August 27, 2012
Having a storage unit can be a great asset, but packing for novices can be a pain. Here are a few tips and tricks we at Rivermill Storage in Columbus, Georgia feel you will find helpful.
Use pallets to keep items off the floor. While Rivermill units protect against the elements, sometimes there can be no defense against the most severe weather and flooding. While snow is also rare in Columbus, melting snow can also leak inside a storage unit. Also, many tenants keep liquids in their spaces they might leak. Keeping important items, such as furniture, is essential to preserving their health.
Wrap everything you can in industrial plastic wrap. This is smart way to make sure your items don’t collect dirt and dust, along with insects. Check online for ways to order large rolls for a wholesale price. Also be sure to use padding for your valuables. Mirrors and expensive furniture need to be protected from scratches that happen from resting the items on rough surfaces.
Use one of Rivermill’s hefty locks and look past a generic, cheaper, brand. Although Rivermill uses many security cameras and has a strong security gate, there is always a chance a thief might slip our grasps. A strong lock is the last line of defense from a robbery, so make sure it a strong lock.
Label everything that gets packed. Even though you know exactly what you are putting in the storage now, that doesn’t mean you will remember in a few months. Digging through boxes looking for one particular item can be a frustrating chore. So label everything. Even the items and boxes that seem obvious now, you will thank yourself later. Another good idea might be to make a checklist of every item within the storage unit to save time looking.
Take into account Georgia’s extreme humidity. Electronics, vinyl records, old photos and other things of that nature should not be stored in a unit that is not climate controlled. Some items may need to be insulated for the colder months as well. If you need to store items vulnerable to extreme heat or cold, come see us today and we can give you a good rate on a climate controlled unit.
While the winter months aren’t usually too harsh in Georgia, you may to carry some sand next time you need to move something from your unit and there is ice on the ground. This will help your shoes get a better grip on the ground, and thus prevent an injury from happening.
Make sure to also protect the space. While we are pretty lenient about with the occasional scratch or muffed wall, we care if there has been heavy damage done. So try your best to preserve the unit in the same condition if was rented to you.
Use your space wisely. Even the smallest storage unit can hold a great deal, just use the space wisely. This often means utilizing the vertical space of the storage and stacking things all the way to the ceiling. Bring in some light plywood to lay across several boxes in order to stabilize layers as you stack objects up. This will also take the pressure off the tops of the boxes and help keep things safer.
