PART 1 – INTRODUCTION
Moving into your first self-storage unit can be a daunting experience. How do you ensure you choose the right size? How do you pack and organise your storage unit efficiently? Without a proper plan, the process can quickly overwhelm you. But fret not! Our guide will walk you through every step of transitioning into your first self-storage unit, ensuring the journey is seamless and worry-free for you.
PART 2 – MOVING INTO SELF-STORAGE: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
2.1. How To Choose The Right Storage Unit Size
Everything begins with selecting the correct storage unit size, as it not only affects how comfortably your belongings fit but also how much you pay. You don’t want to overpay for extra storage space that you won’t end up using. However, you also don’t want a situation where you have to cramp everything, leaving virtually no space to pack the storage unit efficiently. To avoid either scenario, keep the following tips in mind during your search.
Tip #1: Assess Your Items
Start by inspecting everything you plan to store. If you are planning on storing delicate, temperature-sensitive items, consider renting an aircon storage space. Ideally, we recommend measuring every item so that you have an idea of how much storage space each object will occupy. If you are planning on storing large, irregularly shaped items, like appliances and furniture, ensure that you leave sufficient room in the storage unit, as they may not stack neatly.
Tip #2: Think Vertically
Remember, your self-storage unit won’t just be wide, they’ll also be tall. So, avoid focusing on just the horizontal space available to you. Consider how you can make use of the vertical space to stack your items, ensuring you make the most of the available storage space. However, ensure you stack your belongings safely while packing your storage unit to avoid potentially damaging your items.
Tip #3: Consider Your Future Needs
Many users often plan their storage needs based on their current demand but neglect to consider their future needs. As a result, they have to go through the hassle of moving to a larger unit later.
So, if you anticipate shifting more belongings into your storage unit in the near future, consider renting a larger storage space. A larger storage unit is also more accommodating for those who need to access their items frequently, as they have more space to move around.
Tip #4: Visit The Storage Facility
If the measurements provided still leave you unsure about the size of the storage unit, consider visiting the facility to see the space in person. This will give you a clearer idea of how much space you actually need for all your belongings.
Remember, choosing the correct storage solution that matches your needs will prevent any unnecessary expenses and ensure the safety and easy accessibility of your items. For more information on Work+Store’s storage unit sizes, check out our ultimate storage unit size guide.
2.2. How To Prepare Your Items For Self-Storage
Now that you have landed on your ideal storage unit size, you are undoubtedly excited to start shifting your belongings. However, for the well-being of your possessions, you don’t want to just haphazardly toss them inside the storage unit. Instead, you need to be aware of the correct ways to prep and pack your items for storage to ensure they are safeguarded from the elements.
Tip #1: Research Storage Restrictions
Every storage facility has a list of restricted items they prohibit users from storing. Common items on this restricted list include flammable items, such as chemicals, explosives, fireworks, fertilisers, gasoline, and propane tanks. Other non-negotiable items include perishable food. This is to prevent the decomposed food from attracting pests and rodents.
Tip #2: Create An Inventory List
Even a well-planned move can get chaotic, and it is not a stretch for you to forget what you may have already placed into storage. So, to help you keep track of all your belongings, be sure to devise an inventory list of all the items you plan to store. With a list for referral, you’ll be able to organise your storage unit efficiently while keeping track of everything in an organised manner.
Tip #3: Use The Correct Packing Materials
Always use robust cardboard boxes to store your items securely in your storage unit. Trust us! You’ll be thankful for these investments. The boxes will allow for easy stacking and packing of your storage unit. Meanwhile, moving blankets are excellent for fragile items too large for a box, such as TVs, computers, and mirrors.
Tip #4: Clean Your Items Before Storage
The last thing you want after retrieving an item from storage is for the object to stink up your house with its musty, mildewy scent. Unfortunately, this may be an unfortunate side effect of storing something long-term in an enclosed environment without adequate airflow.
To avoid this from happening, consider cleaning your belongings and wiping down all surfaces with an all-purpose cleaning spray and disinfectant wipes before moving your items into the storage unit. Doing so will ensure they are much less likely to smell bad later. Alternatively, you can consider renting an aircon storage unit to ensure your belongings are stored in a well-ventilated storage space at all times.
Tip #5: Disassemble Large Items If Possible
Large furniture, such as beds and dining tables, can take up significant storage space, leaving little room for your other possessions. To save space and better protect these belongings from potential wear and tear, consider disassembling them before placing them into storage.
Tip #6: Label Your Packing Boxes Clearly
Unless you possess an eidetic memory, it’s unlikely you’ll remember everything you’ve packed into a cardboard box. To make matters worse, you can’t see the contents without opening it. This is why it’s so important to clearly label each box.
However, you need to be specific with your labels, too. Instead of writing “Kitchen Items” on the box, specify what is inside, such as pots, pans, and dishes. Doing so will save you a tremendous amount of time when you need to search for a specific item in your storage unit.
Tip #7 Ensure Your Belongings Are Protected From Outside Conditions
Unless you opt for aircon storage, you’ll need to take matters into your own hands to prevent dust, moisture, mould, and mildew from damaging your belongings. Since mould and mildew thrive in damp, warm conditions, you want to ensure all your items are dry to begin with. For instance, seal all boxes tightly to keep moisture out.
If you plan on storing electronics and cords, we recommend placing them in plastic bags to prevent moisture damage. Meanwhile, clothing and sweaters should be packed in wardrobe boxes or zipped inside a hanging garment bag. Mattresses and furniture that are too large to be sealed inside a box should be covered in a cotton sheet to prevent damage from pests and the elements.
2.3. How To Move Into Self-Storage: DIY Vs. Moving Company
Now that you are all done preparing your items for self-storage, it is time to start planning the logistics of moving every belonging into your storage rental. During this phase, many may ask themselves if it is worth the hassle of shifting everything themselves or whether they should spend the extra cash and hire a moving company.
The answer to this question will largely depend on several factors, such as your budget, your availability, the distance from your home to your storage unit, and the complexity of the move. Here is a list of questions to ask yourself to ensure you make the best decision based on your needs.
Question 1: How Much Time Do You Have?
From the packing and lifting to the multiple trips back and forth between your home and the storage facility, it can be time-consuming to move all your items into self-storage. However, if you are juggling work, family, and other commitments, a DIY move might leave you feeling overwhelmed.
So, if you are in a rush to declutter the place, it may make more sense to hire a professional mover, as they can do the work for you at a quicker, more efficient pace, ensuring you stick to your scheduled time frame. With experienced hands taking care of packing and transporting, you can free up time to focus on more pressing matters.
However, if time is not of the essence, a DIY move may be the wiser option to save costs. Since self-storage facilities, including Work+Store, are available 24/7, there is no need for you to rush to shift everything into storage at once. You can select a time that best fits your schedule, allowing you to arrange a DIY move at your own pace.
Question 2: How Far Are You Moving?
How far away is the storage facility located from your home? If the storage unit is only a few minutes away, you might feel more comfortable with a DIY move, especially if you have a large enough vehicle to handle all your belongings in one or two trips. Even if you have to make multiple trips, it would not be much of a hassle or expense.
Conversely, if the storage unit is farther away, the logistics of a DIY move becomes more challenging. The time spent on the move, not to mention fuel costs and potential vehicle rental fees if your car isn’t large enough, may not be worth the amount you save on professional movers. Instead, hiring a moving company can save you from the fatigue of multiple long drives and the stress of coordinating transportation.
Question 3: What Items Are You Storing?
Not all items are created equal when it comes to moving. For instance, if you are just storing lightweight, easily manageable items like clothes or a few knick-knacks that easily fit into a box or two, doing it yourself might be a no-brainer.
However, if you are planning on furniture storage or stowing more delicate, fragile items like vases or electronics, consider rethinking the DIY approach. Professional movers are trained in handling these bulky and fragile items with care, reducing the risk of damage to your precious possessions during transport.
2.4. How To Pack & Organise Your Storage Unit
While packing and moving into your storage unit is a vital first step, you will want to ensure your storage unit remains organised so that you can find and access your items quickly whenever necessary. Keep these tips for packing your self-storage unit in mind to ensure efficient organisation and maintenance of your storage space.
Tip #1: Organise Your Storage Space By Priority
Remember the inventory list we asked you to prepare earlier? It is time to re-examine it and highlight the items you think you’ll need most often from your storage unit. For example, if you love travelling overseas during the winter, you would likely want your winter coats front and centre and within reach upon entering your storage unit. Conversely, belongings you don’t foresee yourself accessing for a significant period of time can be stored at the very back of your storage space.
Tip #2: Create A Map To Organise Your Storage Unit
Do you want to make finding what you need a whole lot easier? In that case, create a map for your storage unit. Before you move anything in, plan out your storage unit layout on a piece of paper and assign every box and item a place within this layout. Don’t forget to devise a pathway throughout the storage unit to ensure you can easily access what you need. With this map in tow, you’ll always find exactly what you need in mere minutes.
Tip #3: Use Shelves To Maximise Space
As we mentioned, your storage unit is not just wide. It is also tall. So, instead of overcrowding the limited floor space with all your storage boxes, why not think vertically and utilise shelving to pack your storage unit and keep things organised, making it easy to locate the items you need? In fact, a plastic or metal shelf is perfect for organising large or oddly shaped objects that won’t fit in a box.
Tip #4: Maximise Your Storage Space By Starting At the Bottom
The best way to maximise space in your storage unit is to start at the bottom and stack up. Always place your heaviest boxes on the bottom layer to avoid damaging the lighter, more fragile items. Subsequently, work your way up to the top, putting your lightest items there. Don’t forget to leave an aisle to walk through your storage unit to keep necessary items accessible.
PART 3 – CONCLUSION
Whether you need temporary storage for a home renovation or a storage space to declutter your home, self-storage can be a cost-effective solution. With our storage unit packing guide, you will be able to pack and organise your storage unit like a pro in no time flat, keeping your belongings organised and easily accessible.
If you are interested in renting a self-storage unit, look no further than Work+Store. We offer various storage unit sizes to accommodate your needs, from flexible, short-term arrangements to long-term storage. Our storage facilities are strategically located across Singapore, ensuring you can easily find one near your home. Visit our website today to check out our latest storage promotions today!