To most people, self storage means boxing things up and stowing them in a self storage unit. But there is actually an art to fully utilizing a self storage facility. Self Storage Tips and Tricks 1. Purge Before you put your things in storage, go through them and cull out the following: Things you no longer need Things someone else could use that you could donate to Goodwill or Salvation Army Things you could sell on EBay or Craigslist. 2. Sort and separate Once you have culled out the things you will be getting rid of or selling, now is the time to sort the things you will be keeping into groups you can easily box up, paying attentions to: Seasonal things you will need each year Things you will rarely use Things of one sort or type or another You will evolve your own system for sorting through your things and getting them ready to be boxed up. 3. Sturdy boxes Once you have your things ready to box up, be sure to get sturdy boxes that you can handle. One source other than you self storage facility for these boxes is office supply stores. The boxes that they call Bankers Boxes are great for packing away small to medium things. They have lids that fit on them and carry handles that are built into the sides of them. Both of these features are great for use in storage facilities. Plastic totes are also an option for larger things, but they can get pretty heavy to move. You can find plastic totes at hardware stores and office supply stores. One tip about plastic totes– make sure they have easy-release lids. 4. Lists Make a list of everything you put in each box. There is a great free app for Android tablets to create your lists. There is also an iPad version. When you create your lists on your tablet, it gives you a quick portable resource to take with you to help you find what you want from your stored items. Here’s hoping these tips help you develop the art of self storage at South Coast Self Storage in Santa Ana, California. South Coast Self Storage 3480 West Warner Avenue Santa Ana, CA 92704 (714) 988-2161
