Getting Boxes and Tubs Ready for Storage
For a majority of people who use self-storage, the most popular choices for storage containers are cardboard boxes and plastic tubs. Cardboard boxes are often inexpensive and easy to find, and plastic tubs and totes are easy to carry and stack. At EZ Storage® in St. Louis, we have a variety of storage unit sizes, and we can help you find the right one for your extra belongings that are tucked in away in a box or tub.
Before you put things into storage, however, it’s important to check your boxes and tubs. You’ll want to be sure that they won’t fall apart during transport and that you haven’t overloaded them with items. Keep reading to learn more!
1. Check The Container’s Integrity
You might have cardboard boxes in your basement or garage that have been there for years. You’ve stored your holiday decorations and seasonal items in the same boxes for as long as you can remember, and each year, you notice that the cardboard isn’t as sturdy as it once was. Before you move any boxes into a storage unit, take the time to examine it, checking for tears in the flaps and the sides. The last thing you want is for the box to fall apart while you’re carrying it and everything spills onto the floor. If your boxes have seen better days, it can be worth it to invest in some new ones.
As for plastic tubs, they’re usually made to be strong and durable. However, temperature changes can affect their integrity. If you’ve had tubs and totes stored in the basement or garage, where the temperature can fluctuate, you’ll want to be sure that the plastic hasn’t cracked or warped in any places. Cracked plastic can give way if you put a heavier item in the tub, and a warped bottom or side can prevent proper stacking when you’re putting things into storage.
2. Go Through Each Box and Tub
Before you start moving every box and tub out of your garage and into a storage space, it can be beneficial to go through each container to see what’s inside. It may have been years since you last opened those boxes that have been tucked away on the top or bottom shelf, and it can be fun to go through old heirlooms and mementos.
Another benefit of opening each box and tub is that you can make a list of what’s in each one. By taking inventory of what you’re going to store, you’ll know exactly what’s in your storage unit and how long it’s been there. You can also take this opportunity to get rid of some things you no longer need, such as seasonal apparel you no longer wear or sports gear the kids no longer use.
3. Label Every Box and Tub
After you’ve gone through each box and tub, making a list of what’s inside, you can label everything that will be going into storage. You can write a label on each box, such as “Winter Clothes” or “Kids’ Toys” and then use that same title on your inventory list. A permanent marker should suffice for labeling your cardboard boxes, but for your plastic tubs and totes, you may need some high-quality masking or painter’s tape on which to write.
Labels will make life much easier when you want to take something out of the storage unit and bring it home. It might be some time between when you put a box in the unit to when you take it out, and having a large, easy-to-read label on everything will help you identify the box you want without having to search for several minutes.
Find Self-Storage Today
At EZ Storage®, it is our mission to provide affordable self-storage across the greater St. Louis area. If you’re looking for a space where you can store some extra boxes and tubs, visit one of our locations today. Our team will gladly help you find a unit that fits your needs and your budget, and we can answer any questions you have about storage. More than anything, we want you to feel confident that your belongings are safe and sound with us.
We look forward to seeing you soon!