If you have to suck in your belly and walk sideways to get around the clutter in your garage, it's time to rent a storage unit. Imagine how nice it would be to park the car in your garage again or use the space as a work area for your job or hobby. Renting a storage unit is a good solution because you won't have to agonize over throwing things out, you can visit your belongings any time you want, and your possessions will be safe. A small unit is affordable, especially considering the freedom from clutter you get in return. Here are a few tips for putting your things in storage.
Treat It Like A Spare Room
If you plan to visit your belongings fairly often, then you want to have them visible and organized. Don't stuff things into boxes and stack them on top of each other, or you'll never be able to find anything. Instead, arrange the unit as you would a big closet. You won't be able to put nails in the wall, but you can bring in your own wire shelving, which can be used in a number of ways. The shelves keep things off the floor, which protects them from water seepage and bugs. You can put hooks on the shelves for hanging things, or insert rods for holding coat hangers. Arrange the shelves to be against the wall and in rows so you can walk between them to access anything you need. While it may seem like a lot of effort to organize your self storage unit, you'll be glad you did when you need to stop in quickly on your way to a fishing trip or picnic. You can grab what you need without having to dig through a bunch of different boxes.
Avoid Storing Items In Plastic Bags
Plastic trash bags are convenient for moving, but that's about it. They are terrible for storing things in, especially fabrics and papers. The big problem with sealed plastic is that it holds onto humidity and odors. Your clothes can be ruined if you keep them in a plastic bag. Plus, trash bags are fragile, unless you buy contractor bags. Even if you get those, they are impossible to stack on top of each other since they don't have a fixed form. Instead, if you need to store things in containers, put them in boxes if possible so they can breathe. Try to get boxes of the same size so they stack easily. Metal and plastic objects can be safely stored in plastic totes, which are suitable for storing heavier objects.
Consider Insurance If You Need It
Call your insurance agent before you move your things into storage to see if they will be covered under your homeowner's or renter's policy. If not, ask how much the additional insurance would cost. Then compare that cost with what the storage facility charges. Many facilities offer optional insurance when you first rent your unit. This will cover you in case a fire or flood damages your things. It may also protect you against theft. However, in addition to taking out insurance, you also want to rent from a facility that has a good security system in place so you don't have to worry about your things.
Once you get all the extra sporting equipment, tools, and clutter out of your garage, you'll appreciate all the open space you have. If you set up your storage unit in an organized way, you'll always be able to stop in for something and easily find it when it's needed, so keeping some of your belongings at another location may not be inconvenient at all. Contact a self-storage facility like National Self Storage - Denver for more information.
