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Self-storage units can be a great way to declutter your home, garage or office. But after a while, it can be hard to remember what’s inside. Let’s face it, there’s nothing worse than spending thousands on a portable air conditioner only to find that you had one in storage all along. That’s why you need to keep an up-to-date inventory of your storage unit. Not only will it save you time and stress when you’re looking for an item, but you can also avoid unnecessary costs. Below are three easy steps to get you started.
Make a list
Whether you’ve just rented a unit or you’ve had one for a while, use a laptop (or pen and paper) to start listing everything in your unit. If you’ve got boxes, name each one – such as ‘baby clothes’ or ‘mum’s crockery’ – and alphabetise them. This is also useful if you’re taking out self-storage insurance; it’ll help you calculate the value of your goods. For those who are visual, it may be useful to create a map or diagram of where everything is stored. Once your list is done, keep a copy at home and in the unit.
Label your boxes and shelves
There’s no point in having a list if you’re not going to label your boxes. Use a marking pen or stick-on labels. If you’ve got shelves, label these as well. When arranging items, put them in sections that reflect where they belong, like sewing room, kitchen or study. This will make your belongings easy to find each time you visit the unit. If you’re storing retail products, put them with similarly sized products or product types to make sure nothing gets lost, damaged or hidden. For example, don’t store earrings with bags. Keep them with other jewelry items.
Update the master list
Every time you add or remove an item, update the master list. This will ensure that your list is always accurate. You can do this electronically or manually. However, we recommend keeping a hard copy in the unit so you don’t forget. If you’re running a business, an inventory list allows staff to quickly see if a product or stationery item has run out.
Putting together an inventory may seem like a time-consuming task, but it can save you a lot of time, money and unnecessary stress in the long run. Plus, if someone else is sharing your unit (like a family member or staff), it can make finding things a whole lot easier! If your current unit is no longer big enough for your belongings – despite keeping an inventory list – StoragePlus can help you find a better solution. To discuss your self-storage needs, contact our friendly team or fill out our online form to get a free quote.
