Useful Tips for Your Self-Storage Unit
Many people find themselves in need of a self-storage unit at some point in their lives. Maybe you’re downsizing your home, going through a divorce, or simply needing somewhere to store your belongings while you travel. Whatever the reason, self-storage can be a great solution. But it’s important to do your research and choose the right storage facility for your needs. Here are a few tips to help you get started.
- Plan Ahead
Before you get yourself a storage unit, you need to start planning. Consider your needs and budget before you sign on the dotted line of the rental agreement. Are your current needs satisfactory, or will they change in the future? Will your budget remain the same or change in the future? Another thing to consider is location – is it close to your home, workplace, or wherever else?
Write down a list of all the items you have that need to be stored, and make sure you don’t forget them when it’s time to start moving them in. When you have a plan prepared, everything feels less of a hassle as you just saved time and energy.
- Pack Smart
Moving your stuff into a storage unit is both exciting and daunting at the same time. Pack away your things carefully and thoughtfully to ensure that none of your things get broken. Use high-quality packing supplies that can protect your delicate items, such as wrapping your dishes with newspaper and adding pads to the glass frames.
Don’t forget to label any boxes with what’s inside, so you don’t get confused about which item is when you start unpacking. Packing smartly now will help you save a lot of stress later.
- Choose the Right Unit
When you go shopping for a storage unit, don’t just instinctively choose the first one that you see. Consider whether the storage unit you see is good enough for your things. Remember to consider these three critical things: climate control, security features, and accessibility.
Climate control is when the storage can regulate the temperature from excessive heat or unbearable humidity. Check if the security of your unit is up to par with your requirements and whether if it’s easy for you to access your stuff when you need them.
- Protect Your Belongings
When you’re packing your things, always disassemble them into smaller parts if possible. It’ll reduce the likelihood of your furniture taking any damage when it’s being transported. Wrap your furniture with either protective cardboard or old reliable bubble wrap to avoid scratch marks and/or dents. When the furniture items are disassembled and wrapped, you can guarantee they’ll arrive at the storage unit in one piece.
Care should also be taken for delicate items such as electronics and decorations. Make sure all the pieces are wrapped for extra protection. When you take these extra steps, you can have some good peace of mind knowing that your belongings can be safe during transport and remain protected when stored inside.
- Store Appliances Properly
Don’t dump your things inside the storage straight away. Unless you want them to gather dust, it’s better to cover them with a protective cover or blanket so that no damage is done to any of your things. Try to find space inside your storage where the furniture can fit. It’s never a good idea to stack them on top of each other like it’s a game of Tetris.