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Self Storage Tips

Valley Storage: Self Storage Tips

Need some self storage tips to get you started on the right foot? Valley Storage is your first choice for affordable storage units in the Northeast, and we’ve compiled a list of our top packing and storage tips to help you make the most of the space you are renting. Start your storage journey with Valley Storage today!

Self Storage Tips for Finding Space & Packing

Self Storage Tips

Choose Your Storage Unit 

You have many self storage options in the Northeast. So how do you choose a storage facility—and more specifically storage units—to house your belongings? Start by searching for self storage close to your home, work, business, or regular commutes. You are looking for convenience as much as you are looking for product and service.  

Before you decide on a storage solution, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons in light of your specific needs. For example, drive-up storage containers are very convenient for loading items from your car. However, indoor storage units provide temperature control to protect your belongings against weather conditions. Make sure to do some research so that you can choose the right type of storage unit based on your own individual needs.

Visit Valley Storage to start getting your items organized today. Valley Storage offers more than 10 storage facilities in the Northeast. Find storage facilities in Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. Read more about our storage facility’s specific features, and use our storage calculator to figure out what size storage unit you should rent.  

Packing and Moving

Packing Tips for Your Boxes 

1. Prep Before Packing

To ensure that your items stay protected while in storage, take care of them as you’re packing them away. Items that are delicate will need more padding to keep them safe throughout transport. Pick up packing and moving supplies at our Valley Storage offices today! And while you are there, talk with our storage experts to clear up any additional questions you may have before you start renting storage—also check our Self Storage FAQ to see if your question can be answered instantly! It is important to understand the rules and expectations before renting storage.

2. General Packing Rule: Heavy on the Bottom, Light on Top

Follow these guidelines when packing and storing your boxes and storage containers: begin with heavier, larger items as your foundation before adding lighter ones on top. By doing this, you’ll stop your containers from breaking under the pressure within and around them.

3. Clean & Cover

Prevent your items from being dirty or damaged by cleaning and preserving them in advance. Cover appliances, tools, and electronics with dust covers before storing them for an extended time. Get rid of germs and water droplets to stop rusting or smells.

4. Pack Air-Tight to Keep Out Moisture & Pests

Packing with air-tight containers is an excellent method to prevent any damage. Furthermore, it’s important to learn how to deal with any nuisances, like bugs and moisture, from the very beginning. Any type of antique, clothing piece, important documents, or technology would benefit greatly from being packed in one of these types of containers.

Organizing Garage

Packing Tips for Your Storage Unit 

1. Create an Organized Layout

Storing your things in the right manner can help you live a more comfortable life. The best method to pack your storage container is to follow a step-by-step process. Leave space down the middle of your storage container so you may get to everything easier from all angles. Then, as part of an effort to locate similar items quicker later, store goods that are comparable, such as seasonal clothing or kitchen equipment. Keep your most important items close to the door for quick access.

2. Utilize Your Entire Storage Space

Use all the space you’re paying for by stacking items high. Also, consider installing shelving units if your storage facility allows it.

3. Don’t Store Perishables

So what can’t you store? Perishables like food will go bad quickly, and when they do, they will begin to attract pests. It is best to avoid this altogether by storing these items in your everyday storage space in your home or business. You also cannot store dangerous, flammable items or money. Check out a more complete list from Move.org. 

Car in Garage

Vehicle Storage Tips 

Long-term storage of a vehicle can save you a lot of space on your property, but it is not as simple as dropping it off and leaving it. Vehicles of all sizes require additional care to give it a better chance of running as smoothly as possible when you need it again. Get its oil changed if you are storing long-term, top off the gas tank to prevent moisture build-up, and add a fuel stabilizer. Then, clean it inside and out—any dirt there will only accumulate over time. Follow more of Edmund’s vehicle storage tips.  

Find secure, covered and uncovered vehicle storage at a number of our Valley Storage locations. Call or email any of our storage facilities to learn more!

Find Affordable Storage Units at Valley Storage

Now that you have learned some helpful self storage tips, look to Valley Storage for all of your storage needs. We have facilities in Ohio, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and West Virginia. Customers may rent their storage unit and move in contact-free thanks to our contactless rental agreements. Whether you require a temperature-controlled container or one with drive-up access, Valley Storage has you covered. Additionally, our storage facilities sell packing and moving supplies to assist you with packing your stuff securely. Call or email us today, or visit any of our storage facilities in person to get started renting at Valley Storage!