There are many benefits of owning or renting a self-storage unit. We all know that they come out as convenient because they serve as an extra storage space for our things. We get to avoid clutter in our homes and offices because they help us store anything in excess, but are still essential. Storage units are also beneficial to have in times of renovations and move outs. There are a lot of good reasons to own or rent a storage unit, but you should also know the mistakes to avoid when you have a storage unit.
1. Not Organizing Everything First
Failing to plan out everything before you rent a storage unit can lead to disorganization and stress on your part. This mistake can be avoided if you set a clear plan of how you are going to go about owning or renting a storage unit. Take note of the storage location. Pick the one that is near your place, so it will not be hard for you to come and get your things when you need them. Organize all of the belongings you are going to put up for storage in a box. Make sure that they are all prepared before the day of storage, so you can avoid misplacing items and dumping them in random boxes.
2. Improper Labeling
Not labeling your boxes is another mistake you have to avoid if you want to achieve an organized way of storing things in your unit. Keep in mind that proper labels are important because they help you find things easier. You can label the boxes per category or group them according to importance. Stick to the labels and you will be happy to see that it did not take you that much time to search for something.
3. Choosing the Wrong Unit Size
Being impulsive and choosing the wrong unit size is not only stressful, but it will also hurt your budget. You have to be practical and choose the right unit size that could fit all of the things that you need to store. If you don’t have that much things to store, then do not opt for a bigger unit. This goes the same if in the event that you have a lot of things to store, then you shouldn’t opt for a small unit. Remember that you should go for what you need.
4. Using Newspaper for Wrapping Items
Using newspapers for wrapping items to be stored is only good if it is short-term. Fragile items that you put in a storage unit shouldn’t be wrapped using newspapers because they sit there for a long period of time. And as we all know, newspapers have ink on them, which will smudge or stick to the item in the long run. GiIven the humidity in the storage unit, it is best to not wrap your items in newspapers, instead, use a bubble wrap because it is safer and it will not smear ink all over.
5. Not Checking for Safety Measures
It all boils down to proper planning. When In looking for a storage unit, you have to check for safety measures. Though the storage management ensures that your belongings are all safe, it is still advisable to do your own research and do not hesitate to bring up your concerns inquire of your concerns because it is the safety of your belongings that matters in the first place.
6. Storing Food Inside the Unit
Keep in mind that storing food inside your unit is not allowed because they are perishable and have expirations, so they will only attract molds, insects, rats, and even bacteria. So do not ever store food in your unit!
7. Not Covering Your Furniture
Some neglect to cover their furniture when they put them up for storage, but it is essential to do so because it will help in keeping preserve them clean even after quite some time. This will also prevent them from having scratches or damages while they are inside the storage unit. Do not forget to cover your furniture!
8. Not Cleaning Before Storing
Cleaning is an essential part of storing your belongings to preserve their condition before storage. Uncleaned stored items can cause molds build-up, unwanted bacteria, pest infestation and faster degradation. It can affect one item to spread to your entire belonging. A simple wiping them dry and free from dust can already make a difference.
If you have a storage unit and have been making some of these mistakes, now is the time to start avoiding them. This will not only help you take care of your belongings, but it will also help you keep an organized unit for yourself.
Are you in need of a self-storage unit for your home or office? Contact us today for your inquiries and we will be glad to assist you!
