How to prepare your items for storage: NYC edition

In recent years, people have been using storage units more than ever. They are a great solution for all your needs, especially if you live in NYC. Even if you don’t and you are just about to move, the information about the storage units will come in handy. There are many reasons why renting a self-storage is one of the best ideas ever. Not only it is useful since you save a lot of space, but it is also one of the most affordable ways to keep the items you aren’t currently using safe. There are many types of storage units, from small ones to extra space storage NYC units. Whichever unit you need, we can help you. Read on to find out how to prepare your items for storage and get all the necessary information.

What do you need to know before renting a storage unit in NYC?

Using self-storage, both temporarily and permanently, is a great method to protect possessions during a transfer or just to make extra room in your house. Before filling your storage unit to the full, you’ll want to know the answers to some questions. You want to know:

• how to pick a storage unit,
• what goods you may store,
• and how to prepare your items for storage.

How to pick a storage unit?

There are a few factors you need to consider when picking self storage NYC for renting. First of all, you need to decide whether you need short-term or long-term storage. If you need long-term storage, the best idea is to choose a climate-controlled unit. This way you won’t have to worry about the outside temperature changes, and it makes a list of the things you can store larger.

Another important factor when choosing a storage unit is the size. Regular containers are usually 5 x 10 or 10 x 10, which should be enough to cover for storage space of a regular two-bedroom or three-bedroom household. On the other hand, if you are storing the items from your office or a company, you may need business storage NYC to fit all of your items. These kinds of storage units are made to meet the needs of a commercial relocation or redecoration.

What goods you may store

When it comes to storing your items, there is a space for everything that comes to your mind. Anything you think you don’t need for a while may be stored. However, there is a list of the things that are forbidden. That list includes items such as animals, weapons, food, hazardous materials, valuable items, money, etc. Of course, if you don’t mind storing some of the valuable items, there can be an exception. Nevertheless, everything else from the list is strictly forbidden.

How to prepare your items for storage in NYC

When preparing your items for a storage unit, the first tip is always to make an inventory list. You need to decide what stays, what goes into storage, and what should be thrown away for good. This is especially important if you are renting small storage NYC and you are a bit tight on space. Only the most important items from the list should make it to the storage, i.e. the ones you will use again in the future.

Gather the packing materials

You should know that preparing your items for a storage unit isn’t different from packing them for relocation. So, you will need to gather all the packing supplies. These include a lot of boxes in different sizes, duct tape, wrapping paper or bubble wrap, and a marker to label your boxes. This is quite important because even if you remember where you have put something for now, in a few months you’ll have no idea. Labeling is the key.

Clean your belongings thoroughly

Nothing is worse than bringing home a piece of furniture or an appliance from storage only to have it fill your home with a musty smell. It is imperative that you carefully clean every item before putting it in a storage unit to prevent this from happening. After all, they will be far less likely to smell terrible later if they are clean at first. It is good to use cleaning spray to wash down all surfaces. If you are storing furniture, you must vacuum each piece to the detail.

How to prepare clothes

Also, if you are storing seasonal clothes, you need to wash them before storage. Even if there is the smallest stain, you won’t be able to get rid of it later. For fine clothes, we recommend dry cleaning. It goes without saying that all clothes, as well as other items, must be completely dry before you pack them. Wet clothes or appliances can be irreparably damaged over time if you leave them contained that way.

The good idea is to use climate-controlled storage to prevent any possible inconvenience. If that is not possible, don’t worry. You can still do a lot to protect your belongings. For instance, you can spray leather items and furnishings with a protective coating. Dresser boxes or hanging garment bags should be used to store sweaters and other apparel. In addition to that, to shield furniture from pests and bad weather, cover them with a cotton sheet.

Organize the space in your storage well

If you are living in Manhattan, for example, you probably have a lot of items. Also, we know that area is not among the cheapest, so you need to use the space in your self storage Manhattan well. Try putting things in a vertical position while storing them if you want to conserve room. Additionally, any bulky and heavy goods have to be put on the bottom. Don’t put heavy items on top of the gentle ones, because they will most certainly get damaged. It is important to leave the items you will use soon at the beginning of the unit, or on top of the other items and boxes. You don’t want to reorganize the unit every time you need something.

Storing the items is easy

As you can see, it is not difficult to know how to prepare your items for storage. Just choose the right storage, follow our steps, and it is done. Your items will be safe and you will be relaxed.