Transitioning to a new house can be a thrilling yet stressful time. There are many things to think about when going through this journey, including how to store all your belongings.

You may need to get creative if you don’t have a lot of storage space. Thankfully, storage units West Auckland or those in your locality can be a great solution to keep your things organized amid all the clutter that comes with moving. That said, here are seven practical tips to maximize their use when transitioning to a new home:

1. Start By Purging Your Belongings

When you’re moving to a new home, one of the first things you need to do is purge your belongings. Most people realize they have too much stuff only during times such as a house transition. 

If you have overflowing closets, crammed drawers, and cluttered rooms, it’s best to go through your things and get rid of anything you don’t need or use anymore. Doing this will lighten your load and make your move easier. Once you’ve done that, you can start listing things you want to keep.

2. Make A List Of Things To Pack

Once you’ve decluttered your home, make a list of what you need to carry with you on the move-in day and what you’ll store in the containers. This can be daunting, but listing everything you need to pack, before the long distance moving company arrives, will help ensure that you don’t forget anything important. It’ll also help you determine the size of storage containers you need. 

Here are the things you need to keep in mind when making your packing list:

• Start by listing all the rooms in your home and what items are in each. It’ll help you keep track of whatever it is that needs to be packed and where it should go.
• Label your boxes with their respective contents, as well as their destinations.
• Pack highly valuable or sentimental items carefully and keep them with you during the move.

By following the tips above, you’ll have an easier time organizing your valuables and lessening the chances of you misplacing or completely losing any of them.

3. Choose The Right Storage Containers

There are factors to consider when choosing the right size of storage container. The most crucial aspect is the number of things you need to deposit. You’ll need a larger container if you have a lot of stuff to store. Other factors include the nature of the things you’re keeping and the climate.

You’ll need a climate-controlled container if you’re storing things sensitive to temperature changes. And, if you’re keeping valuable or delicate items, you’ll want a waterproof and secure container.

Here are things to keep in mind when choosing a storage container:

• How long you need to store your stuff
• Whether you need to access your stuff regularly
• The type of container (e.g., steel, plastic, etc.)
• The price

Storage containers come in a wide range of sizes, so there’s sure to be one that’s perfect for your needs. Just take some time to consider all of the essential variables before finalizing your decision.

4. Use Strong Packing Materials

Once you’ve picked the right container to store your belongings, it’s time to pack. Make sure to use strong packing materials. Storage containers can be made of different materials, but plastic and metal are the most popular. These aren’t as strong as wood or concrete, so using suitable packing materials is essential to keep your belongings safe.

One reason to use strong packing materials is that storage containers can be exposed to the elements. If your belongings aren’t well protected, they could be damaged by humidity, wind, or sunlight.

You can use various packing materials to protect your belongings in a storage container. These include:

• Bubble wrap: It’s a popular option because it’s lightweight and can be easily wrapped around fragile items.
• Packing peanuts: They fill empty spaces and prevent items from shifting. 
• Specialty packing materials: If you’re storing particularly valuable or delicate items, you may consider using specialty packing materials, such as foam wraps or padded bags.

Using heavy-duty packing materials is the best way to protect your belongings when using storage containers. By taking the time to pack your items properly, you can ensure they’ll be safe from damage at all times.

5. Secure Your Fragile Items

When packing fragile items, make sure you do it correctly so that nothing gets broken. Here are tips on how to store these things properly:

• Use cushioning pads (like those mentioned above) to protect your items.
• Gently place the items in the container, so they aren’t jarred around.
• Use packing tape to secure the items in place.

If you have any antique items you want to store away, you should use containers designed for this purpose. There are many different types you can choose from, including:

• Plastic totes: They’re usually clear, so you can see the contents inside. They’re also stackable.
• Wooden crates: They’re another viable alternative, although they’re more expensive than plastic totes. If you’re worried about the wood warping or cracking over time, you can always line the crate with a plastic sheet.
• Storage bins: If you need to store a lot of small items, you may want to consider using storage bins made of plastic and equipped with lids that snap shut, making them ideal for storing things like jewelry, coins, or other small items.
• Storage chests: When storing larger items, such as blankets, quilts, or winter clothes, you may want to consider using storage chests made of wood and with hinged lids.

No matter what type of storage containers you choose, you’ll need to ensure that they are clean and dry before storing your antiques in them. You can do this by wiping them down with a damp cloth. You should also ensure that the containers are free of insects or rodents before putting your valuables in them.

6. Stack Your Items Properly

You should load the heaviest items first so that accessing the lighter ones on top becomes easier. If you need to get to something stored near the bottom of the container, it can be challenging to reach if a lot of heavy items are in the way.

Moreover, loading the heaviest items first can help protect the items stored on top; otherwise, the lighter ones can get damaged.

Final Thoughts

Storage containers can make transitioning to a new home easier. Following these tips guarantees that your belongings are safe and sound while you transition and settle into your new home.