So you are about to put a large amount of your worldly goods and possessions into store. For many different reasons more and more people are choosing storage as the solution to short and long term storage needs, but do you ever stop to think about HOW you should be doing the actual packing to ensure easy access?
You just never know when you might need to retrieve something that is buried at the bottom of the pile, like a pair of skis that you thought you would never use again. And suddenly, you get a call that the guys are going on a ski trip next week and would you like to join?
So obviously the time to think about how to get access to your possessions and how to pack correctly is before you even start.
Here are a few suggestions that will help you deal with the problem of findings things that you have put in store, without spending hours unpacking and rummaging through countless boxes which only have to be re-packed, and you still haven’t found that one item you were looking for!
Choose a box size that will be suitable for most of all items.
It makes stacking so much easier. Medium size boxes work best, but do not forget you need a few very large boxes for things that are big and bulky but not so heavy, like pillows and blankets.
Make a note of items that you might need at some time as you are packing.
Remember seasonal items, like summer or winter clothing, summer garden furniture, barbeque equipment that you may not use all the winter, holiday needs like tents, sleeping bags, and boxes of tools that you only use very occasionally.
Label each box clearly
It seems obvious but many people do not label their boxes correctly, causing themselves untold problems. The labels need to be on the top and at the sides of the box, stating clearly what is inside, so you know exactly its contents. Be as detailed as possible.
Do I need to spend time on creating a Master List?
Yes, you definitely do. Having a master list is really useful, especially since once your possessions are all packed away, you may not be able to see the labels and the numbers on each box. Make a note of every single item and a note of the number of the box where it is stored. And of course, you can complete the whole operation digitally if you find that easier!.
How important is the lay-out of the unit?
If you know that you are quite likely to be needing various items or adding them, you need to give some serious thought as to what you put where inside your unit. This pre-planning will mean that you can get to the things that you need much more easily. It makes sense to put really large items like furniture against the wall, and fill up the rest of the space with boxes which you might need to access from time to time. Boxes that you may need to get to occasionally, should be stacked at the front of your unit, so that they are more easily accessible. Similarly, things you are sure you won’t need for a while should be packed at the back of your unit. Place the heavier boxes down first, and then pile the lighter ones on top. It is very tempting to pile the boxes very high if you have a high ceiling in your storage unit, but take care. Do not pile them too high, `as they are more likely to fall, and create chaos in your unit.
How do I know how much space I really need?
If you think you might need occasional access to your storage unit, do not skimp on space, and take something a little bit larger. It will be much easier for you to retrieve things you need if they are not tightly packed like a tin of sardines. The storage company are the best people to advise you on this and if you choose Ribua who are definitely the best in the business, you will get advice on exactly how much space you need. They won’t tell you to take a single meter more than you need, but similarly they won’t squash your belongings into a space that you cannot at, in any way!
Try to organize your boxes into sections, three or four at the most. That will immediately help you find that vital item that could be buried deep! A quick check on your Master List and you will know just where it is.
These six steps will definitely save you lots of time and energy in packing correctly and gaining access easily to those items that you need.
Most of all, choose the right Storage Company, who will take away all your headaches. Choose Ribua Storage and they will give all the answers you need and most of all, peace of mind.