#moving – BARKER STORAGE

If you’re embarking on a move or decluttering mission, a storage unit can be a lifesaver. However, packing for storage is more than just filling up boxes. Doing it right saves you time, money, and helps keep your items in top-notch condition. As your trusted storage partner, Barker Storage in Spokane Valley, Washington, offers a comprehensive guide on how to pack efficiently for storage.

1. Inventory and Categorize Your Items

The first step towards efficient packing is taking a detailed inventory of everything you plan to store. Knowing exactly what you’re storing is your ticket to peace of mind when it comes to storage. Take a detailed inventory of your belongings to avoid future “Where did I put my winter coat?” moments. Plus, it’s always handy to know where that garlic press is when the cooking inspiration strikes.

After taking inventory, group your items into categories based on size, fragility, and frequency of use. Categorization is vital as it not only makes packing easier but also helps to locate items more quickly when you need them. For example, you could group together all books, all kitchen items, or all electronic devices.

2. Choose the Right Storage Boxes

Quality and size matter when it comes to choosing storage boxes. Invest in sturdy boxes that can withstand weight and environmental changes, particularly if you’re planning long-term storage. At Barker Storage, operated by StoragePro, we offer high-quality boxes and packing supplies, available right in our office.

Unless you really love Tetris, use uniform-sized boxes whenever possible. They are easier to stack, allowing you to make efficient use of vertical space. For heavy items like books, opt for smaller boxes to keep the weight manageable, while lighter items can be packed in larger boxes.

3. Utilize Wrapping Materials

Protection is paramount when storing your items. Bubble wrap, packing paper, and furniture covers can help keep your belongings in pristine condition. These materials are particularly vital for fragile items like glassware or artwork, shielding them from scratches and dust.

To keep your items from playing pinball inside your boxes, fill the void with packing peanuts or crumpled newspapers. This helps prevent items from moving and reduces the risk of damage during transport or within the storage unit.

4. Disassemble Large Items

To make efficient use of space, disassemble larger items like furniture. Not only does this save space, but it also makes transportation to and from the storage unit safer and more straightforward. Be sure to keep all screws, bolts, and small pieces in a labeled zip lock bag for easy reassembly. Cover disassembled pieces with moving blankets or furniture covers to protect them from scratches and dust.

5. Store Heaviest Items at the Bottom

It’s a simple principle but an essential one: always place the heaviest items at the bottom of your boxes and storage unit. This creates a stable foundation for lighter items and prevents potential damage. Think of it like building a pyramid – the largest, heaviest part is at the base, providing support for everything above it. In case you were wondering, no, your ceramic dishes don’t make a good base.

6. Leave Aisles for Easy Access

The art of packing a storage unit involves more than utilizing all available space. It’s about easy access too. Leave aisles or walkways to access items at the back of the unit. Think ahead and place frequently accessed items near the entrance, saving you the time and effort of having to unpack several boxes to retrieve a single item.

Barker Storage: Your Trusted Storage Partner

At Barker Storage, we’re dedicated to providing more than just space. We strive to offer a hassle-free storage experience. We are conveniently located next to the new overpass at Barker and Trent, and just two miles from I-90. Visit our website to find videos on how to efficiently pack different sized storage units and more packing tips.
Barker Storage Reservations

The perfect amount of storage for you ultimately depends on your personal needs and wants. It is important to assess how much storage space you need and whether a closet-sized unit or something more expansive is more suitable for you.

How much is enough?

Consider which items are worth moving out of your garage or basement, such as holiday decorations, winter clothes, tools, and seasonal sporting goods. Assess if you have enough space in your home for these items and if not, consider renting a storage unit to free up space and keep your items organized and easily accessible. It’s recommended to make an inventory of your items and evaluate how much space they would need to be stored and how frequently you will be accessing them. This will give you a better idea of how much storage you really need.

Types of storage

Self-storage: These are units that you can rent by the month or year. They come in different sizes, depending on your storage needs. You have the freedom to access your unit whenever you want, and you are responsible for keeping the unit locked and secure. Self-storage units offer ease of access with the ability to drive right up to the doors. The drive-up access at Barker Storage is particularly good with very large drive lanes that make maneuvering a breeze.
Climate-controlled storage: These units are designed to protect your items from extreme temperatures, humidity, and other weather-related damage. It is a great option for storing items that are sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity such as musical instruments, artwork, and electronics.
Indoor storage: Indoor storage units provide added security and protection from the elements. They can also be climate-controlled. Indoor units are typically small to medium size. One disadvantage of indoor units is that you do not have the ability to drive right up to the door.
Covered parking: These units are similar to self-storage units but have no door, but they are designed to store vehicles such as cars, boats, and RVs. They come in different sizes, depending on the type of vehicle you need to store.
Uncovered parking: Similar to covered parking, but without a roof overhead. These spaces offer a good value with lots of room to maneuver.
Fully-enclosed units: These units are completely enclosed, providing the highest level of security for your car, truck, boat, RV, and other stored items.

Household storage

For households, storage units are especially helpful when you are moving into a new home and need a place to store your household items safely until they can be unpacked. It can also be used for storing extra furniture or large appliances, or seasonal items like holiday decorations, winter clothes, tools, and sporting goods that are taking up valuable space in your home.

Business storage

In business, having ample storage space is critical for ensuring the success and efficiency of a company. Different types of businesses have unique storage requirements. For example, businesses that handle legal, accounting, or medical documents may require a secure, climate-controlled space to store sensitive documents, like the climate-controlled spaces available at the Storage Pro on Wall Street in downtown Spokane. Or at Barker Storage, in the fast-growing industrial park, we offer all sized of self-storage units. Construction contractors may need a secure and easily accessible space to store construction equipment and supplies. Manufacturers may require storage space for raw materials and finished products. Retailers may need additional space to store surplus inventory and products that require packaging may need space for packaging materials such as boxes or bags. At Barker Storage, if your business requires 24-hour access to your storage unit, we can accommodate your needs.

Hobby storage

Hobby storage is an effective way to organize and protect your items related to your hobbies such as collectibles, tools, equipment, or artwork. By having a dedicated storage space for your hobbies, you can ensure that your items are well-protected, easily accessible when you need them, and also help you to keep your items organized. This can also be beneficial when you’re preparing for a convention or trade show, as you’ll have a designated space to store and transport your items to the event. Additionally, using hobby storage can also help you to keep your home or workspace less cluttered, as items can be stored in one designated area. This can make it easier to find things and also help you to maintain a cleaner, more organized home or office.

Our Storage Unit Sizes: 5×8, 5×10, 10×10, 10×15, 10×20, 12×25, 12×30, 12×40

Storage units are a convenient solution for a variety of needs and there are many different types of units available with varying sizes and amenities. One way to determine the right size unit for you is by assessing how much space you need to free up in your home or business. Or you can come in or call our office staff and they will be happy to help you in selecting the right size for your needs.

A 5×8 unit is similar in size to a large closet. Imagine how that would clean up your home. It can be used to store a twin mattress set, a dresser, and many boxes. This size unit is great for seasonal decorations, yard equipment, and keepsakes you want to keep safe. Small business owners can also use it to store records and inventory.

A 10×10 unit is like having an extra bedroom and can easily fit the contents of several rooms, such as beds, couches, chairs, recliners, dressers, tables, or an entertainment center. It is great for sports, hunting, and outdoor equipment, as well as relocating seldom used yard equipment or tailgating supplies to tidy up the garage. Also great for small businesses looking to store records, inventory, or supplies.

A 10×15 unit is a medium-sized unit that is great for families moving. It can easily fit the entire contents of a small two-bedroom apartment and is also suitable for small business owners looking to store inventory, supplies, or equipment. This unit is large enough to store appliances and several rooms of furniture and it is even large enough to store small cars.

A 10×20 unit is a large unit, great for moving a small home or two-bedroom apartment. Be sure to pack infrequently accessed items at the back of the unit and leave an isle to access items on the sides of the unit. Also, it’s suitable for small business owners looking to store construction equipment and supplies, or retail inventory. This unit is big enough to store cars, most pickup trucks, and small boats.

A 12×30 unit is the a large unit, equivalent to a two-car garage. Packed efficiently, this unit can fit the contents of an entire multi-bedroom home. This unit is great for small business owners looking to store large construction equipment, retail inventory, building supplies, and much more. This unit is large enough to store two cars, a car and a small boat, or most pickup trucks.

We also have 12 x 40 premium enclosed units that are large enough for many RVs, large trucks, large boats, or several cars.

Conclusion

Barker Storage provides cost-effective and convenient solutions for individuals, families, and businesses to store RVs, cars, boats, items, and materials. We offer a variety of unit sizes and amenities such as gated access, security, on-site RV dumping, and easy access, which can be tailored to the specific needs of your business. We provide a clean, safe, and secure storage environment for your belongings and easy access to your unit with drive-up options. Our team will be happy to assist you in determining the perfect amount of storage for your needs. We are available to assist you seven days per week. Book your space today online, in person, or on the phone.

Tag: #moving

Ultimate Packing Tips for Efficient Storage