Make a List
Always make a list of the things you want to put in storage or startup office space first before packing. Create a filing system if looking to archive business paperwork for easier retrieval when required. You will also need to list personal items you wish to put away for storage. Be sure to label each box according to the items it holds, or even better, colour code them – remember to indicate this on your list.
Label Your Boxes
As mentioned before, consider labelling all boxes according to their contents. Proper labelling will make retrieving a specific item or box relatively easy compared to going through 20 or 30 boxes in search of a single item. Marked boxes will save you lots of time and effort in the long run.
Decide Between Cardboard and Plastic Boxes or Both
Most people prefer cardboard boxes for fabrics and other items that need to ‘breathe’ while in storage. They thus are perfect for fabrics. Cardboard boxes are also quite affordable, lighter, and great for indoor units. Plastic boxes, on the other hand, are stronger and sturdier. They are thus best suited for delicate and fragile items such as crockery, ornaments, and glassware. Another advantage of plastic boxes is that they can be stacked in the storage unit with reduced risk of caving in or breaking. Plastic boxes also help keep moisture and mildew out.
Be Careful While Packing
Much care and attention are required when packing items for short- and long-term storage. Use the right approach to protect your valuables from damage or harsh elements. That said, you might want to clean and polish leather items before putting them for storage, use bubble wrap on fragile ornaments, chinaware, and glass, dustsheets on furniture, and a mattress protector. You can be sure to find everything clean and fresh when you come back months later when you do so.
Store Heavier Items First (At the Bottom)
As a rule of thumb, heavy items should always be stored at the bottom or the farthest corner of the storage unit where possible. This will create a firm base for lighter items and reduce the risk of crashing lighter and fragile items.
Store Frequently Used Items Closer to The Door
Will you visit the storage unit regularly or only use it as a spare shed? You then might want to keep items you commonly use or need closest to the door for easier access and retrieval.
Consider Placing the Heaviest Items/Furniture by The Door
This is mostly recommended when packing the storage unit/container for a move. If this is the case, you’ll then want to keep the heaviest items, furniture, and boxes close to the door. Packing these at the bottom will help give the container stability too. Keeping these items closer to the door means they will be the first to be unpacked. This should make moving and organising the new home easier and faster.
Think Of Shelving and Racking
Proper organisation is key if running your business from the storage unit. Creating a racking and shelving system to keep stock organised is great for stocktaking and posting purchases quickly and reduces the risk of crushing merchandise. The extra effort of installing racks and shelves is worth it.
Dismantle Heavy Furniture
Heavy furniture tends to waste lots of space when put in storage. Consider dismantling heavy furniture if looking to keep it in storage for more than four months. Taking it apart will help create more space as it can be stacked up efficiently. This will also reduce the need for a larger storage unit.
Declutter
Keeping items you no longer need/use in storage makes no sense. You might want to declutter or donate items you no longer use. Only the items you need should make it to the storage list. You’ll be surprised how much junk you’ve had in the house for that long. The fewer items you have for storage, the less space you’ll need for self-storage.