How to pack your self storage unit to survive the best of British weather.
In this country, the weather always seems to be a hot topic of conversation. It can be unpredictable, but no matter what the forecasters say, the one thing we can generally be sure of is that it’s cooler in the winter months than in the summer (normally) So, whether you’re renting a self storage unit for a month or a year, what can you do to make sure what the weather is doing outside has little or no effect on what ever it is you’re storing inside?
Temperature variant’s in your storage unit
As far as we know, not many self-storage facilities offer heated or air conditioned units. So, whatever the temperature outside your unit , will be the temperature inside, more or less.
The one big thing to be reassured of, especially when using a self-storage facility that use shipping containers like ours, is that those self storage units are definitely weather-proof (after all they’ve most likely arrived in this country on a sea-faring vessel in all kinds of weather), so they will be wind and water proof. In other words, they don’t suffer damp (unless the stuff you are storing is damp, then that’s another story. More on that shortly.
Cardboard storage boxes vs plastic storage boxes in your storage unit
The way you pack your belongings in a self storage unit can contribute to the successful safe, secure and dry storage of your items.
Take packing boxes for example…
Things stored in plastic boxes can literally sweat. That’s why business archive boxes are usually carboard. Take a tip from those that know- use cardboard, not plastic. Cardboard also acts as an insulator and a slightly cushioned protective layer around your goods. They are recyclable (bio-degradable even) and easy to write on too.
Wet, wet, wet
One of the main reasons something might “sweat”, or be wet or damp in your unit might be because it was wet or damp when it was put into your self storage unit. Take care to avoid anything wet or damp being put into your unit. Check bags and washing machines. A wet sock could be the culprit of a bit of condensation down the line.
Make a map of your storage unit
If nothing else, knowing exactly where that box of files is that you want quickly on a cold day could mean you spend less time at your unit and more time elsewhere doing the things you’d rather be doing.
We recommend you make a drawing of your unit and map…Label boxes clearly too. You may not be able to remember which box that book is in, but if you know it was last seen in the lounge, then maybe its in that box? Take photos of your unit as you pack it too. A great little visual record to have a look at before you even make the journey over. Have a clear picture of where that thing is in your unit before you even arrive.
Avoid the prospect of heavy lifting later down the line
Also, don’t over pack the boxes, they will make moving them to get to the box at the back a bit of a tricky task. And while we’re on it, put things you are less likely to need at any time soon at the back of your space and visa versa. Common sense we know, just a reminder
To round off…
So, to get ready for a year-round storage, here’s a quick checklist for you:
- Use cardboard not plastic boxes
- Only store dry items and check for stray wet items before you store
- Make a map and label your boxes- find things quickly
- Pack for easy lifting- keep boxes small and manageable. Easier to stack.
