4 Tips on Protecting and Storing Your Personal Belongings Safely

Remember how meticulously you packed for your last holiday? Sorting your clothes, makeup items, and bathing essentials, and even putting your lotions and conditioners in a separate bag to prevent leakage and damage to your clothes? If you can pay close attention to these details for a short trip, imagine how careful you should be when storing your belongings in self-storage units! Here are a few tips to help you safely store your possessions in the storage unit.

Introduction

People use self-storage to declutter spaces and store belongings. When your house undergoes renovations, you expect a new member in the family, or you go home for summer break, you need a place to store extra and less-frequently used stuff. Self-storage facilities come to your rescue! But do you know how to pack and store your personal items securely? This blog details the steps for keeping your possessions safe in the storage unit.

Take a moment to picture your attic, filled with neglected, dusty carton boxes. Each box is a mystery, its contents forgotten, and the thought of cleaning them too daunting to consider. This results from poor packing, a scene of confusion and chaos you can easily avoid. 

Now, imagine going to your self-storage unit and searching for that beautiful vase you got from an auction. After fidgeting with different boxes, you eventually find the vase but see it broken. That hurts, right? So, to prevent such losses and damages, use these simple packing and organisation tips for storing your personal belongings. 

Tips for Storing Personal Items in Self-Storage

Self-storage is an excellent option for keeping your stuff safe and secure until needed. Whether you plan to store your things for a couple of weeks or a long term, packing them safely is crucial to keep your belongings undamaged. So, get your hands on storage boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and dust cloths, and follow these tips for storing your personal items!

1. Choose the Right Storage Solution

Everyone has some prized collections—for some, it may be your childhood blankets, and for others, it may be your comic book collections. You wouldn’t want to discard them when spaces become tight, right? So, how would you choose the ideal storage solution for you? Let’s find out below!

• Self-storage or at-home storage: Take a quick scan of your living space. Does it have a spare closet or unused attic that you can transform into a storage area? You can use this closet or attic to store items that take up little space or rent a self-storage unit to store bigger furniture and electronics.
• Select the right unit size: Take note of things you want to put away in a storage unit. Does it include bulky winter clothes and sports gear? Or maybe it’s some tiny, delicate things like artwork, china sets, or a set of books. Based on the items, you can then decide the size of the storage unit. You can pick the one that best suits your needs, from small chests to large storage rooms. 
• Opt for a storage facility with robust security features: Though you’re keeping things away for a while, you wouldn’t want them damaged or stolen. So, choose a storage facility that offers advanced security measures like 24/7 surveillance cameras, smart access codes, alarm systems, perimeter fencing, secure locks, and on-site personnel. Also, ensure to assess the security features of a facility rather than just relying on advertised claims. 
• Consider climate-controlled storage units for sensitive items: Some items, such as artwork, photographs, electronics, or antiques, require special storage care. Keeping them in climate-controlled units can protect them from extreme heat, cold, or moisture damage. 

Think of choosing the right storage solution for your personal possessions as equivalent to renting a vacation home for your holiday—ensuring comfort and safety until the last day! Finding the right unit size and security can be daunting, but Wigwam Storage simplifies this choice with a range of secure, conveniently sized options for every need.

Have you got your storage picked out? Awesome! Next, let's pack like pros to keep everything in tip-top shape.

2. Effective Packing and Organising Strategies

If you have finally chosen your self-storage unit, packing them is the next hurdle. Before tossing the boxes inside the unit, pack them securely to prevent wear and tear or cracks. Packing and labelling the items helps you quickly identify and pick them when needed. Let’s see some easy tips for packing and storing your personal belongings.

• Use high-quality packing materials: Ensure you get the best packing supplies to keep your things organised and safe from damage during transportation. Use sturdy, double-walled boxes for heavy items and bubble wrap or foam for fragile items. Also, buy packing tapes and markers for labelling and storing.
• Label the boxes: You might put items in each box, forget what you put, and spend hours searching for a particular item. Hence, you must label the boxes clearly before dumping them in the storage unit. Instead of giving general labels, add specific tags like ‘holiday decorations,’ ‘winter clothes,’ or ‘fragile items’ for easy identification.
• Organise the storage space: Even if you initially rent a smaller unit and new items add up over time, you can maximise the unit's space through smart tips. Instead of scattering the boxes around, stack them up vertically for more space, or consider utilising shelving units. Also, create an aisle so you can easily access all the boxes. 

Here’s a pro tip: Before you start packing and storing your personal items, take a moment to think - is this item worth storing, or can you donate or sell it? There’s no use keeping a damaged blender in the self-storage unit, right? Decluttering saves space and ensures you're only storing the things that truly matter. Plus, it feels great to lighten your load. 

You’ve mastered the packing, but wait; it’s not over. Let’s now talk about keeping your stashed stuff in pristine condition.

3. Maintaining and Insuring Your Stored Belongings

So, are you all set with packing and storing? Do you think your duty ends there? Not at all! Here’s how you can store, maintain, and insure your personal possessions, ensuring they stay safe and sound until you need them again.

• Conduct regular checks on stored items: Even though you are sure you have packed all your things securely, you shouldn't abandon them in your storage unit. Regularly visit your self-storage facility and look for potential problems like moisture, leaks, fire, or pests. If you identify the problem early, you can save your precious items from severe damage.
• Add insurance to your self-storage items: Even after taking many precautions, sometimes unexpected things happen. A sudden fire, theft, or flood can ruin your belongings. Hence, adding insurance coverage for your stored items can give you peace. Although it does not guarantee the recovery of the lost items, you get financial protection if any unforeseen event occurs. Discuss insurance options with your storage facility to ensure your belongings are adequately covered.
• Maintain an up-to-date inventory of your items: Create a detailed list of items in your self-storage unit, including descriptions and estimated values. Understanding what you have in the unit and its worth will help you claim insurance when the need arises. 

You've packed smart and protected your stash, but how about we beef up security to fortress levels?

4. Smart Security Measures

We have briefly discussed the essential security features to look for in a self-storage facility. As you store your most valuable personal items, let’s explore a few additional measures to keep them safe and secure. 

• Secure your prized items with UV pens: Imagine a thief stealing your treasured Walkman from your storage unit. If you use a UV pen to mark your Walkman with unique identifiers, the chances of recovering the stolen item are high. Some storage facilities even offer registration programs for valuables, creating a national record for added protection.
• Utilise advanced technology for added security: The world is becoming more advanced and digital. So, opt for facilities with built-in security features like fingerprint scanners or password protection. Also, downloading mobile apps helps you monitor your storage location virtually and track items if they get lost or stolen. Wigwam Storage offers easy-to-use Bluetooth lock technology for extra protection.

Storing and moving personal possessions to and from your storage unit requires extra care. Here's how to plan your transportation:

• Plan Your Route: Choose a safe and well-lit route for your trip, avoiding deserted areas or late-night travels.
• Conceal and Carry: Don't advertise what you're transporting. Keep your valuables discreetly hidden in your car, or use nondescript boxes.
• Strength in Numbers: Consider enlisting a friend or family member to help you transport bulky or heavy items. There's safety in numbers; an extra pair of eyes can be a great deterrent.

By implementing these smart security measures, you can create a fortress around your valuables, giving you peace of mind knowing your prized possessions are safe and secure. Now, go forth and conquer your storage needs with confidence!

With your belongings safe as a vault, let’s wrap up with some final wisdom to keep your storage game strong.

Conclusion

Keeping your belongings safe and organised in self-storage doesn't have to be a mystery! With some planning and these simple tips on storing personal possessions from Wigwam Storage, you can transform your unit from a chaotic jumble into a haven for your keepsakes. No more digging through dusty boxes—you'll know exactly where everything is, from your winter gear to grandma's tea set.

Remember, Wigwam Storage offers a variety of unit sizes and security features to fit your needs. Visit Wigwam Storage today! We'll help you find the perfect unit and answer your queries. With Wigwam Storage on your side, self-storage can be a breeze, not a burden. Now go forth and conquer that storage space – with confidence and peace of mind!

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