Defender Self Storage: Self Storage Tips
Need some self storage tips to get you started on the right foot? Defender Self Storage is your first choice for affordable storage units in Ohio and Pennsylvania, and we’ve compiled a list of our top packing and storage tips to help you make the most of the space you are renting.
Start your storage journey with Defender Self Storage today, and see why we are a trusted name among our neighbors!
Lorain, OH · Penn Hills, PA · Pittsburgh, PA
Self Storage Tips for Finding Your Local Rental & Packing
How to Choose the Storage Unit That Best Supports Your Storage Needs
How do you choose a storage facility—and more specifically storage units—to house your belongings when you have a ton of options around you?
Start by searching for self storage close to your home, work, business, or regular commutes. You are looking for convenience as much as you are looking for security and space.
Something else to take into consideration is your specific storage needs. Different types of self storage have their own advantages that need to be taken into account based on your personal situation. For example, indoor units come with temperature control, so items inside are better protected from drastic changes in weather conditions. However, drive-up storage units make it a lot simpler to move your items in and out of the car.
Visit Defender Self Storage in Ohio or Pennsylvania to start getting your items organized today. With three convenient locations in Lorain (Ohio), Penn Hills (Pennsylvania), and Greentree (Pittsburgh, PA), Defender Self Storage is your first choice for affordable storage units in the northeast area of the US. We offer a variety of storage features for any renter’s needs. Read more about our storage facility’s specific features.
Our storage calculator can help you figure out what size storage unit you should rent.
Top Packing Tips for Your Boxes
1. Take Care of Delicate Items
Items that are especially fragile or valuable will need more padding to keep them safe throughout transport. You can pick up packing and moving supplies at Defender Self Storage closest to you.
And while you are there, talk with our storage experts to clear up any additional questions you may have before you start renting storage. Our Self storage FAQ may be able to answer your question instantly! It is important to understand the rules and expectations before renting storage.
2. Pay Attention to the Weights of the Items You Need to Store
As you pack your boxes and your storage unit, keep this same advice in mind. As a basic guideline, start with heavy, big things as a foundation and stack lighter ones on top, as the integrity of your items allow. This will keep your boxes from breaking down under the strain of the pressure within and around them.
Avoid stacking fragile items. Add in shelves to your units to support the weights of your boxes and take advantage of unit more efficiently.
3. Clean Your Items & Cover Large Pieces of Furniture
To avoid product damage when returning to them, clean and preserve your items before you store them long-term. Wipe down items to get rid of germs and make sure any moisture fully dries to minimize potential smells or wear over time.
Items like appliances, tools, and electronics should be covered to prevent dust buildup.
4. Pack with Air-Tight Containers to Keep Out Moisture & Pests
Another way to ward off damage is to pack your belongings into air-tight containers. Deter bugs and moisture-related damage from step one. Some items that would especially benefit from being packed in airtight containers include antiques, clothing, electronics, and documents.
Packing Tips for Your Storage Unit to Stay Efficient Over Time
1. Map Out a Clear Layout From the Start
The greatest approach to packing your storage unit is to take a step-by-step approach to try to accommodate how your needs may change over time.
Think about how the size of your storage load may change. What seasons require more stored items? When you come to access your unit to pull out specific items, will you be able to get to them without too much trouble?
Leave space down the center of your storage unit, so you can access things in all corners more easily. Then, as part of a strategy to locate similar products faster later, store similar things together, such as seasonal clothing or kitchen gadgets. Keep your most essential belongings close to the entrance for quick retrieval and your most valuable or sentimental items in the back for greater security.
2. Utilize Your Entire Storage Space
You are paying for your storage rental, and an organized layout can help you make the most of the space from the start. If you are storing a lot of items, you may want to consider using shelving for organization. This allows you to stack higher in the space without risking damage from crushing or toppling over.
3. Understand the DO NOT STORE List
So what can’t you store in a self storage facility? Perishables like food will go bad quickly, and when they do, they will begin to attract pests. It is best to avoid this altogether by storing these items in your everyday storage space in your home or business. You also cannot store dangerous, flammable items or money. Check out a more complete list from Move.org.
Defender Self Storage in OH & PA
Now that you have learned some helpful self storage tips, look to Defender Self Storage in OH and PA for all of your storage needs. Our highly-trained experts will guide and support you through every step of the process, so that you can get settled in your new storage space as quickly as possible. Check out our available storage solutions online, or visit us in person to see how Defender Self Storage can support you in staying clutter-free!
