How to Create an Inventory List for Your Items in Storage
One of the issues many people face when putting their items in self-storage is losing track of what they have. It’s easy over time to forget an item is in storage or even where you stored it, resulting in wasted search time. Therefore, it is a good idea to create an inventory list for all the items you decide to store away. Inventory lists help you keep track of all your items so you can easily locate and retrieve them when needed. With that in mind, let’s dive into how you should go about creating one for your future reference.
Step One – Organise Each Box
Whether you have organised your items already or not, you can still create an inventory at any time. Start with your first box and carefully empty the contents. List down each item as you take them out, then once complete repack them into the box. Label this box in a way that identifies the overall contents (e.g. bedroom box 1). Make sure to reflect this label on the inventory list. Make a copy of this list and stick it on the box while keeping the original for future reference. Continue doing this for each box that is slated for storage. Try to group your boxes together in your storage facilities if they relate to each other (e.g. they are for the same room).
Step Two – Create a Master List
Before putting your boxes into storage, make sure you keep a master list of all your items. Whenever you add or retrieve items, you will need to update this on your list. For your convenience, it is a good idea to create this master list on a spreadsheet program such as Microsoft Excel. Make sure all box numbers and labels are included in order, as well as the contents of those boxes. This will make it much easier to keep track of your items in the long-term.
Step Three – Update Your List Regularly
As soon as you add or remove items from your storage units, make sure this is reflected in your master list. No matter how big or small the item is, make sure to record it in your inventory. Keep all lists updated, both physical and digital. This will help you keep track of any items whether they are retrieved or stored away, and save you from confusion later down the line.
Step Four – Use Shelving
Good quality shelving will help keep your storage units organised and uncluttered. Try to allocate each shelf to a certain theme, such as all boxes for a certain room. Make sure to label each shelf as well and reflect this in your list. Additionally, putting softer items on a shelf can help to protect them from becoming crushed by heavier boxes on the floor.
Step Five – Keep It Clean and Organised
With your storage units organised and your inventory listed, make sure to keep updating your contents as they change. So long as you keep your units organised and update your records regularly you will have no trouble keeping track of your items.
At St John’s Hall Storage we are experts in providing safe, secure and affordable storage for a range of durations. Not only do we have a wide range of storage units to meet all needs, we also have Commercial Pallet spaces available. We have proudly been serving customers across Beccles, Norwich, Suffolk and beyond with reliable storage services when they need it. If you have any questions about our storage services, or require any further information, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team today.
