location, security, and accessibility.
  • Transportation Logistics: Hiring a transport service or DIY.
  • Documentation and Inventory: Keeping records of items stored.
  • Guidance on selecting storage facilities, including Business Storage in Houston and business storage unit options.
Preparing Your Camper or Trailer for Storage
Preparing Your Camper or Trailer for Storage
  • Cleaning and Maintenance: Interior and exterior cleaning.
  • Securing and Protecting: Covering, locking, and using wheel chocks.
  • Winterizing: Draining water systems and protecting plumbing.
  • Camper Storage tips, especially for regions like Albuquerque and Houston.
Prepare Your Space
Prepare Your Space
  • Measure and estimate the collective packing size of the items you plan to store.
  • Cover the floor with furniture pads or pallets to keep your belongings above the floor.
Self Storage Packing Tips
Self Storage Packing Tips

Arrange Boxes for Convenience and Safety

  • Be sure your boxes are sturdy enough to hold 25-30 pounds (don’t overpack).
  • Account for extra space so that you’ll have easy access to your belongings.
  • Frequently used items should be placed in the front of your unit.   
  • Place boxes that contain fragile or delicate items on top of heavier boxes.
  • Leave an aisle for easy access to important personal or business documents.
  • List contents on all four sides of the boxes. 
  • High-quality packing tape is a must.
Preparing Your RV for Storage
Preparing Your RV for Storage
  • Cleaning and Maintenance: Washing, waxing, and interior cleaning.
  • Mechanical Checks: Oil changes, fluid top-offs, and tire pressure.
  • Winterizing: Draining water systems, adding antifreeze, and protecting the engine.
  • Tips for RV storage, especially in regions like Albuquerque and Houston
Preparing Your Boat for Storage
Preparing Your Boat for Storage
  • Cleaning and Maintenance: Washing, waxing, and removing marine growth.
  • Engine Preparation: Flushing the engine, topping off fluids, and battery maintenance.
  • Covering and Securing: Using a quality cover and securing the boat on the trailer.
  • Specific advice for Boat Storage and Fishing Boat Storage, including Boat Storage in Albuquerque, NM and Boat Storage in Houston.
    Preparing Your Vehicle for Storage.
Extra Space
Extra Space
  • Use empty dresser drawers to store linens and small items. When storing fragile or valuable items in drawers, wrap them properly. Valuable linens should be wrapped in acid-free paper to prevent staining or deterioration.
Appliances and Electronics
Appliances and Electronics
  • Stoves, refrigerators, washers, and dryers make excellent packing spaces for blankets, towels, comforters, table linens, and even heavy clothing.
  • Place TVs and other electronics in the rear of your unit. This will keep them safely out of the way.
Utility and Gardening Items
Utility and Gardening Items
  • Shovels, hoes, rakes, and hoses can be stored in clean trash cans.  Empty cans can be stacked inside of each other.
Upholstered and Leather Furniture
Upholstered and Leather Furniture
  • Save space by storing sofas and loveseats on end.
  • Wrap cushions in plastic furniture covers and place them on top of sofas.
  • Cover all furniture with covers or pads.
  • Don’t place sharp or heavy objects on upholstered or leather furniture.
  • Wrap furniture legs.
  • If you’re storing furniture that can be broken down, keep small parts in plastic bags. Tape the bags to the furniture.
Tables
Tables
  • Break down tables that have removable legs, and cover them with furniture covers or pads to prevent damage.
  • Never use plastic to cover or wrap wood items. It can leave a residue that causes permanent damage.
Beds and Mattresses
Beds and Mattresses
  • If you store mattresses on their sides, prop them up so that they stand straight. This will prevent them from bending and becoming out of shape and lumpy.
  • When you break down a bed frame, keep small parts in a plastic bag and tape it to the frame.
Metal Items
Metal Items
  • Wipe metal items with machine oil. This will prevent rust and corrosion
Pro Tip: Create a Map for Easy Retrieval
This is a fundamental self storage tip that will simplify your life when you need access to your items. Make a map of your stored boxes and items, place it on a clipboard, and hang it in a visible location near the front of your storage unit. If that doesn’t work for you, take a photo of it to store on your mobile phone. You don’t need to be a great artist. Any type of hand-drawn sketch will work. You’ll be happy to have this when you need something quickly. If you use these self storage tips and tricks, your belongings will be protected, and you’ll be able to easily find items that you may need in a pinch. If you have additional questions, give us a call. We’re always here for you.
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Whether you have questions, need assistance, or want to explore our services further, we’re here for you. Contact us today, and let’s make your storage journey hassle-free and convenient.

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