Exams are finally over. The academic year is coming to a close. For students in Birmingham this means one thing: moving out of halls. Packing up your life into a few suitcases and a storage unit can be really overwhelming. At Spacebox Self Storage we see students going through this every year.

The Suitcase Strategy: Using Your Best Asset

• Your suitcases are not just for traveling. They are strong can be. Keep moisture out. Use them to protect your important items.
• Roll your clothes of folding them. This helps to compress the fabric and removes air pockets. You can fit clothes in your suitcase this way. It also prevents wrinkles in your clothes.
• The "Heavy Base" Rule: put your shoes, books and hair tools at the bottom of the suitcase near the wheels. This keeps the suitcase stable. Prevents it from tipping over. It also protects your items from getting crushed.
• Keep your shoes clean by putting them in socks or individual bags. This keeps the dirt away from your clothes.
• Use vacuum compression bags for items like winter coats or extra blankets. These bags reduce the volume of the items making room for things in your suitcase.

Protecting Your Electronics and Gadgets

• Your laptop, gaming console and monitor are probably your expensive belongings. If you store them properly they will be safe in short-term storage.
• Do not use plastic wrap for your electronics. It can generate electricity that can damage the internal circuits. Use -static bubble wrap or the original packaging instead.
• Manage your cables properly. Disconnect all the leads coil them neatly and secure them with a tie. Tape the bag of cables directly to the device. This saves you the frustration of searching for a power lead when you move back in.
• Remove the batteries from your controls, game controllers and mouse. Batteries can leak over time. Cause damage to your devices.
• Store your monitors and laptops vertically. Never put boxes on top of a screen. Place them between items like cushions or folded towels for extra padding.

Packing Your Kitchen and Dorm Kits

• Packing your kitchen gear can be awkward. Toaster shapes and loose cutlery can waste space.
• Use the space inside your pots and plastic crates to store your kettle and toaster. Fill the gaps with dishcloths or sealed bags of cutlery. This keeps your kit compact.
• Wrap your plates individually. Stand them on their edges. They are less likely to break when packed this way.
• Pack a clearly labeled box with essentials like a mug, plate, kettle and basic toiletries. Place this box at the front of your storage unit. When you return to your accommodation you will have the essentials ready without digging through many boxes.
• Make sure your appliances are clean and dry. Even a drop of water can lead to mold in a storage environment. Leave the appliance doors ajar to allow for airflow.

Making the Most of Your Storage Unit

• Our storage units in Aston have a lot of height. Most people do not use this space efficiently paying for floor space they are not fully utilizing.
• Place your suitcases and heaviest crates at the bottom of the unit. This creates a base for your lighter boxes.
• Label every side of your boxes not just the top. This way you can still see the labels even when the boxes are stacked.
• Leave a gap between your boxes so you can reach the items at the back. This saves you from unloading the unit to find one forgotten bag.
• Our smartphone-enabled access means you do not have to carry a key with you. Your digital key is always on your phone ready for your return.

Keeping Your Soft Goods Fresh

• Your bedding and towels can easily trap smells if they are packed away while damp.
• Make sure every towel and bed sheet is completely dry. If you pack them directly from a tumble dryer let them cool first. Warm fabrics can generate condensation in sealed boxes.
• Use fabric bags instead of plastic sacks. Plastic traps. Leads to that "musty" smell. Fabric bags allow the air to circulate keeping your bedding fresh.
• Put a few dryer sheets in your suitcases and bedding boxes. They act as a low-cost deodoriser for the duration of your stay.

RESERVE YOUR STUDENT STORAGE UNIT

• Find Your Size: Use the Storage Calculator
• View Latest Deals: Get 50% off for 8 weeks
• Book Your Unit: Reserve online with no cancellation fees
• Call Our Aston Team: Contact us on 0121 326 0060 for advice, on student storage.