SUTTERS FORT SELF STORAGE BLOG
SAFETY FIRST! FIVE TIPS FOR FILLING YOUR STORAGE UNIT
Admin • March 28, 2017
Moving your possessions into a storage unit may sound like a simple task, but since it involves lifting and stacking heavy items, it does have its risks. Boxes can tumble, people can trip, and dehydration can set in when you overwork yourself on a hot day. To ensure you remain safe while packing your storage unit, remember to follow these five tips.
1. USE PROPER LIFTING TECHNIQUES
You wouldn't be the first one to strain your back or pull a muscle in your shoulder when lifting a box. To protect against injury, make sure you:
- Bend at the hips and knees only when lifting an item or setting it down.
- Keep your back straight, looking right ahead. Do not bend forward as you lift.
- Keep your feet shoulder-width apart to provide a wide, supportive base.
- Hold the item close to your body as you carry it.
- Do not twist your body when carrying a heavy item.
2. USE A DOLLY FOR AWKWARD, HEAVY ITEMS
Instead of trying to grab onto the edge of a strangely shaped piece of furniture, use a dolly to move it. If you're renting a moving truck to transport your things to the storage facility, the facility often includes a dolly, sometimes for a small fee. Take the time to properly strap the furniture to the dolly so it does not fall off and crush anyone's feet.
3. KEEP WATER ON HAND
If at all possible, load your storage unit in the morning when it's not quite as hot outside. Regardless of when you move, be sure to keep plenty of bottled water on hand and sip it throughout the day. It's far too easy to become dehydrated when you're lifting and moving heavy items on a warm day.
Experts recommend drinking between four and eight ounces of water every 15 to 20 minutes during exercise. Packing a storage unit is certainly a workout, so stick to this guideline. If you do notice signs of dehydration, such as fatigue, lightheadedness, dark urine, and flushed skin, take a break from moving, drink some water, and relax in a cool place until you feel better.
4. STACK BOXES PROPERLY
You don't want a stack of boxes tumbling down on you in your storage unit! To reduce your chances of such an accident, remember to:
- Use boxes of the same size so they stack easily.
- Place heavy boxes on the bottom and lighter ones on top.
- Avoid stacking boxes too high. It's best not to stack them any taller than your body.
- Avoid placing furniture on top of boxes. If you place boxes on top of furniture, make sure you don't overload the piece.
5. ALLOW YOURSELF ENOUGH TIME
When you're in a hurry, you're more likely to trip over something you didn't bother to pick up, stack a box improperly, or even just bang your leg on the door of the storage unit. Plan ahead so you have plenty of time to move items slowly and methodically. Move early enough in the day that you're sure to be done by nightfall, since injuries are more likely when it's dark out.
With the safety tips above, you can move everything into your unit without risk of injury. If you're looking for a safe, convenient storage option in the Santa Cruz area, contact Sutters Fort Self Storage. LLC today.
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HOW TO EFFECTIVELY USE SELF-STORAGE FOR SEASONAL CLOTHES Living on the Central Coast of California offers you the chance to enjoy a beautiful climate. The weather may be beautiful year-round. However, you still need to dress for each season to be comfortable. Whether your idea of enjoying the great outdoors is sitting in the park with a good book or taking to the slopes or waves as the seasons change, you need to have the right clothes easily available when you need them. Keep your fall and winter clothes accessible by storing your spring and summer clothes away until you need them next year. WASH AND DRY ALL CLOTHES BEFORE STORING THEM When it comes to storing clothes, it may seem natural to wash all your clothes that were recently worn. Nevertheless, if your clothes from last season have just been sitting in the closet for a while, you may be tempted to just put them in a box and store them. However, it's important to wash all your clothes just before storing them. Also, store delicate clothes separately. Delicate clothes that are just for one season should be washed separately according to instructions on their tags. Give them plenty of time to dry before storing them. If you pack away wet or even damp clothes, you may find that they end up musty and moldy when you retrieve them. Just one damp clothing item can leave all the surrounding clothes smelling awful, and you may end up choosing to dump the clothes. Save yourself the trouble and be sure to dry clothes before storing them for the season. PACK ALL YOUR CLOTHES (EVEN T-SHIRTS) WITH CARE You may carefully button your favorite dress shirt before carefully folding it and wrapping it with tissue paper. On the other hand, you may be tempted to quickly fold T-shirts and pack them into a box without much care. After all, they're sturdy, right? Not so fast. According to The New York Times, folding your T-shirts can help keep them looking good. Fold the sleeves of each T-shirt toward the back, and then fold it in half only once in a crosswise position. That way, you won't have to create extra creases that can fold over the image on your shirt. It's preferable to fold T-shirts for storage, rather than hanging them. CHOOSE THE RIGHT HANGERS FOR CLOTHES YOU PLAN TO HANG You may choose to hang up some clothes in your self-storage unit. If you do so, be sure that you choose the right clothes hangers for storage. Wire hangers should be avoided for nearly any clothes. Be sure you opt for padded hangers if you're going to store coats, jackets or other large clothing items. Dresses are best stored from hangers with loops that can support the garments. You don't want dresses to fall and stay on the ground for the long period of time you may plan to store them, so be sure that they are secure on the hanger. Otherwise, it may be best to fold and store them. GO FOR PLEASANT SCENTS WITH STORAGE Consider storing your clothes with pleasant scents. Moth balls are often used with clothes storage, but that should not be necessary with a self storage unit. Instead, try storing your clothes alongside sachets in your favorite scents or even cedar. That way, you will be met with wonderful scents when you go to retrieve your clothes. Finally, keep in mind that choosing a self-storage facility that is reliable and secure is important. Whether you need short-term storage for seasonal clothes or want to store outfits for a long time, Sutters Fort Self Storage LLC can meet and exceed all your storage needs. Your storage unit will be available 365 days per year, so you can get your clothes whenever you need them.