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Whether you’re downsizing, moving, or just need some extra space, a storage unit is something you always need. It’s where you can keep your belongings and all the extras you are not going to use in the near future but are too valuable to part with.
However, storing things properly in storage units is also a challenge. If you don’t store your stuff properly, you may end up with an unorganized space or damaged belongings.
This article covers practical self storage tips to help you maximize the potential of your storage unit while keeping your belongings secure and well-preserved. These expert recommendations will guide you toward a stress-free, efficient storage experience for personal or professional use.
Why Proper Storage is Important?
Storing your items improperly in storage units can lead to more than just clutter; it can result in costly and irreversible damage. Without cautious planning, belongings such as delicate furniture, electronic devices, or sentimental keepsakes may result in physical wear and tear. For businesses, improper storage practices can mean damaged goods, inefficient operations, or reduced customer satisfaction.
Did you know that poor storage methods are responsible for nearly a quarter of all damaged goods in storage facilities? These losses translate to increased expenses, frustration, and wasted time that could have been avoided with the right approach.
Proper storage goes beyond protecting your belongings, it helps preserve memories, saves money, and ensures long-term accessibility. Whether managing personal possessions or business storage, effective storage safeguards your investments and minimizes risks.
Top 9 Storage Unit Tips to Protect Your Items
1. Check If Your Items Have Special Needs
While standard storage units can accommodate a wide variety of belongings, certain items require specialized care to maintain their condition. Items such as fine wines, antiques, heirloom photographs, wedding dresses, and wooden furniture are particularly susceptible to damage caused by temperature fluctuations and humidity. Without the proper environment, these valuables risk warping, discoloration, mold growth, or irreversible deterioration.
To ensure the longevity of sensitive belongings, it is recommended to invest in a climate-controlled storage unit. These units maintain consistent temperatures—between 60°F and 77°F—and reduce humidity levels through advanced HVAC systems. In addition, they are equipped with conditioning ducts, which provide superior temperature regulation and keep your belongings preserved.
2. Pack Your Items Properly for Maximum Protection
Packing your belongings correctly in a storage unit is an essential step in ensuring their safety. Poorly packed items not only take up unnecessary space but are also more likely to sustain damage over time. Implementing thoughtful packing strategies will help safeguard your items and streamline the storage process.
Begin by selecting durable, high-quality packing materials. Sturdy cardboard boxes or plastic storage bins are ideal, as they provide stability and protection. Avoid using worn-out or flimsy boxes, which can collapse under pressure and damage their contents. Fragile items should always be stored separately and placed on top of stacks to prevent unnecessary weight or strain.
For large items, such as furniture, disassembly is key. Breaking down items like bed frames or tables makes transportation safer and optimizes space within your unit. Wrap each piece individually with protective materials, such as bubble wrap, moving blankets, or plastic covers, to prevent surface scratches or damage.
By adopting these professional packing practices, you can maximize the capacity of your storage unit while keeping your belongings safe and well-preserved.
3. Make Sure Everything is Clean Before Packing
Cleaning your items before packing is important to prevent odors, mold, and pest infestations. Wash and dry the fabrics like clothing and linens thoroughly to avoid mildew. Wipe down furniture and appliances, ensuring no moisture or debris remains.
Instead of using mothballs, opt for natural pest repellents like cedar blocks or lavender sachets to safeguard your belongings without introducing harmful odors. Proper cleaning not only preserves your items but also ensures they’re fresh and ready for use when retrieved.
Persian/Oriental rugs must always be professionally cleaned before putting them into storage. This involves using a dusting machine to vibrate out all the dry soil from deep in the pile of the oriental rug, and then placing the rug in a cold-water cleaning pit, where the rug is submerged in the water and mild detergent. This process will remove carpenter beetles and their larvae which can invade your rugs and the belongings of others. Once your rug is cleaned, it is best to wrap the folded rug in plastic wrap to further protect it before placing it in storage.
4. Protect Fragile Items with Proper Wrapping
Properly wrapping fragile items is essential to prevent damage during storage. Use bubble wrap for delicate belongings such as glassware, electronics, and decorative pieces, ensuring each item is individually cushioned. For larger items like furniture, cover surfaces with moving blankets, plastic sheets, or furniture pads to guard against moisture, dust, and scratches.
At Big Tex Storage, we make this process even easier by offering a selection of packing supplies, including bubble wrap, moving blankets, and other protective materials, available for purchase at our facilities. These resources, combined with our climate-controlled units, ensure your valuables remain secure and in pristine condition throughout their time in storage.
5. Consider Using Pallets
Keeping your items elevated with pallets is a simple yet effective way to protect them from potential moisture damage. Even in climate-controlled storage units, moisture can occasionally accumulate on floors due to condensation or unforeseen leaks. Using pallets creates a barrier between your belongings and the floor, ensuring they remain safe and dry.
For added durability, opt for plastic pallets instead of wooden ones. Plastic pallets are resistant to pests, mold, and moisture, making them an excellent choice for long-term storage. Additionally, pallets improve airflow around your items, further reducing the chances of mold or mildew development.
By incorporating pallets into your storage setup, you add an extra layer of safety to your storage.
6. Label Your Boxes Clearly
Proper labeling is essential for keeping your storage unit organized and ensuring quick retrieval of items. While traditional methods like writing on boxes with markers are effective, modern technology offers even better solutions for inventory management.
Consider using digital tools or apps to create an actual inventory of your belongings. Apps like Sortly, Google Keep, or Airtable allow you to catalog each box with descriptions, photos, and labels. Assign unique QR codes or barcodes to your boxes, which can be scanned with a smartphone to instantly identify contents and their location within your storage unit.
This approach not only saves time but also provides an efficient way to track and access your belongings, especially if you’re storing items for extended periods. By integrating traditional labeling with digital tools, you can ensure your storage unit stays organized.
7. Choose Insurance for Total Peace of Mind
Get your belongings insured by a reliable insurance company. Most storage facilities provide tenant insurance options with multiple levels of coverage and premiums that would be sufficient for your valuable items. Having your items insured gives you peace of mind in case of damages, theft, fire, or any natural calamity.
At Big Tex Storage, we provide insurance through Bader Tenant Insurance, providing flexible levels of coverage to fit your needs. Premiums start as low as $10 per month for $2,500 of coverage; more options are available up to $20,000 of coverage per unit. If you already have coverage through a homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policy, Big Tex accepts a declarations page from your provider as proof of coverage, giving you the flexibility to choose the protection option that works best for you.
8. Select the Right Storage Unit Size
Choosing the right storage unit size ensures you’re not paying for unused space while keeping your items organized and protected. A clear understanding of what you plan to store will help you make the right decision.
Compact units like 5×5 storage units and 5×10 storage units are ideal for smaller items, such as seasonal decorations, clothing, or a few pieces of furniture. These sizes are particularly useful for dorm rooms or limited storage needs.
For medium-sized requirements, units such as 10×10 storage units and 10×15 storage units can easily accommodate the contents of a one- or two-bedroom apartment, including furniture, appliances, and multiple boxes. If you need space for whole-house storage, business inventory, or oversized items like vehicles or equipment, larger units such as 10×20 storage units or 10×30 storage units are the perfect solution.
At Big Tex Storage, our team is available to guide you in selecting the perfect unit size based on your specific needs. From compact spaces to expansive units, we ensure your storage solution fits your requirements perfectly.
9. Maximize Safety with Strategic Stacking
A well-organized storage unit not only saves space but also ensures the safety of your belongings. By placing heavier and sturdier items on the bottom, you create a stable foundation, reducing the risk of stacks toppling over and damaging fragile or lighter items stored above. Using uniform-sized boxes further enhances stability, preventing leaning stacks that could collapse.
Leaving a narrow aisle for accessibility adds another step of safety by allowing you to reach items in the back without disturbing the entire arrangement. This prevents accidental shifting or dropping of boxes, ensuring your belongings remain secure and intact throughout their time in storage.
Wrapping Up Self-Storage Tips and Tricks
Storing and organizing your belongings may seem daunting, but with the right approach, you can ensure everything remains safe, secure, and in excellent condition. By following these self storage tips and tricks, you can tackle common challenges like maximizing space, protecting delicate items, and maintaining easy access to your valuables. Proper planning and care make all the difference, transforming the storage process into a smooth and stress-free experience.
At Big Tex Storage, we understand the importance of quality and convenience. With advanced security features, climate-controlled units, and a variety of sizes to meet your needs, we are committed to providing the best storage solutions in Houston, Texas. Contact our team today to learn more about our services and find the perfect unit for your belongings.
FAQ
Why is climate-controlled storage important?
Climate-controlled storage protects sensitive items like furniture, electronics, and antiques from damage caused by temperature fluctuations and humidity. Big Tex Storage units maintain consistent temperatures between 65°F and 77°F to ensure your valuables remain in pristine condition.
Can I store anything in a storage unit?
While storage units can accommodate most belongings, items like perishable goods, flammable materials, and hazardous substances are prohibited. Contact our team for a complete list of items that can and cannot be stored.
What security features does Big Tex Storage offer?
Big Tex Storage provides advanced security measures, including 24/7 surveillance, door alarms on every unit, computerized access systems, and well-lit premises. These features ensure your belongings are safe and secure at all times.
How can I safely store wine in a self-storage unit?
To store wine safely, use a climate-controlled wine storage unit with consistent temperatures (52°F-58°F) and stable humidity. Store bottles horizontally to keep corks moist, and use wine racks for stability.
Should I clean my items before storing them, especially mattresses?
Yes, it’s essential to clean your items, including mattresses, before placing them in storage. Thoroughly vacuum and sanitize your mattress to remove dust, allergens, and odors. Ensure it’s completely dry before wrapping it in a breathable mattress cover to prevent mold or mildew during storage.
How do I prepare furniture for storage?
Start by cleaning all surfaces to remove dust and debris. Disassemble large items like tables or bed frames to save space, and store screws in labeled bags. Wrap furniture with protective materials such as blankets or plastic covers to prevent scratches, dust, and moisture damage. Avoid non-breathable wraps on wood or leather to prevent trapping moisture.
