When you need to rent a storage space, there are many things to consider. Location and reputation of the facility, cost as well as size, just to name a few. One thing to think about is how the size you rent will directly correlate to the cost. If you properly plan, you can store a lot of stuff in to a smaller space, effectively costing you less.

Size It Up!

• Determine how often you’ll need to access the stuff in your storage unit.
• If it will be on rare occasion, you won’t need to leave much elbow room to move around.
• If you’ll be accessing the space frequently, you’ll need to leave room for maneuvering so you can easily get to your goods.
• Also consider the use of free-standing shelving down the outside walls of the storage space as well as down the middle (if the space is large enough).  This will create an aisle affect making it quick and easy to find stuff.  It will also help with stacking stuff higher and utilizing additional space that you may not use if you’re just stacking boxes.
• Store furniture like couches and beds on end and stack chairs seat-to-seat.  Stack boxes high, placing the heaviest on the bottom. 
• Consider every thing as a personal storage container – store small boxes in the refrigerator, china hutch, armoire and buffet.  Use your towels to wrap fragile items; use trash cans to store odd sized hard-to-pack items.

Utilize these tips and you’ll find a 10’x’15 storage space will accommodate contents from your 3 bedroom home. 

Let us help you determine your storage space needs with our convenient online guide to storage unit sizes.

You’ve rented a self storage unit because maybe you’re relocating or it’s time to free up some space in your current home. Whichever the case, here are some handy-dandy moving tips that we’re sure you’ll find useful or at least entertaining.

This is likely a topic that most people don’t think about much ahead of time. It’s easy right? Throw belongings in a box, close the box and put the box in the back of your mini-van, friends pickup or moving truck. Not so bad, right?! Surrrrrre.

With a little thought and planning ahead of time, you will save not only your time, but possibly some money too.

First off, figure out how much you’re moving to storage. Okay maybe math wasn’t your strongest subject in school, but don’t panic yet. As a general rule, every five feet of a moving truck generally equates to about one room in your home. Therefore in most cases, a 10 foot moving truck will easily accommodate a studio or one bedroom. Good news, this is where you could possibly save some bucks. If you don’t have far to drive, consider renting a smaller moving truck and making two trips. Be sure though to ask about cost per mile so you’re aware of all fees up front.

Oh ya, remember to make use of moving equipment such as a hand-truck, ramps and moving blankets to protect stuff from getting scratched. And most of all, don’t attempt to move heavy items by yourself, use the buddy system! You’ve packed up boxes, labeled appropriately and are ready to load up. What’s the next step? Well I’d say go grab some lunch, but I need to stay on topic.

Now for the specifics:

• Heaviest stuff first – This includes the washer and dryer, refrigerator, stove and other larger appliances. Place these items against the front wall nearest the cab. Why you might ask? Because you don’t want these things to shift during transportation which could possibly be damaging. Not to mention that you may not have the energy later when it really counts! If possible, secure in place with moving straps too.
• Next, larger items – We’re talking beds, bookcases, sofas, dinning room tables, desks. Put them along the sides of the moving truck, balancing the load equally. Be sure to disassemble hutches, bed frames and remove shelves and table legs when possible. This will limit damage and shifting –are you starting to notice a pattern here?
• Boxes, boxes, boxes – Begin packing the heavy boxes first on the floor of the truck. Boxes can be stacked, but place the heaviest boxes on the bottom and the lightest on top. Fill in gaps with last minute items and fragile goods. Make sure boxes are snug and gaps are minimal, which again will help to prevent shifting during transport.
• Finally, it’s lunch time – The moving truck is ready to go. But first, go enjoy some lunch, hydrate and prepare yourself for the next step!