Expert Storage Tips from State Street Storage

1. Plan Your Space Like a Pro

• Take a Complete Inventory: Before you pack a single box, make a list of the large furniture and major appliances you plan to store. Knowing your biggest items helps our storage experts recommend the perfect unit size so you don’t pay for more space than you need.
•  Think Vertically: Don’t just plan floor to ceiling; plan bottom to top! Bring sturdy, freestanding shelving units to maximize your vertical space. This is a game-changer for organizing smaller boxes and keeping things easily accessible.
• Leave a Center Aisle: It’s tempting to pack your unit wall-to-wall, but you will thank yourself later if you leave a small walking path down the middle. This allows you to access items in the back without having to empty half the unit.

2. Pack for Long-Term Protection

• Invest in Quality Supplies: Whenever possible, use uniform, sturdy moving boxes, or plastic storage bins, rather than plastic garbage bags. Bags can trap moisture and are impossible to stack safely. Uniform boxes stack neatly and distribute weight evenly.
• Protecting Your Treasures: If you are storing delicate collections—like classic mystery novels, retro action figures, or sensitive home electronics—extra care goes a long way. To keep your collectibles in “mint” or pristine condition, use original boxes when you have them, seal items securely to keep dust out, and avoid placing cardboard directly on the concrete floor.
• Label Everything (Detailed!): A box labeled “Kitchen” is okay, but “Kitchen – Baking Pans & Coffee Maker” is much better. Label the top and at least one side of every box so you can identify its contents even when it’s stacked.
• Beat the Coastal Moisture: Even in our beautiful Santa Barbara climate, temperature fluctuations can happen. Toss a few moisture absorbers (like DampRid) into your unit, and leave a tiny bit of space between your boxes and the unit walls to allow for healthy air circulation.

3. Mastering Moving Day

• Pack Strategically: Place your heaviest boxes (like books and tools) at the bottom of your stacks, and put fragile items on top. Store the items you’ll need to access most frequently near the front of the unit.
• Prep Your Appliances: If you are storing refrigerators or freezers, make sure they are thoroughly defrosted, cleaned, and completely dry. Leave the doors slightly propped open to prevent mold and odors from forming inside.
• Coordinate Your Timing: Moving is tiring work! Coordinate your moving truck rental with our property hours, and make sure you have enough muscle power on hand. Having everything packed and ready to go *before* the truck arrives will save you time, money, and a lot of unnecessary stress.

4. Stay Flexible

Sometimes, future tenants have a set idea of exactly what they need, but the reality of moving day throws a curveball. Unexpected events happen. Be open to adjusting your plan. Between our years of experience and one-of-a-kind service to our tenants, the State Street Storage team is always ready to pivot and find the right solution for you.