Simplifying Your Life

3 Mistakes To Avoid When Renting A Self Storage Unit

by Candice Lopez

Self-storage unit rentals are a great solution in a number of situations, whether you have inherited belongings that don't fit in your home, are downsizing, or you are moving in a few months and need a place to keep your belongings for the short term. However, renting a storage unit is not something that you should do on a whim without any planning. If you are in need of a storage unit, your best bet is to carefully select a storage facility and then take the proper steps to store your belongings. Avoid these common mistakes when renting a storage unit.

Randomly Choosing a Storage Facility

Storage units are not all alike, and some offer a much higher level of service than others. Don't simply choose a storage unit facility because you drove by it when you were on your way home from work. Actually take the time to do the research and ensure that you rent a unit from a reputable storage facility. You will be leaving your belongings inside a storage unit, so it is important to choose a storage facility with security measures in place, such as a gated entry, a security system with cameras, and numerous light to keep the area well-lit at night. Knowing that you selected the best storage facility possible will give you the peace of mind of knowing that your belongings are safe inside your storage unit.

Not Taking the Time to Pack Properly

If you're renting a storage unit, don't make the mistake of throwing your belongings into boxes and then placing them inside the unit. IF you want your belongings to remain in excellent condition, they need to be packed properly. Anything that is fragile or breakable should be wrapped in bubble wrap, and it is a good idea to have upholstered furniture cleaned before placing it in storage. If you get upholstered furniture cleaned, let it dry completely and then wrap it in plastic sheets to protect it while in storage. The better you pack up your belongings, the less likely you are to experience any issues while they are in storage.

Failure to Organize

Keeping your storage unit organized will make your life a lot easier in the long run. When you place your belongings in your storage unit, make sure that you leave one or more aisles, so you can easily reach items in the back as needed. It is also important to label every box. You may think that you will remember where certain things are located, but after a few months you will forget, so having everything labeled will make it easier to find what you need. 

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