Self storage can be a great way to store business inventory, house your belongings while you're moving or out of the country, or just find space for excess belongings. To really get the most out of your storage unit, however, you'll want to make the right preparations. 

Pack correctly 

Packing to put items into long-term storage is different from packing for a move or holiday; you need to consider the effect that your packing will have on items over a long period. Store books lying flat where possible, rather than spine-up; this will help prevent them warping. Resist the urge to roll or fold clothes tightly and squeeze as many garments as possible into a box. Folding them loosely will help reduce creasing and wrinkling. 

Don't overload

An overpacked box can split during transportation or be unsafe to carry, so before you start filling up your storage unit you need to make sure that your boxes are the right weight. One way to do this is to mix different densities of items. Start each box with a heavy layer of items like books or dishes. Once that's done, add upper layers consisting of clothes, bedding, or other lighter items. The upper layer will both provide padding and keep the weight of the box relatively low. The padding will also help stop fragile contents from moving. 

Label clearly 

When you're packing, you may assume that you'll remember what box everything is in, or that you won't ever need to get into your storage unit and retrieve something. Neither of these ideas is correct. Clearly label all your boxes in permanent marker. When you're marking the boxes, think about how they're going to be stored; a clearly written name on the top of a box isn't useful if the boxes are going to be stacked on top of each other. 

Consider storage

Shelving units or bookcases can be very useful ways to organise your storage space. Leave a little space around each box to let air circulate when you're shelving. If you're trying to store more irregularly-shaped items, you'll have to get a little creative. One way to deal with longer objects like tools, poster tubes, brooms, and even musical instruments is to use a plastic garden waste bin. These sturdy, affordable containers help store taller items in an efficient way without cluttering up the floor of your storage space. 

Like any storage space, a self-storage unit benefits from a little planning and preparation before use. Simple tips like these can help you get the most out of yours.