Self Storage in Lisbon | Allstorage - Choose the Right Box

How to Choose the Ideal Storage Box

In bustling cities like Greater Lisbon and Almada, the lack of space has become a growing concern for both individuals and businesses. If you find yourself in this situation, this guide is for you. Allstorage, with 12 strategically located units, offers convenient and secure self-storage solutions. In this article, we will explore how to choose the right size storage box and organize it optimally for easy access. From storage for moving to business needs, you'll find everything you need here to make an informed decision. Let's start exploring the perfect solution for your lack of space!

The Essentials

• Discover how to select the ideal box size for your personal or business needs.
• Learn how to effectively organize your belongings for quick and easy access.
• Get to know the various locations of Allstorage units in Greater Lisbon and Almada.
• Identify common mistakes in choosing and organizing boxes, and how to avoid them.
• Get practical tips to maximize the efficiency of your storage space.

Choosing the Right Box Size

Assessing Personal and Business Needs

Choosing the appropriate size for a storage box begins with a careful assessment of your specific needs. This assessment ensures that you not only choose an adequate space but also optimize the cost and efficiency of storage.

Recommendation Table by Situation

Practical Examples

• University Students: If you are a student needing to store school materials, books, and some essential furniture, a 1-2m² box will be ideal. Allstorage units, such as the one in Entrecampos, located at Rua de Entrecampos 23, are perfect for students due to their central location.
• Families in Renovation: During a home renovation, it will be beneficial to opt for a 5-8m² box to temporarily store furniture and appliances. The Allstorage Benfica unit, at Rua Cidade de Cacheu 31 B, is an excellent choice for its accessibility.
• Small Businesses: Companies needing to store documents and office supplies can benefit from a 5-15m² box. The Allstorage Saldanha unit, at Rua Pedro Nunes 27 B, offers easy access for businesses located in central Lisbon.

Organization for Easy Access

Tips to Maximize Space

Organization is crucial to ensure quick access to stored items. Here are some effective strategies:

• Label Everything: Use clear labels to identify all boxes and containers. This simple technique can save you a lot of time when searching for specific items.
• Use Shelves: Shelves are essential for maximizing vertical space. Provide shelves inside the box to organize items of different sizes.
• Open Paths: Ensure to create corridors between boxes to facilitate access to all items, especially those stored at the back.
• Heavy Items at the Bottom: Placing heavier items at the bottom prevents accidents and damage, ensuring a stable base.

Tip: To learn more about organization, check out the article How to Organize Your Box.

How to organise the box: the method that works

Organising is easier if you decide the layout before unloading.

1. Draw a plan before bringing anything. Using the box dimensions, decide where the shelves, the aisle and the bulky items will go. If you are still choosing the space, see how to choose the right box size.
2. Free-standing shelving against the walls. Metal or plastic shelving units that stand on their own, along one or both sides. They make use of the height and stop the bottom boxes from being crushed.
3. A central aisle to the back. From 3-4 m² upwards, leave a 50-60 cm passage down the middle, with things on both sides, so you can reach the back without taking anything out. In a 1-2 m² box there is no aisle: what goes at the back should be what you use least.
4. Heavy at the bottom, light on top. Books, tools and crockery on the floor or the lowest shelf; duvets, cushions and light boxes on top. Never put heavy boxes above shoulder height.
5. Matching boxes, labelled on the visible sides. Boxes of the same model stack straight and fit the shelves. Write the contents on the front and one side, because the top disappears once you stack. A numbered list on your mobile phone (box 1, box 2…) saves a lot of searching.
6. What you use most goes at the front. Separate what you fetch every month (files, stock, sports gear) from what sits for months (furniture, keepsakes) and put the former next to the door.
7. Dismantled furniture, labelled fittings. Take apart beds, tables and shelving; put screws and small parts in a sealed bag labelled with the name of the piece and tape it to one of its parts. Table tops and mirrors stand upright against the wall, never lying flat with weight on top.
8. Protect whatever is exposed. Cover sofas, mattresses and furniture with blankets or protective plastic and wrap corners and fragile surfaces. Fridges and freezers go in clean, dry and with the door ajar.

On moving day, use the unit's transport trolleys and lifts and bring things in the order of your plan: first what goes at the back, last what goes by the door.

Toys, games and seasonal items

• Clear boxes for toys and games: you can see what is inside without opening them. Small pieces and cards go in zip bags inside the box so they do not get lost.
• Toy rotation: keep some of the toys in the box and swap them every few months. There is less clutter at home and the ones that come back feel new.
• Christmas decorations: one box per theme, labelled; baubles and fragile pieces wrapped in paper or in boxes with dividers; lights wound around a piece of card so they do not tangle.
• Seasonal items (beach chairs, parasols, heaters): they stay at the back while not in use and swap places with those for the next season.

Allstorage Units: Locations and Benefits

Units in Greater Lisbon and Almada

Allstorage offers 12 strategically located units to facilitate access, regardless of where you are in Greater Lisbon and Almada. Here are some notable options:

• Allstorage Saldanha: Rua Pedro Nunes 27 B, 1050-170 Lisboa. Ideal for residents and professionals in the center.
• Allstorage Estefânia: Rua Passos Manuel 85 A, 1150-260 Lisboa. Convenient for those living or working in Estefânia.
• Allstorage Damasceno Monteiro: Rua Damasceno Monteiro 156, 1170-113 Lisboa. Perfect for local residents.
• Allstorage Almada 2: Rua Comandante António Feio 42 A, 2800-255 Almada. Excellent for those living on the south bank.

Benefits of Allstorage Units

• 24-Hour Access: Guaranteed access to your belongings at any time, day or night.
• CCTV Surveillance: Enhanced security with 24/7 operational surveillance systems.
• Flexible Contracts: Adapt your contract to your needs, with a minimum period of just 1 month and no lock-in.

Accessibility and Transport

Allstorage units are easily accessible by public and private transport. Many are close to metro stations, buses, and main roads, making the transport of your goods more convenient. For example, the Alcântara unit, at Rua José Dias Coelho 36 C, is easily accessible via the 25 de Abril bridge.

How to Book at Allstorage

Simple Steps to Book

1. Check Prices and Availability: Visit the Check prices and availability page to explore the options that best suit your needs.
2. Choose the Unit: Select the most convenient Allstorage unit for your location.
3. Fill Out the Booking Form: Complete the online process quickly and securely.

Need more space? Don't hesitate to check availability and start your storage today.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Focusing Only on Price: Don't sacrifice security or convenience for a lower price. Consider all factors, such as location and security.
2. Underestimating the Required Volume: Always measure your items before deciding on the box size. It's common to underestimate the amount of space needed.
3. Not Planning Ahead: Book your box before the peak demand to ensure availability, especially during busy times like summer.
4. Ignoring the Location: Don't choose a distant unit just because it's cheaper; easy access can save time and effort in the future.
5. Neglecting Organization: Poor organization can lead to difficulties in finding specific items, resulting in wasted time and frustration.

Checklist/Practical Tips for Storage

• Measure your items before renting.
• Use uniform-sized boxes for easy stacking.
• Bring a flashlight to inspect the box before renting.
• Consider unit access and proximity to your location.
• Check the security and surveillance conditions of the chosen unit.

Your Next Step

Now that you have all the necessary information to effectively choose and organize your storage box, it's time to take action. Explore the units page for more details on Allstorage locations and see available sizes and prices. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us. The ideal storage solution is within your reach, simplify your life with Allstorage today!

All our units in Lisbon: see live prices and free storage units for each location on our page about self storage in Lisbon.