If you’re considering getting a self storage unit you may need a few handy tips to make your experience a success. We’ve seen a lot of people store a lot of things, and we’ve seen firsthand how it can be a rousing success and a messy failure.

So, before you load up the moving truck, consider the following tips and tricks:

1. Assess Your Space. When renting a storage unit, the very first thing you’ll need to do is figure out how much space you need. Guessing is not a good option and will likely leave you cramming gear into unnatural positions or spending extra cash on useless extra space. Determine the space needed for your big items first (furniture, etc) and then add on the likely number of boxes needed to store the rest of your belongings. After that, compare it to our size guide.
2. Think About Sensitivity. Just how fragile and sensitive is the stuff your storing? Is it something that will change or become damaged with weather changes? In the case of items like wine, old books, paintings, etc., temperature controlled units are a must-have.
3. Don’t Skimp on Packing Material. Since you’re spending a few dollars on storage you might try to make up that money by foregoing decent packing materials. That’s usually a big mistake. Quality boxes, ample packing tape, and bubble wrap can keep your stuff safe and secure for years. This is helpful during storage and during moves.
4. Color Code Your Rooms. Packing tape and stickers come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Use different colors for each room so that you can quickly and easily stack material in a logical way. This will also help you locate items that you may need later, or during the unpacking process if you move elsewhere.
5. Leave a Walkway. No matter how much stuff you have to cram into your storage space it’s a good idea to leave a central walkway. You never know when you might need to access some of your belongings way in the back. If you have no means of getting to it then you are either out of luck or in for a long maneuvering process that will end mostly in frustration.
6. Write Your Pin Number Down. This might seem simple enough but many people overlook it. The DAK facility is keypad-access-only, which means you can’t even enter the grounds without your pin number. Have it written in your phone or somewhere else useful so that you can refer back during those times of forgetfulness.
7. Store Useful Stuff Last. Some of your belongings may be highly useful, while others could be heirlooms or knickknacks that won’t get touched for years. Put the useful stuff in last so that way you have quick access to it whenever you open your unit.

Well that’s it for now! We’ll be thinking up some more tips for your storage pleasure. In the meantime, if you have any of your own tips feel free to leave them in the comments section of this post.