Red Barn Storage

1. Label EVERYTHING

Nothing is worse than having a storage unit full of cardboard boxes full of your valuable items and realizing that you didn't label the boxes. Now you have no idea where anything is and you're digging through each box to find whatever it is you're looking for. Avoid this entirely by labeling all your cardboard boxes.

2. Create an aisle

Creating a walkway down the center of your storage unit can be especially handy when you are trying to make your way throughout the unit. Need something in the back? Just head right down the middle of the unit in your own red carpet walkway.

3. Heavier Items on Bottom

Make sure that when you are moving boxes into the storage unit that you move the heavier items in first. These heavier boxes filled with books or other sturdier, heavier items establish a solid base for you to place other lighter boxes without damaging your items.

4. Stick to Two Types of Boxes

Sticking to only two types of packing boxes allows you to create a sturdy base for your packing the storage unit when you inevitably start stacking boxes. Make sure that the larger boxes contain heavier items to avoid crushing other boxes.

5. Wrap Your Breakables

Mirrors, glasses, bowls, plates, all breakable or fragile items should be wrapped in either bubble wrap or packing paper. This will help to prevent your valuables from breaking in either the truck on the way to the storage unit, or while moving things around within the storage unit.

6. Packing Refrigerators and Freezers

When you store your refrigerator or freezer in your storage unit, make sure that you defrost the appliance before storing it in the storage unit to make sure that your freezer or fridge doesn't leak throughout the storage unit. Also, always make sure that you store your refrigerator or freezer in an upright position.

7. Pallet the Ground of Your Unit

Laying wooden pallets on the bottom of your storage unit helps to keep your items off the ground. This precautionary step will make sure that if any water gets into your unit, it can't get any of your items wet.

8. Prevent Damage to Books

When packing books, use multiple smaller boxes rather than fewer bigger boxes to reduce book damage and make the boxes easier to carry. Lay books flat as to not damage the spine of the hardcover books in the box. 

9. Wrap with Towels

Instead of using plastic to wrap your items, which can cause damage to certain stored items, wrap your items in old sheets or towels.

10. Utilize Empty Space

When you pack furniture like armoires, wardrobes, or dressers in your unit, fill the empty spaces of these furniture pieces with clothes or other boxes to save space in your storage unit.