Self Storage Tips

Northern Vermont Self Storage Unit Tips

Hints for Easy Affordable Self-Storage in the Northeast Kingdom

 

Whether it's your first time renting a self-storage unit in Vermont  or you've been renting units for years, we've prepared some handy clues to help you protect your belongings. 

 

 

  1. Always use high-quality locks on your storage to prevent theft. Tanguay Homes in Newport, Vermont sells locks on site.
  2. When storing delicate heirlooms, use specially constructed boxes , such as wardrobe boxes.
  3. Store furniture and boxes on boards or wooden pallets to prevent damage.
  4. Cover mattresses and store them on flat surfaces.
  5. Store cooking utensils in larger appliances, such as stoves.
  6. Use furniture drawers to hold delicate items. Wrap them in bubble wrap or newspaper.
  7. When packing any small objects fill boxes completely and stuff open areas with plain newspaper to prevent collapsing when stacked.
  8. Be careful not to store anything combustible (such as paint and chemicals) or anything perishable (such as food).
  9. When storing lawn or gardening equipment , drain any fluids prior to storage to prevent any corrosive damage.
  10. You can use trash cans to store shovels, hoes and rakes.

 

What size self storage unit should I get?

Here are some tips to help you decide what size self storage unit you need in Northern Vermont:

First you should take stock of your stuff.

Decide what you really need to put in storage and use that list to estimate how big of a self storage unit you should need.


5' x 5' - This unit is about the size of a walk in closet. You can fit items such as sporting equipment, gardening supplies, a few boxes, some clothes or small furniture like a desk and a chair. 


5' x 10' - This sized unit is about the size of an average walk in closet and are really great for fitting the contents of one bedroom or a dorm room. So if you have a mattress, a small couch, a table, some chairs and some boxes they should fit well in a 5' x 10' self storage unit.


5' x 15'   - This size is large enough to fit the contents of a one bedroom apartment. So if you have a mattress set, dresser, a large couch, entertainment center, a bookcase and other home decor than a 5' x 15' is probably a good choice.


10' x 10'   - It is about the size of one bedroom so it is a good size to fit items from a small apartment. If you have a bedroom set, a dining set, maybe some small appliances like a washer and dryer or some patio furniture a 10' x 10' should work well for you.


10' x 15' -  This can hold the contents of a two bedroom apartment or a small house. So if you have multiple bedroom sets, a couple couches, bookcases, appliances and similar items, a 10' x 15' should work for you.

 

10' x 20' - It is about the size of a small one car garage and is good for fitting the contents of a 2-3 bedroom apartment or house. This is great if you are storing multiple bedroom sets, multiple dining room sets, office furniture, bookcases, larger appliances like a fridge or a washer and dryer set and multiple boxes. This sizes self storage unit is also good for multiple bikes, jet-skies or motorcycles.


10' x 30'  - This unit is about the size of a two care garage and can fit the contents of a four bedroom house.  If you are storing large furniture, like couches, living room chairs, larger appliances like, a refrigerator, a washer and dryer set and multiple bedroom items, this sized unit should work great.


Don't forget to stack your stuff high so you can take advantage of all the space available.

How to organize a self storage unit.

1. Create a list of everything you plan to store.

When putting items in a self storage in Vermont , it’s difficult to remember everything you stored inside the unit. While large furniture pieces, such as a bed or sofa, are easy to remember, smaller items are oftentimes forgotten after months (and sometimes years) in self storage. To keep everything straight, you’re going to want to create a list of all items stored inside the unit. 


2. Store your stuff inside clear bins.

Cardboard boxes are completely fine to use in your self storage unit. But, plastic bins make it much easier to see what’s inside your self storage unit. This will make it easier to find what you are looking for when you want or need it.


3. Label Everything.

We can’t tell you enough how important it is to label every bin inside a self storage unit . You may think you’ll remember where you put everything but you won’t. Label every box with a permanent marker, printed labels, or write on top of masking tape. Make sure the labeled part of the box is facing the front of the storage unit, so you can see it easily.


4. Store larger heavier items on the bottom towards the back of the storage unit.

As you begin storing items, start with the larger, heavier items, like furniture. Put them towards the back of the storage unit on the bottom. 


5. Place items you need more frequently towards the front.

There will be some items you plan on using more frequently than others. For instance, seasonal clothing such as heavy coats, boots, hats, flip flops and swimsuits. While you don’t need these items every day, you will be making trips to the self storage unit to get them at least once a year. Placing them in an easy-to-reach spot near the door will save you the trouble of having to dig through a bunch of boxes every time you go to the storage unit.

Ready to rent a self-storage unit?

To find self-storage close to your home in Northern Vermont, visit the locations page on our website here: SELF STORAGE LOCATIONS IN NORTHERN VERMONT

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