Blog Post

5 Tips for Self-Storage to Protect Your Property

Bubba Gillis • Feb 23, 2024

When you need extra space to store your belongings, storage units are the perfect solution. Like everyone else, you want to keep furniture, appliances, and sentimental items in pristine condition when storing them. In this post, we’ll share expert storage unit tips to protect your stuff. From starting with a clean unit to packing your storage items and preserving delicate items, we’ll share professional advice on self-storage tips that are truly life hacks.


We will cover:


Use These Storage Facility Tips

man and woman out side of storage discussing the best ways to pack the unit

Want to make your life a breeze? We've got some awesome storage unit tips just for you! Knowing how to pack storage units well will save you time and frustration. Clean your unit before moving in your belongings to keep them in pristine condition. Know that there are certain things that are not suitable for self-storage, such as perishable items, or hazardous materials. Securing your belongings is crucial, so invest in sturdy locks and choose a storage unit facility that provides good lighting. For extra peace of mind, it wouldn’t hurt to consider insurance coverage from your renters or home insurance policies. With these professional storage facility tips, you can say goodbye to storage unit woes and enjoy a stress-free storage experience. 

Packing Storage Items

When looking for the best way to pack your storage items, think about organization. Make sure to clearly mark storage boxes as either breakable or non-breakable, and ensure that the labels are facing the aisle where you can easily see them. This will help you identify and handle fragile items with care. Stack heavy boxes at the bottom and lighter items at the top. This will prevent the stacks from toppling over and causing damage to your belongings. If at all possible, keep your storage boxes no higher than shoulder height for safety reasons. So that you can take advantage of the height of the storage unit, store tall items on their ends. However, make sure not to place mattresses on end, as it could damage the springs. Instead, lay mattresses out flat on top of other items and avoid placing heavy objects on them that could also damage the springs. Protect your furniture from scratches by using blankets or towels as a protective layer; and lastly, create an aisle running the length of the unit. This will enable you to easily reach items in the back without moving everything around. With these storage unit tips in mind, you will pack your unit like a pro! 

Cleaning Your Unit

Storing items in a clean storage unit will protect your valuables from getting dirty and mildewing. Sweep the floors, wipe down surfaces, and remove any dust or debris. For added protection, consider using plastic covers, tarps or sheets to shield your items from potential dirt or moisture. Finally, take measures to prevent pests from moving in. Use pest control products or natural deterrents like lavender or cedar chips to keep unwanted critters away. Following these storage unit tips will ensure that your belongings remain clean and protected during their time in storage.

Never Store Flammable Items

Let’s be smart and keep things cool. Never store flammable items such as gasoline, propane, or fireworks in a storage unit to ensure safety. Safety is the golden rule for packing storage items in a storage facility. No one wants a storage unit to turn into a fiery inferno.

Securing Your Belongings

Secure your storage items by investing in high-quality locks, such as disc locks or cylinder locks that deter potential intruders. Avoid storing extremely valuable items like jewelry in a storage unit; those items should be secured in a bank vault or at home in a secure place. The most important tip for self-storage units is to choose a facility with high-tech security measures in place. Be sure to look for features such as surveillance cameras, access control systems, and well-lit areas to ensure your items' safety.

Look Toward Your Insurance Company

A storage unit tip you may have yet to think of is to review your home or renters insurance policy for storage coverage. Check to see if your current policy covers damages or losses that may occur while your belongings are in a storage facility. If this coverage is not available, you can consider adding it to your existing policy or purchasing a separate storage insurance plan for added protection.

How to Store Items Safely

The common storage items and self-storage tips:

Blankets – If you want to prevent mold and mildew from growing on them, you need to make sure they are clean and completely dry before storing them. It’s best to use plastic bins or vacuum-sealed bags to keep your blankets protected from dust, dirt, and moisture. Label your storage containers clearly as “Blankets” so you can easily retrieve them when needed. 


Books - Choose sturdy and appropriately sized storage containers for your books. Cardboard boxes work well, but make sure they are clean, dry, and in good condition. Make sure each box is labeled with its contents so they are easy to find later on. Avoid storing books directly on the floor by using pallets or shelves for added protection against potential moisture.


Climate-controlled storage units are best for storing books, especially if they are rare. 


Clothes - Before placing clothes in a storage unit, make sure they are clean and dry. Pack your clothes in wardrobe boxes, garment bags, or vacuum-sealed bags to prevent dust, moisture, and pests from getting in. 


Dishes - Sturdy and appropriately sized boxes are the best way to start packing a storage unit with dishes. Individually wrap each dish with packing paper or bubble wrap to provide cushioning. Place heavier items, such as plates, at the bottom of the boxes. Labeling the boxes as “fragile” will ensure they are handled with extra care. Place heavier and sturdier boxes at the bottom, followed by lighter ones to prevent stacks from collapsing.


Furniture - The best way to pack a storage unit with furniture is to plan and organize the space efficiently. Start by disassembling larger furniture pieces, such as beds and tables, to save space. Clean and thoroughly dry all furniture items before storing them to prevent damage. Use furniture covers or blankets to protect delicate surfaces and prevent scratches.

 

Holiday decorations - Use sturdy boxes labeled for each holiday, along with the following tips for the best ways to pack a storage unit with your holiday decorations. Wrap delicate ornaments To prevent damage during transportation and storage, bubble wrap or tissue paper should be used to protect breakable items. Plastic storage bins are better for holiday decorations for added protection. Create an inventory list of the contents in your storage unit and keep it handy for easy reference.


Musical instruments - The best way to pack a storage unit with musical instruments is to start by ensuring they are clean and dry. Disassemble removable parts and store them separately to avoid unnecessary stress or potential damage to the instrument. Wrap instruments with acid-free tissue paper to protect them from scratches or abrasions. Consider using specialized storage units or climate-controlled facilities to protect instruments from extreme temperature changes or levels of humidity.   


Office Supplies - When storing office supplies in storage units, it is important to follow a systematic approach to ensure maximum organization and preservation. To simplify the packing process, begin by categorizing items into categories like pens, paper, electronics, and stationary. Use labeling or color-coding techniques to identify each category clearly. Utilize sturdy containers and boxes to prevent damage and maintain the integrity of the supplies. Use bubble wrap or packing paper to protect breakable items.

Ready to Store Your Belongings on Hilton Head Island? 

Whether you're looking for a snug spot for your beach gear near the shores of Burkes Beach or require a spacious unit to store your golf equipment after a day at the Harbour Town Golf Links, we have an array of storage solutions tailored to your needs. Choose from a variety of unit sizes, with or without climate control, to provide the perfect environment for your possessions. Entrust your valuables to Bubba's Hilton Head Island Shipping and Storage, where professional, reliable storage services meet the unique charm and convenience of Hilton Head Island.

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