Storage has become a common solution for everyone in the modern era. With so many things in our homes, it is impossible to keep everything in order. As a result, people tend to book storage units in their area and put excess belongings there. And because these units have become very popular, opting for moving and storage Los Angeles services is easy! But do you know how to pack your items for storage? If you carefully study this guide on packing for storage, you will not have any doubts on this matter. Once you become fully informed, you can start putting your life in order! Read more to get the latest updates.
What Should You Pay Attention to When You Start Packing for Storage?
Just like any other moving event, packing for storage is a big task. Although things usually go smoothly, we cannot neglect the fact that there is another side to the medal. Whether you put your items in a storage unit for a week or long-term, it is better to be safe and prepared. Here are some steps to follow to ensure a smooth packing for your storage unit today:
- Get the right supplies and boxes
- Disassemble your furniture
- Label your boxes
- Choose the right storage unit
- Protect fragile items
- Use original packaging for some items
- Maximize space
- Create an inventory
- Arrange the boxes accordingly
- Photograph your belongings
It looks like there are too many tips to follow! But don’t worry! Once you get familiar with all the steps, things will just go with the flow. Therefore, before you choose the right storage Los Angeles, make sure you read the tips above and prepare all the necessary stuff in advance.
According to the guide on packing for storage, getting the right supplies is very important
Boxes come in many sizes, and choosing the right ones is very important. Boxes that are too big will take up too much space inside, which causes your items to shift and move a lot. The too small ones are bad because you surely don’t want your items to get squeezed and damaged inside. Moreover, always get sturdy boxes made from high-quality materials. Remember, your items will stay in storage for a long time, so getting second-hand boxes is not a good idea here.
Another thing to pay attention to is buying the right supplies. Along with the boxes, you will have to get packing tape, bubble wrap, packing peanuts, furniture covers, and markers for labeling. You can buy everything in your local store or book a packing service in Los Angeles to handle this task for you. If you decide to do it on your own, avoid using plastic bags, as they can cause moisture and mildew.
Make sure you disassemble your furniture
If you have large pieces of furniture containing many parts, make sure you separate everything first. Not only will you protect your items, but you also get more space in a box. It is a good idea to wrap all the parts in a paper or blanket, label them accordingly, and put them in the box next to the main part. If you are not tech-savvy, you should hire a professional to do the job properly. Once you mix up the parts or assemble them wrongly, you put your device at risk. And you don’t want your precious items to stop working or work badly.
Don’t forget to label your boxes
Labeling is very important because it helps you clearly understand where your items are and what is in the box. We usually use a standard labeling system: Simply write on the box with a marker or a specialized pen. But you can go a step further and introduce a new system where you can color the boxes and put them in categories. For example, instead of just writing “gear,” you can write “camping gear” and find your tents right away.
Many furniture movers Los Angeles offers are now using advanced labeling systems. Lists with corresponding numbers, QR codes, and other ways of identification have become very popular. This way, your furniture and other items will safely go to storage, causing you less stress and anxiety.
There are many types of storage units
Choose the right storage unit to make the best of your packing experience. Choosing the wrong storage unit can cause damage to your items and also bring additional fees and charges. If you are storing sensitive items, opt for a climate-controlled storage unit to protect your items from sudden temperature changes, mold, sunlight exposure, and dust. Other types of storage units include:
- Indoor storage units: These units are located inside a building and are typically accessed through a hallway. They offer protection from the elements and often have climate control options.
- Outdoor storage units: Outdoor units are accessed outside, like a garage. They are usually more affordable than indoor units but offer less protection from the weather.
- Drive-up units: Drive-up units are located on the ground floor, allowing you to drive your vehicle right up to the unit for easy loading and unloading.
- Portable storage units: These units are delivered to your location, where you can pack them at your own pace. Once packed, they can be stored at a storage facility or moved to a new location.
- Container storage: Similar to portable storage units, container storage involves renting a container that can be stored on your property or at a storage facility.
Be careful about fragile items
If you have already hired Los Angeles local movers to help you with packing, then you don’t have to worry about the safety of your fragile items. However, it is always smart to be extra cautious when it comes to this matter. Apart from putting these items in a climate-controlled unit, you can take other measures to provide the utmost protection. Wrap your antiques, glass, dishes, paintings, and pottery separately from other items. Put them in packing paper or bubble wrap, and then place them in a sturdy box. You probably know this, but make sure you place these boxes aside or at the front. Don’t bury them under other heavy boxes, as this will not bring extra safety but quite the opposite!
Some items require original packaging
Every guide on packing for storage says that the best way to protect certain items in a storage unit is to place them in the original box. These usually include electronics like computers, laptops, speakers, printers, and other gadgets. However, this can be a problem, as many people throw these boxes away. If you are one of them, there are several things you can do. First, you can ask family or friends to borrow the original packaging if they have it. Maybe you bought new laptops at the same time? If this doesn’t work, then you can go to a local store and buy boxes specialized for storing sensitive items.
Try to use less space
It is true that storage units are spacious; however, having too many boxes can bring a mess inside. Also, some boxes may fall over another one and cause damage! That is why you should try to maximize space in your boxes. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you should overpack your boxes. Fill them to their original capacity, and then use a small space between them to put some small items like toys, books, and pieces of clothing. Use a shelving system to pack books and put smaller items in your drawers before you disassemble and wrap them. Your possibilities are endless! Therefore, let your movers from Downtown Los Angeles handle other moving tasks, and start maximizing your space now!
Create an inventory of your items
This may seem like a hard job, but it is very useful during packing. As your boxes are stacked on top of each other, take a pen and a paper and make a list. You can just name the boxes as you labeled them or include more details in your inventory. For example, you can write “kitchen” and then name all the items you put in this box, such as 10 plates, 12 glasses, 10 forks, and so on. Although it happens very rarely that some items disappear from the storage unit, it is better to be prepared for any situation.
Stack your boxes smartly
Place heavier boxes on the bottom and lighter boxes on top. Leave a small space between the walls of the unit and your boxes to allow for ventilation. If you are moving from a distant place with the help of Los Angeles interstate movers, then you probably have a box with essentials ready. Put this box and other more important boxes at the front, so you can find them easily when you need them. We know that items placed in a storage unit are less necessary, but you never know what you will need in the near future. You should do this with other boxes, as well. Arrange them so you know which ones go to the back and which ones go to the front of your storage unit.
Take photos of your items in a storage unit
Last but not least, take some photos! This is the time to use your creative side, walk around your storage unit, and take some nice photographs. If you prefer, you can do this before taking your items to storage. Why is this a good idea? Because you cannot remember all the items you put in a storage unit! Along with your inventory list, this is a good way to record your belongings. Many office movers Los Angeles advise their clients to take photos of their office items. This way, you will always know where your things are and in what condition. Also, you reduce the risk of losing something or putting it in the wrong place.
How to Choose the Right Storage?
There are so many storage units around the world, and probably just as many in your area. But which one is the right one? It is hard to say because we all have different needs and preferences. That is why you can read this guide on packing for storage. There are some things to pay attention to when booking the right self-storage. Here are some of them:
- Working time: Do you want a storage unit you can access anytime? Sometimes, unexpected situations may occur. That is why you should look at the unit’s opening hours before you book it. Many storage units have limited working hours, and if this is not for you, then keep on searching.
- Video surveillance: Every moving company and storage facility wants to protect your items. That is why most of them use the latest equipment, such as video surveillance, CCTV, climate-control devices, and maybe even a security guard.
- Insurance: Storage insurance is very important. Always look for a storage unit that can cover you up in case of damage or accident. Many unforeseen events, such as theft, natural disasters, and damages, can happen.
- Capacity: If you have a vehicle or any other large item to store, you need a storage unit large enough to support it. Look at the units with the bigger capacity, and if possible, visit the spot before signing the deal.
Mastering the Art of Packing for Storage!
Packing for storage requires careful planning and organization to ensure your items remain safe and secure. By following the tips and guidelines outlined in this guide, you can efficiently pack your belongings, protect them from damage, and optimize your storage space. Remember to use high-quality packing materials, label boxes clearly, and consider climate-controlled storage options for sensitive items. With these strategies, you can pack for storage like a pro and enjoy peace of mind knowing your possessions are well-protected. After reading this guide on packing for storage, you can start packing like a pro!
