When it comes to saving both time and money, a storage unit in Phoenix is the best solution for a variety of needs. Storage units are indispensable for when you are relocating or moving from one space to another, for when you plan on traveling for extended periods of time, or even just to free up space and clutter within your existing home. Offering a centrally located space that is both secure and temperature-controlled, a storage unit can easily accommodate personal belongings such as home furnishings, clothing and accessories, sporting equipment, and seasonal décor. You can also store home office/business equipment, including tools, inventory, and tax documents and receipts. Before deciding on unit size you need or what you will place in your Phoenix storage, follow our tips to ensure you get the most out of your space. Three Considerations When Renting A Storage Unit In Phoenix There are three main areas to consider when deciding on a storage unit. The following are dos and don’ts to consider both when deciding on the type of unit you need, and well as when packing your items for storage: Size and Spacing Do make an inventory of potential items that can be stored in your unit, including items such as seasonal clothing and sporting equipment that you only use at certain times of the year. Do not underestimate the variety of items that can be placed in your unit or the size of the unit you will need. Renting a storage unit is economical, regardless of the size, so be sure and get the amount of space you will need. Do utilize the entire amount of space you get with your unit. Apartment Therapy recommends using plywood across the tops of boxes to act as shelving and to increase your total amount of space. Don’t overstuff your unit. If you need more room, go up in unit size or rent an additional unit. Overstuffing will make it more difficult for you to find and retrieve items when you need them. Organization Do place organizing items in your unit according to categories, keeping like items, such as all business equipment or all holiday supplies, together. Don’t haphazardly throw items in boxes that do not otherwise go together, such as mixing seasonal clothing in with kitchen supplies. Do label all boxes so you know what each contains. Don’t be limited to cardboard boxes; instead, take advantage of plastic and wooden crates or containers that will be better able to support items placed on top of them. Do keep hardware with items that are disassembled. Keep hardware in plastic baggies and tins, staple or tape to the item they go with, and put an extra label on the hardware container in case it falls off or gets separated. Preservation Do make sure all items are clean and dry before packing or placing in storage. Don’t iron clothing or fabrics before folding and packing, as this could result in permanent creasing. Do use strips of white cotton sheeting between the folds of clothing items to prevent wrinkles and stains. Do not fold old documents, but instead lay them flat within your container. Do place photos and slide in photo albums before storing, making sure not to overcrowd them. The Smithsonian Institute recommends against keeping these items lumped together in baggies or containers, as the chemical used to develop the photos could cause them to stick together. By following these above suggestions, not only will your items be kept safe and organized, but they will be easier to locate and get to when you need them in the future. US Storage Centers 4860 North 83rd Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85033 (866) 858-7031