Labelling storage boxes makes it easier to keep your stored goods organised and in use because you can easily work out which box they are in when you need them.

Detailed labels have a major disadvantage

But specific labels could also make boxes more enticing to thieves – boxes marked with ‘Stereo’ or ‘X-Box’ are easy to pick out and grab.

Descriptive labels also make it harder to re-use and reorganise boxes because every time you take something out or put something new in, you’ll need add a new note to the side of the box. With a code and inventory system, you can simply update your list each time.

Keep your labelling simple

Coded labels along with an inventory will allow you to organise your storage unit and keep track of what is in each container, without writing detailed labels on all your boxes.

What is an inventory?

An inventory is a list of what is in your storage unit. It can be a simple written list on paper, or it could be a database with a photo of each item in each container.

Aside from allowing you to code your boxes, there are other advantages to keeping a self-storage inventory. Your storage company and your insurer may ask you to make a list of your stored goods to help with valuing the contents of your unit. It can also help you if the worst happens and your stored goods are stolen or destroyed in a fire or flood.

We have a blogpost about creating a self-storage inventory that goes into this in more detail.

Mapping your storage unit

Coded labels can be used to organise your storage unit. You’ll know that box A1 is in the back corner, with A2 next to it and B1 above it, for example. Mapping your storage unit makes it easier to find specific items, and if you have a visual way of thinking, it can help you to keep track in your mind of what goods you have stored.

What are the advantages of knowing exactly what is in your storage unit?

For some, a storage unit is an opportunity to put away unwanted goods and forget about them. But if you don’t even know you own something, you’ve got to ask yourself, why are you keeping hold of it, and paying to store it? We recommend regularly reviewing your stored goods – either in person or by looking over your inventory to make sure that you still want to keep everything you have stored.

Many people store goods because they know that they will want them again one day – but it’s all too easy to replace something that is stored because you’ve forgotten that you own it. When you maintain an inventory, you can easily check what you’ve got in storage so that you don’t accidently buy a duplicate item.

If the contents of your storage unit has changed substantially over time, it’s worth getting a new quote for your self-storage insurance. This is to check that you’re not over- or underinsuring your stored goods. If you’re over-insuring, you’ll be paying too much each month. And if you’re underinsuring, there’s the risk that if you need to claim on your policy, you won’t get the full value of your goods.

It's quick and easy to get a quote from Store and Insure – give it a try and see if you can save on your self-storage insurance.