Shelves

Shelves provide the most storage capacity per square metres compared to other methods. One of the best shelves are restaurant style metal ones as they are durable, can store many things and can be adjusted according to your needs. Most importantly, they are mobile and you can place them in any part of the house as required.

Below the bed

Space below the bed is often forgotten or shunned. To some people, the space under the bed is dirty and dusty. However, the space is excellent in storing boxes. You can place items such as spare pillows, pillow cases and even shoes.

Hooks

There is only this much floor space available and is never enough. Instead, consider installing a hook on the wall to hang things such as towels and keys.

Behind doors

The space behind every door is excellent for hanging a few pieces of clothing, especially bulky ones such as jackets. This will allow you to store more clothes in your wardrobe.

Maximise wardrobe space

If possible, choose wardrobes that are as high as possibly, preferably to the ceiling to maximise storage space. Choose those that come with many compartments so that you can store nearly anything inside. Make full use of all the shelves by storing items on every single shelve.

Maximise kitchen space

Instead of storing pots and pans inside your cabinets, consider hanging them on the wall to make full use of the vertical space available. This will free up cabinet space for other items. You may even place your pots and pans into the oven to save space.

Organise bathroom

Hang a mesh organiser of different pocket sizes over the shower curtain rings and you can place toiletries such as body wash and hair shampoo in the larger pocket and soap and other smaller toiletries in the smaller pocket. This will free up the toilet floor space. Purchase a tall cabinet with different shelves sizes to place your towels and toiletries in it. To maximise cabinet size, roll up the towels instead of placing them flat.

Vegetables

Green leafy vegetables should always be stored in the vegetable crisper compartment in the refrigerator. The crisper compartment comes with mechanisms to control the humidity levels to ensure that your vegetables remain tasty, fresh and crispy when you consume them.

Fruits

Different fruits need to be stored differently. Fruits such as berries and apples should always be kept in the refrigerator to ensure that they are always crispy whereas summer fruits such as watermelon and rock melons should be kept in room temperature until they are ripe before placing them in the refrigerator. Citrus fruits such as lemon and oranges can be left outside in room temperature. Bananas should be kept in a cool environment but not in the refrigerator as the temperature will cause their skin to blacken.

Dairy products

Before purchasing any dairy products, the first thing you should do is check the expiry date. Do not purchase any that is going to expire in a couple of days as it will start to smell even before its expiry date. Supermarket workers typically place milk that is going to expire soon in the first row, so always check the ones at the back of the shelves.

Frozen food

Whenever possible, only buy frozen food when you are heading home straight afterwards. Do not purchase frozen food if you are only going home many hours later. If the food defrosts before you reach home, consume it on the day itself as refreezing it will cause bacteria to grow and multiply when the food is thawed.

Meat products

Fresh meat such as fish, chicken, duck or pork should always be kept cold to slow down bacterial growth. Always store meat and seafood in the coldest part of the refrigerator and make sure that cooked and uncooked food does not get into contact with each other to prevent cross contamination which can be deadly. Fish and seafood normally have a lifespan of only a couple of days so be sure to finish them as soon as possible. Always store raw meat at the bottom layer of the refrigerator as their juices will cause contamination with other foods.

Others

Do not allow food meant for human and for pets to come into contact with each other. Always store canned items in a dark and cool place and keep cooking oil out of direct heat and light.

It is important to dedicate a lot of care when storing different kind of food as they each have their own storage requirements. This will ensure that you get the tastiest and freshest food when you consume them and make sure that no health issues will get to your family due to improper food storage methods.

Utilizing warehouse space allows anyone to gain precious extra space to store anything they want. With the advantage of space, the company is now able to purchase more products and sell to new and existing customers. Although warehouse space will add to the company’s expenses, the potential benefits outweigh it. An office space is only as big as it can get and having too much stuff inside will make everything look messy and cluttered. This will decrease productivity and the ultimate one that suffers is the business itself.

Another advantage will be the ease in transporting whatever products your customer request for if you have rented the right warehouse. Transport vehicles are able to easily access the warehouse and ship out products. Not only that, you can also store unwanted or outdated office equipment that are waiting to be scrapped in the warehouse, freeing up space in your office.

You can also be assured of knowledgeable, well trained staff. That way, you do not need to spend extra time and effort to train employees. Those specialized warehouse staff is able to help your company in ensuring you get specialized care for your products. That way, your company can fully concentrate on the ultimate goal – to maximize revenue for your company.

A high tech warehouse is able to keep track of all your goods. This way, you can access information at the touch of your fingertips. You can easily find out the quantity and location of your inventory, providing you speedy access whenever required.

Using an external warehouse space also mitigates risk. The company does not need to buy land just to store their products. In the event that the company makes a loss, they can easily terminate the service of the storage provider. Hence the company does not need to worry about making a loss if they sell the land for a much lower price than they paid for initially.

Renting warehouse space creates many benefits for the company that will help grow your business in the long term. However, it is important to find the correct storage company that is not only able to help take care of your needs but also help you grow your business.

Packing materials

The first and most important step is to start with are the right packing materials. There are many packing materials out there but one of the best is bubble wrap. Carton boxes are also required. Extra money on specialty boxes is not required. A simple sturdy carton box preferably with handles at the side is more than sufficient. Line the bottom of the carton box with bubble wrap and start placing the heaviest item at the bottom first followed by the lighter ones. Depending on the type of items that are being stored, different approaches will be taken.

Packing methods

If the items are fragile chinaware, wrap each ware with newspaper individually before placing them in the box, separating each wrapped item from each other with another piece of newspaper. This will help to prevent any scratches and cracks. In the case of electronics, place each part into a plastic bag before storing them to prevent any moisture from seeping in. When storing glass items, wrap each piece individually and secure each piece with a tape such as masking tape or double sided tape to the box so as to prevent any movement. Place Styrofoam peanuts and crumpled newspaper into the box after placing the fragile items in them to fill up all excess space.

Labeling the boxes

Labeling the boxes with a huge “FRAGILE” word on the outside is very important. This will make sure everyone who is handling the box is aware of the fragile item and will spend extra care to handle the box. A small bump against the wall may cause the items inside to be cracked so this little action goes a long way.

Storing methods

The most ideal way is to store fragile items on the shelves instead of the floor. Storing them on the shelves prevents accidental knocks or kicks onto them and causing even the slightest damage to them. If stacking is required, make sure that the boxes are of equal sizes and they are stable and will not topple over.

Storing fragile items are not easy yet not difficult. As long as each box is labeled properly and stored correctly, they will be safe in storage for a long time.

Multi role cabinets

Many of the cabinets in the storeroom are able to serve more than one purpose. There are spaces around in it that can double up as a shoe storage space. With the ever increasing amount of shoes by ladies, this serves an important role in maximizing storeroom capacity.

Multi level shelves

Many people tend to place their items on their storeroom floor. This not only hinders personnel movement but also uses up precious space. By using multi level shelves preferably stretching from the bottom to the ceiling, space can be increased by nearly fivefold. Not only that, everything is very much more organized than previously.

Re-using plastic containers

Plastic containers are excellent to separate different items from each other such as nail polishes, accessories and toys. Not only can they allow easier access, they also save a lot of space. An organized drawer can keep more items than a disorganized one.

Dividing drawer compartments

By dividing drawer space into different compartments, it is easier to store items. When storing socks, they can be rolled up into a ball and save space. When storing undergarments, they can be rolled into a bundle and stored. All these maximize storage space yet allowing more items to be stored.

Getting rid of unusable items

When items are unusable, get rid of them. Do not keep expired, broken items in the storeroom for sentimental sake. All those take up precious space and make the storeroom cluttered.

Wall spaces

Wall spaces are often neglected but they are the best. Shelves can be mounted onto the shelves to store your things. Hooks can be added onto the walls to hang small bags of rags.

Using cardboards

Store all rarely used items inside a cardbox, placing the heaviest at the bottom and lightest on top and stacks the different boxes together in a corner. This will free up spaces here and there for things that need it most.

Space is a limitation and we will need to find ways to counter it. There are in fact many places that can be useful storage spaces; we just have to use our imagination and do it. Be amazed by how you can maximize storage space.

Good Location

One of the most important things to check is the location of the storage company. Is the location convenient? Are there ample parking spaces and is it near any public transport facilities? Is it located centrally or is it located at the end of the island? Often, the more central the location is, the higher the rental charges.

Convenient

How easy is it to self store with the company? Are you able to access your item anytime you want at anytime of the day? Are there workers around to assist you when you need them? Is there a minimum duration you need to store with them or can you stop storing with them whenever you want? Does the company provide after business hour support?

Customer relation service

Does the company provide a good customer relation service? When you have any enquiries, does the staff serve you genuinely and know their product well or are they just trying to brush you off? Does the company provide after sales follow up service or they simply ignore you after the contract is signed?

Security

Security around the self storage facility as well as inside it is important. The things you wish to store may be an expensive one and may also be a priceless one in terms of sentimental value. You want to know that your item is there when you open it. Does the storage facility have a security fence surrounding it? Do they have security cameras installed and what are the locks used? How do you access your items? Do they have a PIN system?

Many factors contribute to the price of the self storage facility. A cheap one may provide you with the most basic amenities and are located in an isolated part of the city. It may also not provide good security features. On the other hand, an expensive one may be centrally located in town, with good customer service and good security features. Look for a place with the best overall value for money.

Bed size

If you are just living alone, do you need a queen size or king size bed? A bed takes up the most space in a bedroom and this matter a lot in a small bedroom. A super single bed is more than sufficient for a single person and it can free up a lot of free space.

Under the bed storage

Instead of using clothes rack, choose a bed that allows you to store things underneath it. Not only does it free up space for more important things, it also prevent dirt and dust from ruining your items and make the room look more spacious and organized than it is.

Sofa bed

A sofa bed provides the advantage of a sofa and bed together in 1 product and frees up space in the room. During the day, it can be used as a normal sofa and a bed at night. This eliminates the need to buy a sofa in the room for day usage.

Wall storage

Whenever possible, opt for wall storage to save space. Shelves can be added on the wall to hold books and save space on the study table for other things. Mirrors can be hung on the wall instead of placing them on the floor to save space.

Purchase a Murphy bed

Murphy beds are excellent space savers as they hide in the walls when not required and pull down to provide a comfortable bed when needed. The space generated during the day can be used to place other things. Not only that, there are also shelves and drawers on the Murphy bed that can be used to store things.

Eliminating personal entertainment

Remove all personal entertainment such as gaming consoles, television and stereo system in the room and place them in the living room where it is supposed to be. If you really cannot do without a television in the room, consider getting a flat screen one to save space.

With a little creativity and effort, a small room can actually look more spacious than it really is. A small space does not need to be a boring one.

Mattress Cover

Mattress covers are made of transparent polyethylene which are durable and have the ability to repel dust and provide reasonable protection. The transparent covers also allow fast access to your items when the need arises.

Paper Blankets

Paper blankets are usually made of 5 ply materials and when wrapped around household items such as tables and chairs are able to protect from knocks and scratches while in storage.

Bubble Wrap

Bubble wraps are a must have material and they are extremely versatile and provides protection and cushioning for everything that is fragile. Bubble wraps protect from scratches and scraps and are also extremely cheap if you get in bulk.

Shrink Wrap

Shrink wrap provides a skin tight protection that is not only cost effective but also easy to use. Items that are shrink wrapped are protected from elements such as rain, sun and even dust.

Adhesive Tape

Adhesive tapes are must have items to tape and hold down your items and taping boxes, bubble wraps and covers.

Gaffer Tapes

Gaffer tapes are extremely strong and sticky and are used in situations where normal adhesive tapes are not strong enough to secure and tape down the boxes. Gaffer tapes can also be used to tape down electrical wires to prevent tripping and falling.

Archive Boxes

Archive boxes are bigger and sturdier boxes as compared to the regular carton boxes that can be used to store items more securely.

Cardboard Boxes

Cardboard boxes are the basics of storage and are commonly used everywhere for storage. They offer basic protection and simple storage and can be often gotten for free at the supermarket or electronic stores. They also come in different sizes that can be used to store different items.

Void Fill

Void fills fill up the excess space in the box and prevent the items inside from moving due to space available. They are cheap and very useful when storage items.

Newspaper

Newspaper is cheap and abundant and sometimes is the thing to protect your fragile items such as china vase and glass. Newspaper is often used in conjunction with bubble wrap to offer a more secured protection. Wrap the newspaper around the fragile item and it will prevent scratches.

Before deciding on the warehouse, it is extremely important to make an analysis of the location. How is the warehouse operated? Do they have a process for inwards and outwards of goods? The location of the warehouse must be ideal for the company and its business. If the company specializes in international shipment, is the warehouse located near the seaport or airport?

The warehouse must also be efficient and they must have room for expansion. The business may be small now but considerations have to be taken for future business expansion. Is the warehouse also well protected from natural elements such as rain? In the event of any damages to your goods due to any reason, is the company willing to compensate for such losses? If there is a need to purchase expensive warehouse equipment, make sure that it is covered under insurance so that in the event of any damages and the company is not willing to make any compensation, you will be covered.

Through the usage of a warehouse, the business is able to appear much larger than it is on the outside. As customers will have more faith and trust in a larger company than a small one, it is beneficial to the company. With a warehouse, companies are able to meet the demand of their customers and reply with the supply they have without any worries of limited space. Warehouse companies have their own knowledgeable staffs and expertise that can actually help a company increase their efficiency at a reasonable cost which in the long term is able to help the company reap more profits.

Therefore I hope that you will find this tips useful when you’re selecting the best warehouse space for your needs.

Safety

Be it rare expensive jewellery or old photos for memory, you want a secured storage unit. You do not want to be thinking about your item all the time, going down to check them making sure that they’re not stolen. Make sure that the storage company has a secured security features such as CCTV, fences surrounding the building and grants access only to selective people.

Flexibility

It is ideal to choose a company that allows you 24 hours, 7 days a week access to your items should you need it suddenly. You want to know that you can access your item anytime you want to, be it early in the morning or late at night, and you are not restricted by anything.

Location

Choose a company whose location is near to where you live so that everything is easily accessible. You want to save time and mileage should there be a need to access your items.

Clean and hygienic

Storage units should be in good conditions, with no holes or damage. If the unit comes with climate control, make sure that it is working well as you do not want your items to become moldy and get damaged.

Pay as go

Look for a company that doesn’t require you to sign a contract with them. You don’t want to be tied down to a long term contract with them. If you are not happy with the service or you need your item back suddenly, you should have the chance to remove it whenever you want at no extra cost.

Self storage be it long or short term are common nowadays due to many reasons, from overseas military deployment to moving house or office. Placing your precious items in self storage allows you to place it aside yet knowing you did not get rid of them.