If you are a craftsman or an artist, you have experienced the frustration of losing track of your supplies, notebooks, canvases and more. Having faced the challenges of cataloguing, organising, storing and protecting your belongings, you know how valuable it is to have a dedicated space.
Of course, having a room entirely committed to your craft is the ideal option, but with space becoming increasingly scarce, only a few can afford that. Demand for storage units is rising, with people looking more and more into alternatives to save space.
Moving your craft away from your home allows you to focus better on your work without having to deal with distractions constantly. The ability to rent the required space provides a flexible solution for maintaining your workspace as you see fit.
To take full advantage of the storage space, you should consider a few things first.
Turn your storage unit into a workshop
While the storage unit is a fantastic alternative to having your workshop at home, its primary objective remains to be used as intended, storing items. To turn it into a fully-functioning workplace, you must take some additional steps so that it will meet your exact needs.
When using a secure storage facility, you first need to consider the size. Having enough space for all your equipment while allowing yourself the freedom to move around will determine how comfortable you will feel working there.
Most storage units do not have enough electrical outlets for a workshop. Discussing your intentions with the management before renting a unit is always a good idea. More and more facility owners are looking to accommodate such needs and may provide you with the extra amenities you need.
Once you have selected the self-storage that best fits the requirements for your projects, all that remains is to set it up as a workshop.
Make sure to have designated areas for your tasks. Add shelves and cabinets to maximise the space you use and keep your tools organised. Sufficient lighting and a comfortable chair are also important, as you will spend numerous hours there.
Investing in all of these things can help turn your storage unit into an efficient and productive workspace which will make spending your time on your art there greatly rewarding.
How to organise your arts and crafts supplies
Keeping everything in order is crucial for creating an efficient and productive work environment. The first step to achieving that is to sort and categorise your supplies. Start with separating them into different groups based on their colour, material or project for which you will be using them. Then, store them in clear containers and label them accordingly.
If your project involves using multiple materials such as paint, fabric, paper and others, consider setting up different areas for each of the materials. It will not only be easier to find the supplies that you need, but you will also prevent cross-contamination.
Set up your chair, work table and shelves in such a way that all of your most commonly used tools are within arm’s reach. Another option to ensure you have everything you need at your convenience is using a rolling cart. Use it to store frequently used supplies, where they will always be close to you.
Most importantly, to maintain your workspace, once you have finished with a tool, make sure to leave it back where it belongs. Keeping your work surface clutter-free will help you focus better on your projects.
How to safely store your artwork
Even if you make your storage space into the perfect workshop, you should not underestimate the importance of the work condition and temperature. Therefore, units that offer a climate-controlled environment are ideal workplaces and perfect for storing and protecting your artwork.
If you have to store a lot of art, make sure it is placed vertically rather than horizontally. This prevents any damage caused by the weight of your other pieces. To make retrieving specific elements of your work easier, organise the largest pieces at the back and the smaller ones in the front.
Always make sure to prop all items off the ground. Wooden pallets are an excellent option for that, as they keep your work above the floor level and allow air circulation underneath.
Another great option is foam blocks. They provide a soft yet sturdy surface for your art pieces, protecting them from getting damaged or scratched.
How to protect your artwork
Making sure you safely store your work is an important step that you simply cannot afford to skip. However, you must consider a few tips to ensure its pristine condition for longer periods.
To further increase the longevity of your art, consider investing in acid-free archival boxes and sleeves. These will protect it from fading, yellowing and other forms of damage that could occur over time.
You should also use drape sheets to block dust and other debris from falling and piling up on top of your work. Avoid using covers such as newspaper or bubble wrap, as these may trap moisture and permanently damage your possessions.
When transporting your art, always use sturdy boxes or crates. If you are moving it over long distances, consider hiring a mover to help you out. They have the experience and equipment to keep your pieces safe throughout the journey.
Always prepare your safe storage in advance to easily store your belongings once they arrive.
Conclusion
Having a self-storage unit as your workshop provides you with the much-needed privacy for you to focus on your work. With no family members around, it limits the distractions that you have to face during your active hours.
With the proper setup and organisation, you can create a dedicated spot completely tailored to your needs. Moreover, with its climate-controlled environment, it will not only help you complete your work but store it safely.
Having the ability to place all your work-related items in one place and simply lock the door when you have finished for the day is an irreplaceable benefit of renting a storage facility.
