Storage Tips
Once you’ve chosen your ideal storage unit, maximize your newfound space with our helpful tips.
How To Prepare Your Belongings for Self Storage
Before you move into your storage unit, prepare your belongings to avoid damaging them. Begin by determining whether the items you plan to store should be placed in boxes, plastic totes, or wrapped with wrapping paper or Bubble Wrap.
If you’re storing larger items that won’t fit in boxes, such as large appliances or pieces of furniture, consider wrapping them in padded covers to prevent scuffs and dents. Our other tips for preparing your belongings for self storage include:
- Fully clean and dry appliances like refrigerators and washing machines.
- Lightly wipe down metal items with oil to prevent rust.
- Wash and dry clothes, drapes, curtains, and linens.
- Cover furniture with dust covers.
- Pack books, files, and documents flat and fill in empty spaces with Bubble Wrap or packing paper.
- Disassemble furniture and store tools, screws, nuts, and bolts in labeled, clear bags attached to the corresponding furniture pieces.
- Store physical media like CDs, VHS tapes, and cassettes in airtight containers.
- Keep holiday decorations in their original boxes, or clearly label cardboard boxes and add wrapping paper to avoid breaking ornaments.
How To Organize Your Storage Unit
Once everything’s prepared, it’s time to move into your storage unit. How you should organize your storage unit depends on several factors, including the number of belongings you’re storing, the size of your storage unit, and how frequently you plan to access your space.
If you’re using a small or medium-sized storage unit for tucking away hobby supplies or sports gear and plan to visit often, we recommend organizing your storage unit with shelves to keep items off the ground and easy to access.
If you’re planning to pack up all the contents of your house or apartment for a move, however, group boxes and items by room to keep track of where everything is stored. Place the items you’ll need soonest by your storage unit’s door, and stack the heaviest boxes first so you don’t create unstable towers of belongings in your storage unit.
No matter how many items you plan to store or for how long, leaving a clear walkway in your storage unit will always make navigating the space easier.
Know What You Can and Cannot Keep in Self Storage
While your storage unit gives you the space you need to store all kinds of things, there are certain items that are prohibited at Castle Self Storage, including, but not limited to:
- Animals or people
- Perishables
- Liquids
- Explosives
- Flammable liquids
- Toxic materials
- Propane tanks
- Ammunition
- Fuel
- Fertilizer
- Wet items
- Illegal items or materials
- Any items that need to be in a controlled environment
Common items that you can keep in a storage unit include:
- Household goods like furniture, clothes, and decorations
- Seasonal holiday decor
- Documents, books, and records
- Business equipment and inventory
- Clean, dry, and unplugged appliances, such as refrigerators and washing machines
- Clean mattresses
- Sports equipment
- And more
If you have any questions about items you plan to store, contact our team for additional insights.
Rent Massachusetts Storage Solutions at Castle Self Storage
Finding space doesn’t have to be complicated. When it's time to clear out your home or business, we make it simple to rent self storage with flexible lease terms and easy online reservations.
Explore available self storage spaces at your nearest Castle Self Storage location and rent yours today!