Self Storage Ideas
There are many ways to store your own items if you are going to be living in another place for work or study related reasons. You might have a room or two available at a relative’s house or a friend’s garage, and you will want to maximize your space as much as possible and make the most out of it. At the same time, you will want to know some tips of how to keep your belongings safe from mold, damp, insects and other problems that might arise.
Maximizing Space
You should pack all of the small items that you do not need into flat boxes which are easy to stack one on top of the other. This way, the weight of the goods inside will be evenly distributed and will be less likely to fall over or crush the boxes underneath, even after lengthy periods of time. You should also roll each item into old newspapers before you pack it in the box. This is to reduce movement while actually lifting and packing the boxes, but it also helps to distribute weight bearing down on the boxes from the ones above.
Inevitably, you will want to store items which do not fit into boxes. Furniture falls into this category and can take up more space than expected if not stacked and stored properly. Couches and sofas can be stacked on top of each other, placed in an interlocking way to conserve storage space. Tables and chairs are also easy to stack efficiently.
Protecting Your Belongings
Boxes should be sealed with tape and if possible, also covered with plastic wrap. This will create an airless space that will not allow moisture inside. This is important for preventing mold and other parasites from causing damage. Ideally, you will also want to cover all of your boxes and furniture with a large tarpaulin or plastic sheet. This will further help to protect your items from dust and water damage just in case.
Good Storage and Bad Storage
The best type of storage is in a room that is cool, dry and dark. Basements are not usually a good place to store belongings unless they are well-insulated and properly walled. Basements which are not renovated often have drafts and water seepage, especially in winter months or during heavy rains. Additionally, there are often problems with mold and flooding from drains. If a basement is your only option for storage, then the best way to store boxes is to raise them on several pallets. This will minimize any water damage if it should occur. You can still wrap your boxes to prevent pests and mold from going inside.
Attic spaces are good for storage if they are sealed or well-insulated. Animals such as squirrels, mice and raccoons can sometimes get into attic areas in the countryside or even suburban areas. Therefore, do not store valuable items in an attic space which has not been sealed and insulated.
Overhead storage is another good way to make sure your belongings are safe. Rooms which have high ceilings and garages can make good overhead bin spaces. Aluminum and steel wire mesh overhead cages and bins make a great accessory to any home and will allow additional storage for children who have moved away to college.
