Do’s & Don’ts for Packing a Storage Unit in the St. Petersburg, FL, Area
When it comes to packing a storage unit in the St. Petersburg, Florida, area, there are plenty of do’s and don’ts for how to use your space efficiently and avoid damage to your possessions. A bit of organizing and planning is required to maximize the storage space you have available, but in the end you will save a lot of time when trying to retrieve your belongings or empty out the unit.
Here are some tips for how to effectively pack your storage unit in the St. Petersburg, FL, area, and preserve the items inside:
- Make a plan – Before simply piling your belongings into the storage unit, make a plan for how you will arrange your items. When organizing your storage space, leave room for a walkway in the center so you can easily make your way to the back of the unit if you need to retrieve something. Be sure to place more frequently used items in the front and valuable items in the back. Also, stay organized by labeling your boxes on all six sides and creating a list of the items you’re placing in the unit for easy reference.
- Place bigger items in the back of the storage unit – Pack taller items toward the walls, and bulkier items, like furniture, at the farthest corners of the storage unit. This way, you have a clear view to the back of the unit without your vision getting blocked by larger items. Place mattresses and box springs on long edges and stack chairs seat-to-seat. Also, use paper pads in between all items to prevent damage from scratching.
- Clean thoroughly – Make sure all appliances are drained, dry, and clean before putting them in storage, and leave them slightly open to prevent mildew. For bicycles, tools, and other metal items, rub a small amount of machine oil on them to prevent rusting.
Additionally, there are some things to avoid when it comes to packing your storage unit:
- Do not pack boxes so heavily that you can’t carry them. Place things like books in rolling suitcases instead. Also, don’t stack boxes higher than 6 ft. tall to avoid toppling.
- Do not use plastic to cover your items, since it will retain moisture. Sheets, blankets, mattress bags, upholstery bags, and sofa covers are all good alternatives, and will prevent damage from mold, mildew, and moths.
- Do not store anything flammable. This includes gasoline, oil, or paint. Fireworks, ammunition, guns, and anything else deemed hazardous must also be avoided.
If you are looking for a safe and reliable storage unit in the St. Petersburg, FL, area to store your belongings, contact Smart Move™ Moving today.
