How to Prepare Your Belongings for Self-Storage in Cincinnati

Whether you need climate-controlled storage for your furniture or electronics, short-term, seasonal drive-up storage for holiday decorations and patio furniture, or need to store your business inventory temporarily, we have eight locations in Greater Cincinnati to serve you.

One thing you can do to make your self-storage experience better is to prepare your belongings and items properly. Our guide explains in more detail.

Create an Inventory

Taking an inventory of your items serves several purposes:

● Knowing what items are in the storage unit for recall later

● Purchasing insurance to protect your items in case of a natural disaster

● Allowing you to nd the items easily later on

● Offering a way to organize your items more efficiently

Start by making a list of all the items you plan to store. Be as detailed as possible, including the size, color, and any identifying marks. This list will act as a reference when you're packing and unpacking your belongings.

Next, make sure you label each box or plastic storage tub appropriately. Consider using an alpha-numeric system or color coding that organizes items into different sectors of the storage unit. For example, Box A-1 will be on the top of Column A, which sits in the back-right corner.

As you pack, take photos of each box or container. Include close-ups of any valuable or fragile items. These photos will serve as visual documentation of your belongings and can be helpful in case of any insurance claims.

Once your belongings are in storage, create a map of your unit. Note where each box or container is located. This will help you quickly nd what you need when you return to retrieve items.

Keep a copy of your inventory list, photos, and unit map in a safe place. You may also want to consider scanning these documents and saving them digitally.

The beauty of keeping inventory is that you can be as high- or low-tech as you want. Writing down items on pieces of paper and recording which boxes or tubs they are in are just as handy as taking digital notes to save on your smartphone or using an inventory app.

You can reference the written list when you go back to the storage unit. Or, you can print custom barcode labels that go on the outside of boxes. Use your smartphone to serve as the barcode scanner that works in conjunction with the inventory app.

Cleaning Items

Make sure to clean your belongings before putting them in storage so that they stay in as pristine condition as possible.

With clothing, wash all items according to the instructions on the label, even if they appear clean. Removing dirt, sweat, and stains can make sure to keep odors, mold, or mildew away. Store clothes in clean, airtight containers to protect them.

For electronics, clean them with a soft, lint-free cloth. Remove any dust or debris from ports and crevices. For more thorough cleaning, use compressed air to dislodge particles. Store electronics in their original packaging or in anti-static bags to safeguard them from scratches and static electricity.

Furniture, especially upholstered pieces, requires special care. Vacuum all surfaces to remove dust mites and pet hair. For fabric upholstery, consider professional cleaning or deep cleaning at home using a steam cleaner or upholstery shampoo. Wooden furniture should be polished to protect the nish. If storing outdoor furniture, clean it thoroughly and allow it to dry completely to prevent mold and mildew while in storage.

Packing Materials

Selecting the right packing materials can protect your items better when using self-storage in Cincinnati. Sturdy corrugated cardboard boxes are a classic choice for packing most items due to their rigidity and cost-effectiveness. Opt for boxes in various sizes to accommodate different items, from books to kitchenware. Ensure the boxes are clean, dry, and free from tears or damage. Use high-quality packing tape to securely seal boxes.

Consider plastic storage tubs as alternatives to corrugated cardboard boxes. Plastic tubs are sturdier. Like corrugated cardboard boxes, tubs come in a variety of sizes.

Airtight containers or plastic storage bags offer a way to protect clothing, linens, and documents. These containers create a barrier against humidity and pests when sitting inside a box or tub.

For fragile items like glassware, porcelain, and electronics, bubble wrap is an excellent protective layer. Wrap each item individually, ensuring it's fully cushioned. Consider using packing paper to ll any gaps in the boxes.

Packing Techniques

Efficient packing techniques can save you time, effort, and potential damage to your belongings. Start by packing heavier items in smaller boxes and lighter items in larger boxes. This will make it easier to lift and carry the boxes, reducing the risk of injury.

To maximize space, pack items tightly but avoid overpacking. Overpacked boxes or tubs can become heavy and difcult to handle. Overpacked boxes or tubs may also cause damage to the items inside. Use packing paper, cloth, or bubble paper to ll any empty spaces and limit items from shifting during transport.

Consider the weight distribution of your boxes. Avoid stacking heavy boxes on top of lighter ones. This can cause the lighter boxes to collapse, damaging their contents.

Fragile Items

Protecting fragile items can keep them intact for however long you need them in self-storage. Start by wrapping each item individually in bubble wrap, a cloth item like a blanket or towel, or air pillows. Pay special attention to corners and edges.

When packing dishes and glassware, use dish packs or dividers to keep them separated and prevent them from shifting. Wrap each item individually and place them upright in the box. Fill any empty spaces with crumpled paper, bags of air, or even old T-shirts to cushion the items.

Remove the glass and backboard, if possible, from framed pictures and mirrors. Wrap the glass and frame separately in bubble wrap or a blanket. Place the frame in a sturdy box and ll any empty spaces with packing paper.

Remember to label each box clearly as "Fragile" and handle them with care during transport and storage. That way, you can keep your items safe when moving them or if you hire a moving company. Packing fragile items properly also makes them easier to unpack.

Furniture & Large Items

Preparing large furniture for storage requires careful planning and execution due to the size and weight of each individual item. Start by disassembling pieces like bed frames, dressers, and table legs. This not only saves space but also makes it easier to transport and store the items. Set the smaller pieces aside, or even pack them into boxes or tubs so they don’t get lost. Label the boxes properly. Think about putting the boxes near the furniture in storage so you can nd them easily.

Once disassembled, clean each piece thoroughly to remove dirt and dust. For wooden furniture, apply a protective wax or polish to prevent drying and cracking. Thoroughly vacuum any upholstered furniture, and utilize a furniture cover to protect it from dust and moisture.

Wrap each disassembled piece individually in furniture blankets or plastic wrap. This will protect the surfaces from scratches and damage. For drawers, empty them during transport to make it easier to lift them. You can put items in the drawers once you get to storage.

Label each box or wrapped piece with its contents and the corresponding furniture item. This will make reassembly much easier when you retrieve your belongings from storage.

Large pieces and furniture can serve as the bottom tier of heavier items in your storage unit. You can carefully stack lightweight items such as boxes, tubs, and fragile items on top of the furniture to save space.

Electronics & Appliances

Preparing electronics and appliances for storage requires special care because electronics can be sensitive to heat and cold, while appliances can be big and bulky.

Start by cleaning each item thoroughly. Remove any dust, dirt, or grime that could attract pests or cause damage. Remove any batteries from the electronics. Any power cords should be taped securely to the appliances or electronics so they don’t cause a tripping hazard when moving them. If the power cords can be unattached from the device, do so and store the cord in a clear plastic bag to keep it safe.

Large electronics should be packed into their original boxes with the original packing materials. This is especially true for computers, laptops, televisions, and monitors. If you don’t have that packaging anymore, use sturdy cardboard boxes and ll any empty spaces with packing materials.

Clean appliances thoroughly and dry them completely. Defrost refrigerators and freezers, and leave the doors slightly ajar to prevent mold growth. Wrap any hoses or cords securely and tape them to the appliance.

Climate-Controlled vs. Drive-Up Unit

Which type of storage unit in Cincinnati is right for you? We have state-of-the-art, climate-controlled indoor storage units as well as outdoor, drive-up, non-climate-controlled units.

Climate-controlled units offer a more limited range of temperature changes and humidity levels compared to traditional drive-up storage units, helping protect sensitive items from extreme heat, cold, and moisture. This makes them ideal for storing sensitive items like electronics, furniture, clothing, and documents.

Outdoor drive-up units, on the other hand, are usually more affordable than climate-controlled units of comparable size. However, drive-up outdoor self-storage units in Cincinnati are exposed to temperature and humidity changes, which can damage items sensitive to temperature and humidity fluctuations. These units are best suited for storing durable items like tools, outdoor equipment, and furniture that can withstand varying weather conditions.

Consider the specic items you plan to store. If you have a mix of sensitive and durable items, you may need both types of storage. Additionally, consider the length of time you plan to store your belongings. For long-term storage, a climate-controlled unit is generally a safer option versus short-term storage.

Organizing Your Storage Unit in Cincinnati

Start by creating a clear organizational system. Divide your belongings into categories like seasonal clothing, kitchenware, and electronics. This will help you easily locate items when you need them.

Put items you plan to take out more frequently near the front of the storage unit. That way, you can easily access them without having to go to the back or rearrange items.

Utilize vertical space effectively. Stack boxes and tubs neatly, with the heaviest ones on the bottom and the lightest ones on top. If you have heavy tables, furniture, or appliances, you can use them to stack items around. Try not to stack items too far over your head. Bring a step ladder or stepstool with you, or leave one in the storage unit if you can’t reach up to the top of your stacked items.

Consider using shelves or storage bins to organize your belongings further. Again, label boxes and tubs appropriately so you can find them easily.

Contact Us for Self-Storage in Cincinnati

We have eight locations all over Greater Cincinnati to help with your storage needs. We’re also one of the largest independently owned and operated storage companies in the area!