A storage inventory isn't only useful for packing and organizing your items. Whether you wrote a list, made a spreadsheet, or used an app, bring out the inventory and use it as you unpack.
If you created an inventory by category, look for holiday or Christmas décor items. This should tell you where to find the items in your storage unit. After you've located the boxes, bins, or bags in your storage rental, go through each container and check the individual items off the inventory list.
While an in-storage inventory review may seem like a lengthy process, it will take less time than returning to the unit to find forgotten items.
Are you tempted to push boxes aside, move bins out of the way, or stack bags on top of furniture to make a quick holiday decoration getaway? Even though you only have eyes for your holiday décor, you still need to pay attention to the rest of your in-storage items.
If you have separate areas for different types of items, you're in luck. This type of arrangement means you can easily find and remove the holiday containers - without disturbing anything else. But if the ornaments are under boxes of unused stemware or the twinkle lights are surrounded by bags of old toys, you need to take extra caution.
After you remove the holiday gear, pack it into your car or moving truck and go back into the unit to reorganize everything you've disturbed. Place boxes, bins, bags, furniture, or anything else that you needed to move back where it belongs. If needed, create a new storage plan and corresponding inventory.
Do Transport the Décor Carefully
Fragile glass ornaments, bulbs from twinkle lights, and other holiday décor require a delicate touch. Even though you may have packed these items carefully in padded or protected boxes and bins, you still need to transport these festive picks with caution.
If you have too many items to comfortably fit into your vehicle, you may need to rent a moving van or hire a moving company to help - especially if you have oversized outdoor displays to transport.
Note what's in each container before you attempt to transport the items. Glass and other breakables should go on top of heavier boxes or bins or on their own space. Make sure breakables can't fall out of boxes and the boxes or bins won't fall off car or van seats. Tightly pack containers in the trunk to avoid spills or mid-move rollovers.
Don't Unpack Everything at Once
Will you decorate your entire home at one time? If you won't, wait to unpack some of the in-storage items. If you're not sure where to start, create a decorating schedule for the holiday time.
Use your inventory to decide on a schedule of unpacking events. Base your schedule around your timetable needs and what other items you already have at home. If you don't have the tree up yet, you won't need some of the lights or the ornaments.
Do Unpack Carefully
Spend as much time unpacking as you did packing. Even though the holiday spirit may make you want to quickly dump bins of décor onto the floor, take your time and remove items one at a time. This reduces the risk of breakage. This is also a safer strategy that can decrease the likelihood of accidents or injuries.
Do you need a new rental for post-holiday storage? Contact All American Storage for more information.
