Many people who utilize storage units do not always use the best practices for storing their items. When it comes down to it, your items are no safer at home than they are in a self storage unit! There are many ways to add extra protection to your storage unit. Check out the tips below to discover how you can further protect the items you keep in storage.

• Supplies. Items should be packed in boxes and not bags. Using cheap or pre-used boxes can actually cost you more in the long run because they are not very sturdy and will not hold up in a storage space. They will eventually need to be replaced, which can cost you extra time, effort, and money. Additionally, all boxes that you use should have at least 1 type of cushioning material in them, such as packaging peanuts, paper, corrugated fiberboard pads, bubble wrap or foam structures. These cushioning materials protect items from shock, vibration, and stop items from moving while in boxes, they one of the keys to keeping your items safe while in storage.
• Wrap. In order to keep your items as safe as possible when in storage, they are going to need some protection from the elements of a self storage unit. It is considered best practice Before packing your items, you should wrap everything in industrial plastic wrap. Wrapping your items will help ensure that they will survive being in storage. While most people might view this as silly, the plastic wrap will prevent your items from becoming dust covered and from whatever else might get on your items (i.e. bugs).
• Plywood. When it comes to self storage, the stacking of boxes is often inevitable. By doing so, you can conserve and maximize the space you have available in your unit. Before you begin stacking boxes, start by placing a piece of plywood on the ground first. Using plywood helps stabilize the layers because the plywood takes pressure off the tops of the boxes. By using plywood, you will be able to make sturdier, higher stacks of boxes and ultimately fit more into your storage unit. You’ll also help to prevent bugs, dust, and other types of debris from getting into the boxes you are storing.
• Lock. Although many storage facilities supply customers with a basic lock, you should purchase a more secure lock for your unit. There are many options that are readily available in local hardware stores, including keyless combination locks, padlocks and disc locks. Your best option is to use a disc lock because it is the most secure. These types of locks cannot be broken with a bolt cutter, preventing people from accessing the items that you have locked away in storage.

Feel comfortable keeping your items elsewhere and protect them from theft or damage with these storage safety tips!