We’ve covered numerous topics in the past – why use personal storage in the first place; what criteria to use when selecting a supplier; dos and don’ts; how to pack; what not to pack; and we’ve even talked about the dangers of throwing stuff away that might turn out to be worth a fortune. (I always come back to my personal favourite – the Picasso in the loft – not that I’ve found one. Yet …)
We thought that this time we would revisit how best to organise your personal storage for maximum efficiency and minimum disruption and hassle – and we’ve devised a short checklist for you as follows:
Plan in advance
Long before the big day arrives, plan when, what and how you’re going to pack. Don’t pack things away that you’re going to need, and don’t pack things you’re likely to want to retrieve first at the bottom! Perhaps make lists, and organise the stuff by room and by how quickly you’ll want to retrieve it. Buy some boxes, bubble wrap, a marker pen, get some help, and instead of getting stressed think of it as an opportunity to freshen up and de-clutter …
De-clutter
That’s right. All that stuff you’ve had for years – “it might be useful one day” or “I’m not sure what it is, so I better not throw it away”. Do you really need it any more? How good would you feel if you gave it say to charity?
Take care
This is where the bubble wrap – and planning ahead – comes in. If you must store some of your breakables, wrap them very carefully – and this is one of the times you can be over-the-top – and make sure they’re all towards the top of the boxes i.e. nothing’s on top of them. Maybe even have special “BREAKABLE – HANDLE WITH EXTREME CARE” boxes and label them with a big red pen!
Label everything
You don’t think that you will … but you will forget. So label everything up.
Pack in sequence
We’ve mentioned this, but rather than just maximising the use of space maximise the use of what you’ll want first when you finally unpack i.e. put things at the bottom that you won’t need in a hurry. Kettles, cups, and spoons – we often find – should be towards the top!
Have some fun
Why not leave little notes to yourself, or surprises, or photos, at random places in the boxes? Anything to make unpacking a pleasant and fun experience!
Choose the right supplier
It’s all very well doing all of the above, but if you choose the wrong personal storage supplier much of your hard work will be undermined. So think carefully about location, customer service, flexible contract terms, value for money, helpfulness … and the X Factor that the very best suppliers always have!
The perfect supplier
Here at Chelsea Self Storage we’ve been providing flexible and cost-effective personal storage solutions in Kensington and beyond for well over thirty years.
We are conveniently located a short walk from the Kings Road in Fulham, and have satisfied business clients right across London who can testify to our capability and customer service.
If you’re interested in how we can help you, or need some advice, please call us anytime on
0808 168 1310 (Freephone) or 0207 351 6800
Alternatively, alternatively click on the link below for our page on personal storage:
alternatively here for our home page, or here if you want to contact us on-line.
We’ll be absolutely delighted to help you.
