How to protect your possessions in storage
When putting your items in to store, you want to know that they will be safe whether they are in storage for a few weeks or a few years. So here are some useful ideas and tips on how to protect your possessions in storage:
1. Choose the right storage facility
There are lots of "self-store" companies out there, but services and prices can vary greatly. Whilst it might seem the cheaper option, it is not always safe to store your items in lock-up or garage in comparison to a dedicated storage warehouse or purpose-built self storage facility that has fire, theft, and flood protection in place, as well as insurance.
2. Protect fragile items in store
Whilst many day-to-day objects can be stored with just light protection - a mattress protector around a mattress or bed base, a blanket over a chest of drawers, sofa bag over a sofa - fragile items need a little more attention.
If you’re worried about more delicate items you can use sheets of unbleached, protective white paper or bubble wrap to carefully wrap and protect them. Wrapping glasses and china securely in a few sheets of paper can actually be more effective than using bubble wrap, as well as better for the environment.
Scrunched-up paper should also be used to fill any gaps in your boxes as this will prevent them from collapsing over time.
3. Use the right packing boxes
Using professional-grade packing supplies is the best way to protect your possessions during their time in storage. Double-walled, industry-standard cartons offer that extra layer of protection and support against any bumps, spills, and punctures - they are surprisingly strong! The design of these packing boxes also makes them a sturdier option to regular cardboard boxes, so they are safer to stack on top of each other - just remember to always place the heaviest boxes on the bottom and lighter ones on top!
It's also a good idea to choose the right size box for the job. Using smaller boxes for books will stop your boxes from getting too heavy to lift, whilst linen will crease less if carefully folded into a low, wide packing box. And you shouldn't squeeze a larger item into too small a box, as they will lead to it getting damaged over time.
Lastly, make sure each box is securely sealed with tape, as this will help keep the box's shape.
And if you are wondering where you can easily buy these materials from, then you are in luck! Ease the Squeeze has a whole range of protective packing boxes and wrapping materials for you to buy, including tape, available to purchase from any of our storage facilities. And if you order them online to click and collect, you'll save 10%!
4. Use plastic storage containers
You can safely store your items in your own plastic storage boxes, just make sure they are well-packed, like your cardboard boxes, and have lids, as this will make them more robust and less likely to crack or break.
5. Storing items in suitcases
Suitcases are not the best way to store things, but many people do use them. If you want to use suitcases make sure they are fully packed and DO NOT place them under heavier objects as they will squash!
6. Sole access to your storage container
A key factor in ensuring your possessions are safe while in storage is knowing who can access them. With Ease the Squeeze storage solutions only you have access to your unit; you are the only person with the key! No one else can open your storage container or access your belongings, including any other customer using the storage facility or our own staff. This ensures that there are no security or privacy issues regarding what is kept in your storage container or room.
7. Safe transportation in and out of storage
By using a commercial storage provider, such as Ease the Squeeze, you have the benefit of having professional warehouse staff on-site to help with your storage. This includes the safe collection and delivery of your belongings from your home or place of business directly to your storage unit. Just ask for more details!
Here at Ease the Squeeze, we can safely and securely store all your belongings whether it’s that extra sofa, grandma's dining table, the kids' old toys, office supplies, or filing for archiving.