7 Self-Storage Mistakes to Avoid when Moving Your Stuff Into a Storage Unit
November 14, 2019
IF YOU WANT TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR STORAGE UNIT, STEER CLEAR OF THESE SELF-STORAGE MISTAKES WHILE YOU'RE MOVING YOUR STUFF INTO YOUR UNIT.
Are you getting the most out of your storage unit? Sure, it’s a place that holds your stuff. But it’s easy to make mistakes when choosing a place to store your items.
People use storage units to hold personal items that they don’t need everyday or when facing life changes. Depending on what you need to store, the wrong size unit or storage conditions can affect the safety of your items.
Putting things in a room to wait there until you need them should be simple, but you’ll want to avoid these self-storage mistakes to keep your stuff in excellent condition.
1. CHOOSING THE WRONG SIZE ROOM
It’s one of the biggest storage mistakes: cramming too much stuff into a space that’s too small.We understand wanting to save money, but you don’t want to go cheap with the wrong sized room for your stuff. When the room is too small, your belongings risk damage. Cramming your stuff into a unit like a bad game of Tetris can cause the things in the back to break. Make sure you estimate the unit size you need based on the size of the items you need to store. If you’re unsure about how much space you need, use a calculating tool to help you find the right size.
2. NOT PACKING FOR THE LONG HAUL
People usually need storage units for long-term storage. Before stacking boxes or other items in your storage unit, be sure you pack with safe-keeping in mind. Use plenty of packing material to keep fragile items safe inside boxes. Wrap furniture to keep it safe from scrapes and dings when moving it into the storage room. Use plastic to protect clothing and other materials.
3. SKIPPING ADEQUATE SECURITY
It’s easy to think that your stuff is safe behind the metal door and padlock of your storage unit. However, one of the worst storage unit problems is a facility that doesn’t offer enough security. Never choose a storage facility that lacks critical security elements like cameras and a secure, controlled access gate. Your storage facility should only allow access to others who pay for storage units. Without property security, thieves have access to your stored belongings. Even the best padlocks can’t keep a determined thief out of your storage unit. Your storage facility needs to provide security measures to protect your items. Before you sign a lease for a storage unit, be sure to ask about security cameras and how a facility handles monitoring their units 24/7.
4. STACKING WITHOUT A PLAN
What happens when you need something in the back of your storage unit? You don’t want to remove everything in front of it to get that one thing you need against the back wall. When packing and stacking your storage unit, you need a plan. Put things you might need sooner rather than later in the front of the unit. Create a path to reach items throughout the unit to avoid extra work to get to what you need.
5. STORING THINGS YOU SHOULDN’T STORE
You can’t store everything! Make sure you’re aware of the things you shouldn’t leave long-term in a storage unit.
- Never store food in a rented storage unit. Rotting, moldy food can damage other items in your storage room.
- Avoid storing plants in your unit. Plants can’t survive in the dark and without water. Dying plants can rot and cause damage to other items in your unit.
- Don’t leave pets or other living creatures in a storage unit. Much like pants, animals require food, water, and attention. A storage unit is not a good place for keeping your pets.
- Never leave hazardous materials in your storage unit. Chemicals, propane, or other dangerous materials don’t belong in a storage unit.
If you have questions about what you can and can’t store in a storage unit, talk with the facility owner about what they allow in their units.
6. REFUSING STORAGE INSURANCE
You can choose the safest storage facility for your property with all of the security bells and whistles to protect your items. However, in the event of a fire or other disaster, if your property sustains damage while in your storage unit, the facility owners aren’t liable for your property. Protect yourself and your property with insurance. Many homeowners or renters insurance policies can cover your personal items in a storage unit. Your storage unit can also offer it.
7. NOT PLANNING THE LOGISTICS
How will you get your stuff to your unit? If you’re using a moving truck, will the truck fit down the rows between units? Do you need a dolly or cart to get your property from the truck to your unit? Choosing a storage facility with drive-up access can make it easier to unload and arrange your property into the unit. If you don’t have to maneuver down long halls or up and down elevators, you’ll save yourself some time and hassle when loading o unloading your storage unit.
AVOIDING SELF-STORAGE MISTAKES SAVES YOUR STUFF!
When you avoid these self-storage mistakes, your stuff stays safer. Plus, you save time and money when choosing the right size unit with easy access for loading and packing.
North College Storage is the ideal solution for your self-storage needs. We offer drive-up access to your unit inside a controlled access area. We also have a variety of unit sizes to fit just about any storage need.
Contact us for more information about storing your stuff!