Avoiding Moving MistakesAvoiding Moving Mistakes

Art supplies can quickly overrun your house if you enjoy making and creating things. One way to help get a handle on your materials is through the use of rented storage units. The following tips can help you store your art supplies properly to avoid damage, while also making sure you don't leave them in the unit to gather dust.

Tip #1: Box by theme

Most art and craft supplies fall under a theme, such as knitting or fiber arts, painting, or jewelry making. Assign each theme it's own box so like items are kept together. This way you can retrieve the entire box from storage when you want to start a new project, instead of sorting through multiple boxes to find all the supplies you need.

Tip #2: Choose the right packing method

Cardboard boxes are inexpensive and work for many types of supplies, such as beads or wood blocks, but they may not be the best option for other items, like paper or fabric. For items where pests or moisture can cause damage, store in plastic tubs instead. Opt for stackable tubs with tight fitting lids. For items that may spill or dry out, such as paints, ink pads, or clay, use heavy-duty freezer bags. You can seal the items in the bags to protect against spills and dry air, before tucking them into a box or storage tub.

Tip #3: Create an inventory

This is best done in the method that works best for you. You can do it on paper, as an ongoing list on a list-making app in your phone, or as a spreadsheet that you can access across multiple devices (such as via Google Drive). As you organize and pack your supplies, divide them into categories, such as paint, paper, yarn, or fabric. Then, fill in the list with what you are storing. To further simplify the process, number all the boxes and write the box number next to the corresponding items on your list or spreadsheet. This inventory prevents you from purchasing items that you already have while also making it easier to find the items in your storage unit.

Tip #4: Opt for aisles

When actually placing items in the storage unit, opt for aisles instead of filling the unit up from the back forward. First, line the three non-door walls of your unit with the boxes, stacking them so the contents or number faces outward. Always place plastic tubs on the bottom of each stack, or set a pallet on the ground beneath cardboard boxes, to protect against moisture seeping in from the ground. If you have more things to store after lining the walls, stack them in aisles stretching from the back wall to the door. Make the aisles wide enough so you can easily walk down them and maneuver boxes out of the stacks. This will make it much easier to retrieve the supplies you need, so you won't be tempted to buy more.

Talk to a local storage facility for more tips on storing your arts and crafts items.