Generally, I'm of the mind that there are two ways to store stuff in your home: vertically or horizontally. Obviously, there are all kinds of variations and approaches, but if you think about it, you're either spreading things out or stacking them somehow—it's just a matter of what will work best in any particular space.
Link to Midas
Vertical storage is the best option when you're low on space. It's why I, a small-apartment dweller, love hanging my purses on a chain instead of trying to spread them across a shelf in my closet or using an "organizational wall" to take advantage of open wall space and turn it into storage. It's great for making use of unused space, but it's not always pretty, so vertical storage is typically used in a closet or somewhere unseen. When you're stacking everything on top of everything else, your goal is functionality, not necessarily aesthetics. It's the best approach for categories of items you have a lot of, like shoes or books.
Tools for vertical storage are actually pretty abundant, but you have to think outside of the box to find them. There are the classics, like tiered hangers or hanging shoe rack shelves, but you can use those in more unorthodox and unique ways. As mentioned, you can hang your purses on chain hangers, but those hanging shoe rack shelves are perfect for all kinds of other categories, like hair accessories, writing tools, and kitchen supplies. My favorite vertical storage purchase of all time is this four-tiered shoe tree, which holds shoes upright and spins around so you can access the ones in the back. It saves so much space in my closet because the footprint is so small and, stretching upward, it only take up about as much vertical space as a coat or two. That's much better than spreading shoes out across shelves or, worse, throwing them in the bottom of the closet, and at $40.50, it's a pretty inexpensive way to save a lot of space and keep all shoes together.
You can also store things horizontally, but I'd recommend doing this when you have space, fewer items, or something to actually display. Because I live in a small space, the things I have the most of—shoes, bags, makeup, and cleaning supplies—are always stored vertically to save space. When you have fewer of something, you're freer to utilize shelving for it, but keep in mind that if you do it right, you can even display it out in the open.
Pick up some decorative storage boxes to obscure contents, as these look nicer on shelves than having everything out in the open. Also remember the rule of three, which is an interior decorating mandate that calls on you to group items in clusters of just three along any horizontal surface.
There is a lot of overlap between the two approaches. For instance, if you stack uniform storage boxes along a shelf in the kitchen: Is that horizontal or vertical storage? If you're hanging floating shelves on an empty wall to utilize that vertical storage space, doesn't it become a collection of horizontal storage? Sometimes, your storage fits in both categories, so just use the rule of three and choose what you put on those shelves carefully. It doesn't matter much, as long as you go into your organizing with a goal in mind. If your goal is to make use of limited space, opt for vertical storage when possible. If your goal is to store things you don't have much of or make storage more aesthetically pleasing, opt for horizontal.
Whether you’re downsizing during a move or you just want to create more space at home, one thing is apparent: you’re going to need some storage containers. Before starting the process, a lot of people don’t put any thought into what type of containers they’ll use. However, if you want to protect your things and keep them in the best condition possible, storage containers matter. To give you a better understanding, we’ve put together a guide on all of the different types of storage containers and when to use them.
Regardless of what storage container you’re going to use, there are a few steps you need to take before you start the packing process.
Creating an extensive inventory of all of your things going into a self storage unit will help keep you organized and stress-free. Inventories allow you to quickly and easily review what you have without having to dig through each box. Trust us; even though this step takes more time upfront, it’s worth it. You can be as specific or general as you want, but the more detail you include the more guidance you’ll have later.
Either during or after your inventory process, go through and make sure everything is clean, dry, and ready to be boxed up. For smaller items, this basically just means wiping them down, but larger, more intricate items need a little more attention.
Remove any drawers, vacuum the inside, clean the surfaces, and decide whether or not you’ll be breaking large items down into smaller pieces. Consider applying a protective furniture spray or wax for extra protection before packing them up. If you do this step, make sure it’s completely dry before moving on to storage.
Finally, don’t be afraid to “over label.” This step will come during the packing process after you’ve decided on your containers, but it’s still important to mention before things begin. Labeling your boxes will help with your organization and makes finding things in your self storage unit a breeze. You can use a marker, some masking tape, or even a professional label maker—they’ll accomplish the same goal.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit home storage.
It doesn’t matter how long your things will be staying in your self storage unit, you’re going to need containers. While you can store your things in pretty much anything, there are a few types of storage containers that will make your life more organized while keeping your items protected.
The most popular types of storage containers people migrate towards using are cardboard storage boxes. They’re a great option for everyone because of how affordable and convenient they are. You can easily head over to your local home improvement store and find boxes of all sizes that are under a few dollars each. If you’re trying to save money, run a quick search on Craigslist. More often than not you can find storage boxes being given away for free as long as you pick them up. The different sizes allow you to customize your needs and are great options for storing everything from books and movies to seasonal decorations and even non-perishable items from your kitchen. You can essentially put anything you want in a cardboard storage box. We recommend using smaller boxes for heavier items and large boxes for light things like blankets, clothes, and bedding.
Another convenient aspect of cardboard storage boxes are the unique and personalized shapes that some boxes come in. It’s possible to find cardboard storage boxes specifically made for your TV, sporting equipment, lamps, and even your mattress. Finding these take a little more work, but are a great way to keep your things protected once inside your storage unit.
The problem with cardboard storage boxes is that they’re not waterproof and if – for whatever reason – they happen to get wet, so will all of your things. While they lack strong protection for your items, they’re still a good option if you’re looking to save a few dollars and get the most out of your storage space.
The next option to consider is using plastic storage bins. These are great because they come with secure lids that can be easily removed, yet will protect your items during a move and while in the storage unit. Opting for clear plastic storage bins also allows you to easily see inside, making retrieval later on a breeze. If you have plastic storage bins that are the same size, they’re easy to stack and are much more durable than cardboard. Plastic storage bins are especially great for storing holiday décor because they allow you to easily grab the things you need out of your self storage unit without taking everything out and searching through all of your decorations. When moving, these are usually much easier to transport because most come equipped with handles.
The only downside to plastic storage bins is that they’re much more expensive than cardboard boxes. They do have more longevity and will protect your things better, but you need to weigh your options. If you can’t afford to pack everything in plastic bins, consider only using them for your breakable items or things with personal significance.
Another option that’s growing in popularity is the use of storage bags. These bags often come in a number of different materials such as cotton, polyester, and even plastic. You can opt for regular bags or vacuum-sealed bags, which keep things airtight, optimize storage space, and reduce the chances of moisture ruining your items. Keep in mind that a plastic bag is not the same as plastic wrap, which should be avoided.
Use different types of vacuum-sealed storage bags when storing clothes, towels, or any bedding that you won’t need. If you’re storing expensive suits or dresses, opt for hanging storage bags for added protection.
This isn’t exactly a “container” per-se, but it is a great way to store your furniture without searching for a twelve-foot high cardboard box. A lot of moving companies will have fabric furniture covers that you can buy or, at the very least, borrow for moving. Use these whenever you want more protection or when things will be in storage for longer periods of time.
Wardrobe boxes include a little hanger at the top so you can store clothes upright instead of folded and crammed in a box. There are tons of different options here and you can find wardrobe boxes made of cardboard, fabric, or even a more durable, suitcase type of material. The type you opt for depends on both your needs and budget, but it’s a good idea to splurge if the clothes you’re storing are expensive or irreplaceable.
There are a few things that get misused during moving and storing, one of which is plastic wrap. Plastic wrap is great because it keeps things secure, especially during transit. However, once you get to your self storage unit, it’s essential that any plastic wrap is removed from your items. Plastic wrap traps in moisture and can cause materials to warp, mold, wrinkle, stain, and bleed—especially when in storage for long periods of time. Instead, opt for a loose-fitting sheet or one of the storage containers listed above. You can use cloth bags as an alternative to plastic ones and newspaper or packing paper to help cushion your items in boxes.
You should also avoid using dark sheets as an alternative to furniture wrappings. Sometimes, depending on the amount of time in contact and the storage conditions, the colors can bleed onto the furniture. If you substitute sheets for furniture wraps, just make sure they’re white. Bonus points if they’re white cotton as it’s the best material for prolonged contact.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Tableware Suppliers.