Self-storage units are handy solutions to keep your belongings safe and organised while away from home. Whether decluttering, downsizing, or moving to a new house, these units protect your items from damage.
However, everything will be messy if you don’t label items and manage the inventory well. You’ll have a hard time locating items when you need them the most. Avoid getting frustrated by following these labelling and inventory tips:
Develop a Plan
Take time to plan your storage strategy. Sketch your self-storage unit and think about where to put your items. Your rough sketch and plan will save you time and effort when looking for particular items later and maximise the unit’s floor space.
Get Clear, Sturdy Containers
Buy sturdy, clear plastic containers to see the items inside without opening them. Clear containers also help you locate items more quickly. Make sure they’re durable—you need to protect your belongings from the damage pests, dust, temperature, and humidity can cause.
Clearly Label Each Container
Labelling is the key to organising your self-storage space. Label boxes using large, easy-to-read labels. You can print the label, write it down on paper, and attach it to the storage boxes with tape. Label all sides of the boxes to know their contents, whatever their position, and for easy access.
Make sure that all labels are consistent. Label your boxes by room, by type, or both. For example, you can label the box as “Kitchen,” “Pots and Pans,” or “Kitchen: Pots and Pans.”
Create a Detailed Inventory List
List all the items you have at home in a single list. Include detailed descriptions, such as the container they’re in, their features, and their way of wrapping. You can try these listing methods:
- Paper: List the items in a notebook if you’re more traditional.
- Spreadsheets: Use Excel or Google Sheets to list and sort items by category.
- Inventory Apps: Manage inventory by listing items on these convenient apps. Some of them may include photo storage for easy reference.
Take Photos
Take photographs of each container’s contents before sealing it. This will give you a visual reference when you forget which box contains certain items. Store the photos digitally and link each one to your master inventory list.
Categorise Items
Grouping similar items in one box makes labelling and locating items easier. This includes:
- Personal Items: Books, documents, and memorabilia
- Baby Gear: Pacifiers and bibs
- Seasonal Items: Winter clothes and Christmas decorations
- Hobby Supplies: Crafting materials and sports equipment
Use Numbers and Colour-Coding
Colours will help you identify the items you store in containers before putting them in self-storage units. For example, use red for kitchen items, blue for books and documents, green for electronics, yellow for fragile items, and orange for furniture.
On the other hand, number each container and record the numbers on your list to check your inventory list quickly. For example, if “Personal Items” are number 2 on the list, you can easily find the box that contains them.
Update the Inventory
Updating your inventory list lets you track the items you added and removed from your unit. Apply the changes across all your lists after visiting the storage facility when you add or get an item.
Make Important Items Easily Accessible
Put your most frequently used items in the first row inside the unit. Label them with “Important” or “Frequently Used.” To separate the container from others, use a different colour from the ones you used before.
Embrace Technology
Now that we live in a highly digitised world, using technology to organise and inventory your items is a must. You can use:
- Quick-Response Codes: Put QR code stickers on your labels that link to the detailed inventory list on your phone or computer. QR codes let you see the stored items in a box without opening it.
- Barcode System: Put barcode stickers on your boxes to track every container. Link the detailed list on your phone for easier tracking and quick identification.
- RFID Tags: Short for radio-frequency identification, these tags can be stuck on the boxes to locate your items passively.
- Inventory Management Software: Choose a software that scans QR codes and barcodes. Make sure it’s secure, has a cloud storage backup, and can manage your stocks. Try a few of these software before choosing and paying for one.
Using technology in your inventory management system will streamline the processes for you. In addition to your list, you can track where each box is without frequenting storage facilities.
Map the Storage Unit
Make a map or diagram of the unit and note where each numbered container is located. Print the map and keep it near the unit’s entrance, or store it digitally on your computer. It’s your self-storage guide, so you won’t rummage through every container to find any item you need.
Store Your Items in Secured Self-Storage Facilities
Proper labelling and inventory management will prevent your items from cluttering your climate-controlled storage unit. Following these tips will save time, reduce stress, and ensure your items are always easy to reach. Your organising efforts will pay off as it will be easy for you to look for specific items without ruining the entire arrangement.
Work with a facility with a long vertical space and tight security measures to protect your valuables from environmental factors, such as moisture, rainwater, and dust. These units have alarmed locks, 24/7 surveillance, and temperature control, among other features. Select the best size depending on how many things you need to store, ensuring your belongings are well-accommodated.
