The Top Must-Have Items to Streamline Your Self Storage in NC Experience

The Top Must-Have Items to Streamline Your Self Storage in NC Experience

By Denee Burns

You may not know what to expect if you have never utilized a storage unit. Sunbird Storage is here to help, but planning is key. Regardless of whether your storage needs are planned or last-minute, you're likely to encounter some items that you'll wish you had when moving in or out of your storage unit.

Part of the Sunbird Difference is helping our tenants make the most of their self storage in NC experience. With that in mind, here are the key factors you should take into account when preparing your belongings for storage.


1. The Most Forgotten Moving Supplies

One of the most commonly overlooked moving supplies by our tenants is labeling materials. When you're moving your belongings into the storage space, it's inevitable to encounter the challenge of distinguishing between boxes and crates. They can appear so similar that you may find yourself uncertain about the contents of each. Even if you label items, boxes, and crates while you're packing them for storage, you're still likely to find a need for these supplies while moving into the storage unit.

If you label your items before moving into self storage units in North Carolina, your future self will thank you when it is time to sort through and move your items into a new home. Ensure you have extra pens, paper for notes, markers of varying thicknesses, and masking tape for labeling irregular items.

The most essential labeling items to make sure you have with you on move-in day are:

  • Small notepad for notes

  • Paper or app for inventory list (see #4)

  • Extra pens

  • Markers of varying thicknesses

  • Painter's tape for labeling loose or irregular items


Remember that masking tape is unsuitable for most items as it leaves behind a residue that is not easily removed from some surfaces. Even Scotch, makers of the most popular masking tape, warns that masking tape should not be used on many surfaces. Furniture, particularly wood-varnished furniture, can be damaged when the masking tape is applied and left for a period of time. 

Painter's tape is similar but a good choice because it peels away from most items easily and does not leave as much residue. According to Bob Villa, you can leave painter's tape on wood for up to 21 days, but it could weaken the finish. Painter's tape looks similar to masking tape but is more expensive and comes in various colors based on the adhesive level.

North Carolina self storage facilities offer the perfect storage solution, but it's up to you to make sure you have the right moving supplies. The smallest items can make your moving day a breeze.


2. The Most Underestimated Moving Supplies

Everyone knows that you need tape and boxes to move into a self storage facility, but few people consider having extras as you move in. Boxes could become damaged when moving between your home and the self storage in North Carolina and require replacement. You may also realize that you need to split heavier boxes into smaller ones to stack them safely or give you more flexibility in organization.

If you don't have enough boxes on hand, all of Sunbird's North Carolina storage facilities have moving and packing supplies available if you underestimate how many you might need. Sunbird is a reputable self storage company that offers secure storage, ample space, packing supplies, and more to meet your storage needs. 


3. The Most Wished-for Items on Move-In

Organization items are the most wished-for when moving into a storage unit. Shelves and racks provide an additional layer of organization to your storage experience. 

It may not be necessary to purchase additional shelving or racks. If you have bookshelves, an entertainment center, or other shelving or cubbies, use them first. This will allow you to get more out of North Carolina storage units.

In addition to planning ahead to ensure you have cubbies or shelves to store everything, here are a few items you should have on hand to ensure you can organize small and irregular items on the fly.

  • Baskets

  • Bins and totes

  • Stackable crates

  • Stands for wall art

  • Bike stands

This organization becomes even more critical when you access the storage unit in North Carolina regularly. Shelving with smaller bins and baskets makes moving your items more manageable and ensures you can find items when needed.


4. The Most Wished-for Item on Move-out

An inventory list is often overlooked when moving into a storage unit. Keeping track of what you have put into storage and how it is organized is vital when utilizing self storage in NC.

Here are the basics to create your inventory list:

  • Start by determining categories under which you will list all of your belongings. You can do this by room, type of item (such as furniture), or a combination of the two. The category should be your first column if you're making a paper or digital list.

  • Number boxes where possible to make them easier to reference.

  • Make note of the storage unit number and location at the top of each page if you're using more than one unit.

One of the most frustrating things about frequently accessing long-term North Carolina self storage is the inability to remember what is stored where. An inventory list negates that, making moving the items into a new home much easier.


5. Miscellaneous Items to Use at a Sunbird Storage in NC

When utilizing self storage units in North Carolina, having certain handy items at your disposal can make the process more efficient and organized. Here's a list of additional useful items to have on hand:

  • Bubble wrap or packing paper: Use these materials to protect items from damage during transport and storage.

  • Box cutter or scissors: A sharp box cutter or pair of scissors is handy for opening sealed boxes and cutting tape or other materials.

  • Shelving units: Consider using sturdy shelves in your storage unit to maximize vertical space and keep items organized.

  • Plastic sheeting or tarps: Use these to cover and protect large items like furniture or appliances from dust.

  • Furniture blankets or pads: These provide cushioning and protection for furniture and other items during both transport and storage.

  • Hand truck or dolly: A hand truck or dolly makes moving heavy items much easier and reduces the risk of injury.

  • Gloves: Protective gloves help prevent cuts and scrapes while handling boxes and other items.

  • Bungee cords or straps: Use these to secure items during transport and keep them from shifting inside the storage unit.

  • Step stool or ladder: A compact step stool or ladder comes in handy when accessing items stored on high shelves or stacked boxes.

By keeping these items on hand, you'll be well-prepared to make the most of your self storage unit and ensure your belongings are safely and efficiently stored.


Trust Sunbird to Provide the Best Self Storage in NC Service

These tips will assist you in maximizing the benefits of your self storage in North Carolina. By streamlining the process of online rental and moving into self storage units, you can ensure a stress-free and efficient experience.

At Sunbird, we are dedicated to providing our customers with exceptional storage services and amenities, guaranteeing a smooth and hassle-free storage experience. We take immense pride in our commitment to excellence, ensuring that every aspect of your storage needs is met with utmost care and attention, whether you need short term or long term storage.

With our unparalleled attention to detail and unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction, you can trust that your belongings are in capable hands. Experience the convenience and peace of mind that comes with choosing Sunbird for self storage in NC.


With an abundance of essential self storage features and North Carolina storage unit sizes, Sunbird Storage is here to help you every step of the way as you choose, plan, and pack your new storage unit. Contact Sunbird Storage to learn more about our multiple locations in North Carolina!


author photo
Denee Burns

Denee Burns is a leading executive in the self-storage industry. She co-hosts a weekly National Self Storage Podcast on Clubhouse. Denee has held various sales and marketing roles in self-storage, working at software, insurance, and technology companies as well as self storage operators. She has traveled the world in the industry to attend the Australasia Conference, the FEDESSA / European Conference and the Latin America Self Storage Conference.