Storage Tips
Useful Tips for Storage, Packing, Moving & Saving
At Pleasant Hill Storage, we understand that self-storage is often part of life’s bigger transitions and goals. Whether you’re moving to Leander, TX, reorganizing your home, heading off to college, or simply need extra space for business inventory, lawn equipment, or your favorite recreational toys, we’re here to help. Explore our storage tips to make your storage experience simple and stress-free.
Storage Tips
Make a Plan
- Start with a plan before filling your storage unit. Place items you rarely use toward the back and frequently needed items toward the front for easy access
- Create a simple diagram that maps out your storage unit to make it easy to find items later
- It is important to consider what items you’re storing. Combustible materials (fuel, solvents, paint, etc.) are prohibited. Fully empty fuel tanks prior to storing gasoline-powered equipment
- Clearly label boxes and list the items stored in them
- Consider using transparent plastic containers to make it easier to find your items
- Consider wiping unfinished metal items with machine oil to prevent rust
Organize
- Consider stacking items on pallets or lumber to keep them off concrete floors that could condensate due to fluctuations in temperature and humidity
- Leave an aisle in the center of your storage unit to allow easy access
- Stack items by placing heavier, sturdier boxes and furniture at the bottom
- Place TVS and electronics in the rear of your storage unit
- Prop appliance doors open to prevent moisture and odors from becoming trapped inside
- To conserve space, stack trash cans inside one another, then use the top can to store additional items
- Disassemble larger items to save space. For example, remove legs from tables and stack the tables on edges
- Place small parts in bags and attach them to the items they belong to. For example, table leg screws can be bagged and taped to tabletops
- Stand mattresses on end in a vertical position, but don’t stand sofas and loveseats on end because it could crush their edges
- Cover upholstered furniture such as sofas and loveseats and their cushions with furniture bags to protect against dust (plastic wrap is not recommended for leather or wood items)
- Never place anything on top of upholstered furniture to avoid punctures
- Group similar items together
- Add portable shelving units to get the most out of your vertical space and maintain organization
Packing Guide
Packing Materials
Prior to your move, determine the packing materials you’ll need to make packing smooth and efficient. Common packing materials include:
- Boxes or clear plastic storage bins
- Packing tap
- Packing paper
- Bubble wrap
- Foam shipping noodles
- Mattress and furniture bags
- Furniture blankets
- Permanent markers
Packing Tips
- Use uniformly sized boxes or clear plastic storage bins to maximize space and make stacking easier and more stable. Note that plastic bins are typically stronger than cardboard boxes and allow more items to be stacked
- Use packing paper, bubble wrap, or towels to protect fragile items
- Avoid using plastic bags that can trap moisture and encourage mold
- Roll clothing instead of folding it to save space and minimize wrinkles
- Nest smaller items inside larger items to save space
- Avoid overpacking boxes, which can damage fragile items
- Do not lay artwork, glass, or mirrors flat. Always place these items on end in a vertical position, enclosed in cardboard and marked “FRAGILE”
- Empty drawers are often underutilized as storage space. Consider packing small and fragile items in drawers
- Empty your refrigerator and freezer of food items
- Clearly label at least two sides of each box or bin and pack similar items together
- Create an inventory list to easily track and find the contents of each box
Useful Resources
Inventory Sheets
For reference purposes, write a list of items being stored in your unit. Keep this list in a secure place – not in your storage unit.
- Free Storage Inventory Sheet (download, print, or copy to your own Google Drive)
Lock Recommendations
We provide a lock for you to use during your stay. If you’d prefer to use your own lock, it must be a disc lock. Disc locks can be purchased at the following local retailers:
Moving Help
We provide a free move-in truck with driver when you rent a unit from Pleasant Hill Storage (within a 15-mile radius). After a minimum 12-month stay, we also provide a free move-out truck with driver. This free service also includes moving dollies, carts, and furniture blankets.
If you’d prefer to pay for a moving service, here are some options in Leander, TX:
How to Save on Storage
Check out these tips to save money when you rent a storage unit in Leander, TX:
- Rent only the minimum amount of space required and fully pack your unit to capacity
- Choose a self-storage facility that provides locks
- Save on moving costs by choosing a storage facility that provides a free move-in/out truck with driver (like Pleasant Hill – within a 15-mile radius!)
- Rent a storage unit at a facility that doesn’t charge administrative fees or require insurance
- Look for self-storage deals and specials to save big on storage
Reserve Your Storage Unit Now
We offer multiple ways to reserve the perfect storage unit for your needs!
Call or text
(512) 744-5638
Stop in during
office hours