Storage Tips

You’ve chosen your self storage unit, signed your lease, packed your belongings, and you’re anxious to get started. Not so fast! We want to help you maximize your space for ease and accessibility.

The team at B21 Self Storage wants to help you keep your belongings accessible, organized, and in the best possible condition. We’ve shared ideas on how to store fragile items, create an inventory, and arrange your items for easy access.

Before you lease your unit, measure and estimate the collective packing size of the items you plan to store. This makes it easier to determine the right size unit for your needs.

Pro Tip: It’s a good idea to use pallets to keep your items above the floor.

Estimate the number of boxes you’ll need as well as packing material (packing paper, bubble wrap, foam shipping peanuts), tape, and markers.

Pro Tip: Use sturdy, new, or almost new, boxes and containers. Overused boxes won’t stack easily, and they may break open, but lightly used plastic containers can work. Take the time to clean them thoroughly. You don’t want to pack unwanted visitors along with your crystal wine glasses.

Create an inventory of the items you’re storing so that you know exactly what will be in your unit.

Pro Tip: Keep a copy of your inventory in a safe place away from your storage unit.

Boxes should be strong enough to hold 25-30 pounds. Boxes that contain fragile or delicate items should be stacked on top of boxes packed with heavier objects.

Anything that you use frequently should be positioned at the front of your unit. Leave aisles for easy access.

Pro Tip: Label your containers on all four sides.

Hazardous and perishable items (paint, gasoline, propane, etc.) are prohibited in your storage unit. Drain fuel from lawnmowers, snowblowers, or any other equipment. You can find a full list of prohibited items on our FAQs. If you’re unsure about anything, ask questions.

Pro Tip: It is prohibited to store food or perishable items, including pet food, in your unit.

Large pictures and mirrors should be wrapped in cardboard, marked “FRAGILE” and stored standing on end. China, crystal, porcelain, and any other breakable items should be carefully wrapped in packing paper and/or bubble wrap before packing in dish packs and boxes.

Pro Tip: Small fragile items can be stored in furniture drawers. Pack the drawers with bed and bath linens as an extra layer of protection for these treasures.

Store sofas and loveseats on end to save floor space, and cover everything with furniture covers or pads to prevent dust. If you store furniture that can be broken down, keep small parts in plastic bags and tape them to the item. Don’t place sharp or heavy objects on upholstered or leather furniture.

Pro Tip: Never cover or wrap wood, leather, or upholstered items with plastic. This can leave a residue that causes permanent damage. Plastic can also cause moisture, resulting in mold and mildew.

Washers, driers, and ovens make excellent packing spaces for towels, bedding, and table linens.

To prevent accidental damage, place TVs and other electronics in the rear of your unit.

Pro Tip: Seasonal clothing can also be packed in large appliances.

If you store mattresses on their sides, prop them up so that they stand straight. This will prevent them from bending and becoming out of shape and lumpy.

If you are breaking down a bed frame, be sure to keep all small parts in a plastic bag and tape it to the frame.

Pro Tip: Clean your mattresses thoroughly before storing them.

Wipe metal items such as bikes, furniture, or tools with oil to prevent rust and corrosion.

Pro Tip: W-D 40 Specialist Corrosion Inhibitor works well.

Create a map of your stored boxes and items, place it on a clipboard, and hang it in a visible location near the front of your storage unit. If that doesn’t work for you, take a photo to store on your mobile phone.

Pro Tip: You don’t have to get fancy. Any type of hand-drawn sketch will work. You’ll be happy to have this when you need to access an item quickly.

We hope these tips help. Remember, call us with any questions. We can even suggest some great tips for decluttering your space.

Select Location to Pay Bill