Self-storage is a great solution for a number of circumstances, such as when you want to de-clutter your home, when you need to reclaim garage space having bought a second vehicle, when you move to a smaller house or when you inherit some bulky furniture.
The following guide by London based company A Storage Solution, which provides convenient, secure self storage solutions in Hackney, offers useful tips to avoid pitfalls and keep your goods safe, particularly for those who have never done self-storage before.
Make a List
It's very easy as time passes to forget what you've stored away. It's crucial to make a comprehensive list of all your goods before you store them, as this will save you a great deal of hassle in the long run - not only to keep track of your belongings are, but to save you having to rummage around.
Maximise Space
While writing your list of goods to be stored, it's a good idea to make a note of items that can be folded, taken apart or stacked, in case you want to add more to your storage space in the future.
A further tip is to maximise your storage space by placing boxes, paper work and other smaller items into chests of drawers and wardrobes that will also be going into storage. Be sure to position these towards the front of your unit for easy access.
Label Thoroughly
Taking the time to label all boxes in storage will also save you the immense hassle of having to rummage around if you need to retrieve something.
Wise Packing
It's advisable to store your heavy items in smaller boxes rather than grouping them to make for easier lifting. When it comes to delicate, breakable items like glassware, be sure to wrap them in bubble wrap and place them in strong cardboard or plastic boxes. Additionally, use large and heavy items as the base of the storage room, with lighter items piled on top.
A final tip when it comes to safeguarding your items is to cover all furniture with dust covers and wrap table and chair legs with bubble wrap to avoid scratching.
Peace of Mind
Many people forego insurance when they place goods in self-storage, but even though the storage facility is secure, many things can go wrong while moving your goods in. Consider the value of the items you want to store, and if any of them are valuable it's not advisable to take the risk of being without insurance.
Storing Fridges & Freezers
While this might seem obvious to some, many people could easily forget to ensure their fridges and freezers are fully defrosted before storage. Neglecting this could cause water damage. Also, if possible, leave the doors open to allow ventilation.
As for food, it is never a good idea to store food unless it is very well sealed in a secure container - other than the smell of spoiled food being awful, if vermin get the scent of edibles they will be attracted to your unit.
Storing Garden Furniture & Tools
It's a good idea to clean your garden furniture before storing it as dirt left for a long time could leave a stain that you can't get rid of. Also make sure your lawnmower is drained of petrol and oil, while bear in mind that BBQ gas cylinders must never be stored with paints, varnishes, thinners or other chemicals in-case they react and cause a fire.
Conclusion
Through long experience with providing self storage solutions in Hackney, A Storage Solution has seen a number of customers suffering disappointment from breakages or damage of their goods while in transit as well as people not being able to find what they need without emptying the unit entirely. By following these tips, you will be able to avoid such unlucky pitfalls.
Information shared by astoragesolution.co.uk.
