If you want to clear your home of unnecessary stuff or want to create more room, you can rent a self-storage unit. These units also come in handy if you move into a small apartment and need extra storage. However, here are some of the mistakes you should avoid when renting a self-storage unit.
Unorganized Packing of Goods
It's not unusual to pack your belongings hastily without any order in the process. To make the most of your storage unit, you need to pack all your items in an organized manner. The best way to do this is to get the right cardboard boxes or plastic containers for your items.
If you want to store furniture in the storage unit, you should look for customized covers that prevent dust and mites. Another rule of thumb is to label the boxes or containers for easy access. For precious items like a vintage flower vase or expensive china, use protective material such as bubble wrap. If you are moving to a new home, your professional movers can help you pack all the items you want to be kept in a self-storage facility.
Improper Unit Characteristics
Self-storage unit features vary, and you need to find characteristics that suit your items. For example, some units come with temperature control. Others come with full climate control that monitors the levels of humidity in your unit.
However, some storage units do not have any of these features. Your aim should be to find a place suitable for your belongings. For example, books, old family heirlooms, clothes, artwork, and furniture require constant humidity and temperature levels. Otherwise, they could be easily destroyed by mold. Before choosing a storage unit, you need to determine whether the items you want to store require a specific temperature or humidity level.
Forgetting Storage Insurance
Many people mistakenly believe that the owners of a storage unit are fully liable for any damage to your items. It is crucial that you have an insurance policy that covers the items in your self-storage unit. Make sure you consider some of the potential risks that may affect the items in the unit.
In many cases, renters' and homeowners' insurance may cover self-storage. However, using this insurance for a self-storage unit may increase your premiums. Therefore, you should also consider asking the owner of the self-storage unit whether they offer a protection plan for an additional fee.
