Many businesses and households struggle with storage. Self-storage units serve as an affordable, convenient, and safe solution for many people who need extra storage.
However, if you want to keep your items safe and secure, you need to choose the right boxes. Here, we will help you select the right storage boxes for your storage units.
Reasons to Use a Self-Storage Unit
Many people will choose to store valuables in storage units for a wide variety of reasons. For example, they may use a storage unit to keep their business inventory, dossiers, and other confidential data.
Office equipment and even vehicles can be kept safe by storing them in a state-of-the-art self-storage unit. Some people may rent a self-storage unit because they plan to renovate their home and need the added space to make additions.
You can even use a self-storage unit if you are planning on moving and need a place to house certain items until you make the full transition.
Types of Storage Boxes
You must pack your belongings properly and carefully before you transport them to your self-storage unit for storage. Storage boxes are not all created equally. They are made with a wide array of materials, and there are also many different sizes to choose from.
For instance, cardboard boxes are lightweight, economical, and easy to stack, pack, and label. You can also fold them and put them away after you are done with them, or you can simply recycle them if you wish. However, they are not a great option for long-term storage. Cardboard boxes are vulnerable to humidity and heat, and they may also attract rodents, moths, termites, and other vermin.
On the other hand, plastic bins will protect your belongings from heat, humidity, and bugs. They are also easily stackable, and they do not require packing tape, as they are self-sealable. They are a superb choice for long-term storage, as they are virtually indestructible.
However, they are not a good choice for short-term storage, as they are more expensive than cardboard boxes, and you can’t simply break them down once you are done with them either.
Specialty boxes are designed for goods that are delicate, valuable, and fragile. They are usually designed to store a particular type of item, such as valuable art or antiques.
They can also store flat screen televisions, china, and even holiday decorations if needed. Specialty boxes are available in plastic and cardboard, making it easy to pack items that are usually difficult to pack because of their unique dimensions.
They also include inserts that will prevent your valuable items from moving or shifting while transported. While specialty boxes tend to cost more than traditional storage boxes, they provide added convenience and security in return.
Vacuum storage bags can also be used to store certain items, such as garments and clothes. Vacuum storage bags are convenient, cheap, and easy to store once you are done with them, albeit they do not provide the same level of protection as most storage boxes or bins.
Storage Boxes Size
Small boxes are good for storing small but heavy items that may add too much weight to a larger box with many things. Most will comfortably hold about 50 pounds.
Medium boxes can be used to store larger items that don’t need to be packed quite as tightly, such as clothes or toys. Their weight capacity is also greater, with most being able to hold roughly 65 pounds.
Large boxes are larger than medium boxes, although their load capacity is the same as their medium box counterpart (e.g.,65 lbs). Large boxes are a superb option for storing small kitchen appliances as well as blankets.
Extra-large boxes can hold a bit more weight, with most being able to hold about 70 pounds. However, if you fill them to their maximum capacity, they will be very hard to lift. You can use them to store large kitchen appliances, as well as winter coats and pillows.
Wardrobe boxes come in large, medium, and small sizes and are designed to store clothes. They have a convenient bar across the top that can hang your clothes so that you don’t need to fold them.
Finding the Right Storage Unit Size
A 5x5 storage unit is roughly the size of a small walk-in closet. Most can hold 6 to 8 boxes. A 5x10 storage unit is the size of a conventional walk-in closet. It can hold between 10 to 15 boxes.
A 5x15 storage unit is the size of a small bedroom. It can house appliances or furnishings for a typical 500 square foot domicile. A 10x10 storage unit is the size of a normal-sized bedroom. It provides roughly the same amount of storage as a 750 square foot space.
A 10x15 storage unit is approximately the same size as two standard bedrooms, providing the equivalent of 1,000 square feet of storage room. A 10x20 storage unit is the size of about three bedrooms, providing roughly 1,500 square feet of storage.
A 10x30 storage unit is the same size as a conventional three-bedroom boat, trailer, or home and can store full-sized vehicles.
Choose Storage Units Wisely
If you want to keep your most valuable assets safe and secure, then you need to take the time to determine which storage box and unit is ideal for your unique needs. They need to be the right type for the type of items that you wish to store.
They also need to be strong and sturdy enough to protect the delicate items found while keeping mildew, mould, heat, moisture, insects, and rodents at bay.
Authors Bio: Devon Graham
Devon Graham is a blogger in Toronto. He graduated with honours from the University of British Columbia with a dual degree in Business Administration and Creative Writing. Devon Graham is a community manager for small businesses across Canada. He also likes to research various topics related to pets, food, storage solutions and business solutions.
