Maximise your mini storage
People require mini storage for a variety of reasons, from temporary storage space whilst moving or renovating, to semi-permanently storing a hobby-on-hold - but no matter what it’s used for it can always be used for “smart storage”. Smart storing really just involves planning correctly. Similar to when you’re packing and placing different sized objects into a box to fill up spaces - you are practicing smart storage with some of your larger items. Mini storage can, as the name suggests, be distinguished from large scale warehousing which is a more industrial or commercial type of storage.
The first and possibly most difficult step is deciding on what to store in the mini storage. If you intend to access your belongings while they are being stored then it’s a great idea to acquire a mini storage with more than the required space. This way you will never need to unpack and repack it to get to things and they can be stored in an easy to access and “user-friendly” storage. Additionally having a bit of extra space and accessibility while goods are stored allows you to quickly be able to store a few more items if necessary, uplift something you need when you need it and so on. The convenience factor of a good storage facility is extremely valuable!
If yours is the case where your storage is “maxed” so to say then you should definitely pack belongings that you won’t need to use like furniture and bedding in the back, whilst keeping things like camping chairs and bicycles towards the front end. An aisle in your mini storage is also the perfect way to store your belongings and still be able to access it when you need to. As mentioned, doing this well will call for a fair amount of planning and forethought!
If you just intend to store your belongings for a short duration and don’t need to access certain items throughout the timeframe, then try planning to acquire a mini storage of between 5% and 10% bigger than your total belongings size. You should never need to cram your belongings to the point of damage, but you also shouldn’t need to pay more than necessary. So achieving the balance gives you peace of mind and saves you money too.
The next step is to decide if you need atmospheric and temperature control in your mini storage unit. Some woods in furniture are very delicate and susceptible to humidity and some antiques are unvarnished. Air conditioned mini storage units are available for just these situations and costs far less than repairs to furniture or antiques do. Alternatively you can prepare your items for storage easily. Furniture can be wrapped in special plastic that prevents moisture from reaching it, the same with leather and appliances. Of-course as each item differs your storage material may change, but this cost is marginal for the benefit of keeping your goods in good condition while it’s stored away.
If you need to acquire temporary mini storage whilst moving or renovating or simply want to store some old items that are cluttering up your garage, contact Troopie Self Storage at 011 608 1420