The ultimate self-storage checklist before moving into a self-storage container

Moving anywhere can involve a myriad of tasks, especially when you planning to move your daily items into a self-storage container.

In order to ensure a smooth and hassle-free move, we’ve come up with the ultimate checklist, which we’ve broken up into three important sub-checklists:

Inventory management checklist for easy storage and retrieval

When it comes to preparing for moving into a self-storage container, managing your inventory the right way can be a game-changer. So, let’s start with a detailed list of all the items you want to store. Consider numbering boxes, group similar items together, and keep a corresponding list so you know exactly what’s inside each box.

You can also take photos of your belongings for insurance purpose or simply to have a visual record of what certain items look like when you want to retrieve them.

Labelling – so important! You want to use coloured labels or markers to differentiate between different boxes containing unique categories of items.

Planning to add or remove specific items from your storage unit? Update your inventory list accordingly. Yep – it might prove to be tedious but it’ll be worth it when you want to quickly check on something.

Finally, it’s always good to keep a copy of your inventory list outside of the self-storage unit, maybe in a physical format or even digital format on your phone, laptop or PC. This way, you can quickly review everything without having to visit the self-storage container every time.

Packing checklist for topnotch safety and efficiency

The right packing practices can improve the safety and longevity of your items.

Our first tip is to use uniform boxes – when you use just two to three sizes of boxes, you can stack them easily, and it helps to create a stable base.

Let’s stay away from plastic bags, shall we? They may seem very convenient and handy but they trap moisture easily which can lead to mould and mildew. Blankets or breathable fabric covers are a better option.

Always place heavy items first, so heavy ones go at the bottom, and light ones on top, preventing unnecessary damage and ensuring that each box can sustain weight without collapsing.

Label everything! Yes, we covered this already but we want to stress on its important so, again, ensure that each box is clearly labelled with regard to its contents, along with the room it belongs to. Coloured stickers or labels for different rooms or categories will help. This will make retrieval systematic and super-efficient.

It’s also important to full up empty spaces. Use bubble wrap, packing peanuts, or crumpled newspapers to fill the voids between boxes. This will prevent any items from shifting and potentially getting damaged.

Safety and security checklist

At Woodpecker, we care about your safety and security, offering high-quality self-storage units in a variety of sizes which allow for easy moving in/out, and boast excellent security as well.

The above checklist is by no means a comprehensive one, although you’re already off to a good start by implementing it.

Book your storage unit now at 0808 281 3333 or drop us an email at hello@woodpeckerselfstorage.co.uk