" alt="Hillman Real Estate Group" />Are you running out of space in your home and thinking about moving some of your items into a nearby storage unit? Or, have you rented a storage unit for ages but the thought of trying to actually find something inside it seems like an incredibly daunting task… so you just… well, don’t? Follow Hillman Real Estate Group’s storage unit packing tips to make the best use possible of this extra space you have at your disposal!
Invest in Climate Controlled Self Storage
Yes, it costs a little more. But what you’re paying for in this extra amenity will more than pay for itself in saved replacement costs of things that may melt, crack, warp, or otherwise become damaged when temperatures peak in the summer heat or plummet in the winter cold. According to ExtraSpace.com, “climate Controlled storage units keep items in a constant environment (temperatures between 55°F and 85°F)”. Extra Space’s climate control units are marketed as “enclosed and, therefore, resist dust, pests, humidity, and more threats to valuables” – yet another benefit as you want to minimize all potential sources of damage while your extra furnishing and goods are out of sight and often out of mind.
Make Use of Bags and Space Savers
Not only will storage bags, storage boxes, and space savers keep things tidy and organized, they’ll also make good use of the square inches and feet you’re paying literally by the inch and foot for! Space savers – the vacuum bags that suck out the extra air that gets packed into your collection – are sold practically in every shopping center at places like Target, Home Depot, Bed Bath & Beyond, Kohl’s, Wal-Mart, Amazon.com, and so on. They are available in a wide variety of sizes and we suggest having a good mix so you can easily store everything from comforters to smaller winter clothing.
Stock up on Packing Supplies
These items are an absolute must-have to create storage unit sanity: boxes, packaging tape, a tape gun (get one ASAP if you don’t have one already!), and a large marker/pen or other options for making labels that are large enough to read once you’ve placed the filled box inside the storage unit. There’s nothing worse than having to open each box simply to find out what’s inside. Be diligent here, too – if the box says “kitchen”, don’t put anything in the box that belongs in the “baby clothes” box.
Make an Inventory List
Wondering if that miscellaneous item you need first thing tomorrow is in your hall closet at home, outside in the garage, or down the street in your storage unit? Make a detailed list of what “lives” where and keep it somewhere accessible. Put it in your email, a Google Drive document, or even a handy reference app like Evernote that you can access on your computer, tablet, or mobile phone. Bonus points for easy management if you make this a digital list so you can update it without having to re-write a paper list often!
Compare Options
There are dozens of companies in the Triangle that provide self-storage units and rates vary based on location, unit size, and amenities. Visit any location you’re considering using in person before signing up for service and keep in mind that location and 24/7 may prove to be of great convenience to you and worth paying a smaller premium to make your life easier.
Hillman Real Estate Group’s Renee Hillman has two local favorites that she personally uses and recommends: Security Self Storage on Beryl Road and Security Self Storage on Tryon Road. You can find more details about this company, and take a look at their list of Triangle-area locations online at SelfStorageNC.com.
There you have it! You’ll be on your way to packing up and utilizing your storage unit like a pro in no time when you follow our guide. Are there any must-do tips you’d suggest adding? Maybe a “no-no” you learned the hard way? Comment below or chime in on the Hillman Real Estate Group Facebook page!