There are different reasons why you may want to put your belongings into storage. You may be renovating your house. Or, you’re staging your home for a sale and you deem it timely to control the clutter and find a much safer place for many of your valuables.
Whatever your reason may be, clearly, self-storage is a smart solution. It is safe, and there are different sizes to choose from that would be just the right amount of space you need. Also, storage facilities offer flexible arrangements if you’re worried about your budget.
It’s important to note, however, that storage facilities are quite different from each other. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure the complete safety of the items you will be storing away. To do this, professional organizers have rounded up the important dos and don’ts when it comes to tucking away possessions in a storage unit.
Dos
1. Take advantage of an insurance policy.
This is a must if you’re storing away expensive items that you really want to protect. The insurance policy will give you peace of mind that whatever happens to the storage facility or your items, you will be compensated for damages.
2. Inspect the storage unit thoroughly.
Reputable storage facilities conduct their cleaning and maintenance properly. But you never know with small and new storage solutions providers, so make sure to inspect the storage unit before committing and placing anything in it. See if it’s clean, sturdy, secure, and free of moisture.
The condition of the storage unit always affects the quality of the items inside it. If the unit has a lot of moisture, the likelihood of mold development is high. It is not going to be an ideal place for artwork and wooden furniture.
Also, if the unit is not well-constructed, there’s the risk of pest infestation. For sure, you do not want small insects living in your things. So, check the unit for holes and cracks that can serve as entryways for pests.
3. Make a complete inventory of the items you’re storing.
A lot of people actually make the mistake of not doing this. Thus, they forget many of the things that they actually own and end up buying new ones.
When you make a detailed inventory, keeping track of the things you own will be so much easier that when you need to retrieve something, you automatically know where to find it.
4. Choose the right size of storage unit.
If you are all about cost-effectiveness, the last thing you want is to pay more for something that you do not get optimum use of. Don’t pay for a storage unit that is bigger than what you really need. Compare your options carefully and get an instant self-storage quote to accurately determine which unit is just right for you.
5. Take advantage of promos.
If there’s a way for you to get more bang for your money, use it. Promos can have you saving a considerable amount of money, or provide you better services for the money that you’re willing to dole out.
Don’ts
1. Go for the storage company that is nearest you.
You may be inclined to think that storage facility nearest you is the most physically convenient option but it may not be as secure, or even compliant with the basic policies for storage and warehousing security.
2. Think it unnecessary to invest in packaging supplies.
Storing your belongings in the right packaging materials can make a whole world of difference in the maintenance of the quality or condition of your possessions.
If you have breakables to store, bubble wrap can ensure they won’t break even if they fall. Sturdy boxes, on the other hand, can make organization much easier as they are simple enough to label and stack.
3. Miss payment dates.
Set up an alarm notification on your phone for payment dates so you will not miss them. It’s a common practice for storage companies to auction off those units that have been forgotten by their owners. If you do not want your belongings to get sold off, stay on top of rental payments.
There you have it, the crucial dos and don’ts when using a storage unit for your possessions. Remember all of these when you need to rent self-storage for your belongings that you need to get out of the way at the moment, but you would want to be able to easily retrieve.
AUTHOR BIO: Chris Humphrey is the General Manager of Easytruck Moving & Storage. In 2013, the company combined their expertise in professional moving services & storage to create an entirely new approach to the business – and mobile storage was born! Easytruck now operates over 30,000 sq.ft. of air-conditioned facilities in three convenient locations in Dubai and is the only Mobile Storage operator in the UAE.