Renting a storage space? Read our insightful guide to help you steer clear of common storage mistakes to make your self-storage experience as smooth as possible.
Mistake 1 – Skipping Adequate Security
When looking for a storage space to keep your stuff, make sure you’re looking at more than just the price of renting the unit. It’s easy to think that your stuff is safe behind the metal door and padlock of your storage unit. But if your facility doesn’t have adequate security, that isn’t a place you should be renting from.
Never choose a storage facility that lacks crucial security elements like cameras, security lighting, fencing, and a controlled access gate. So before you rent a unit, ensure the storage facility has its customers’ safety in mind.
Mistake 2 – Picking an Inconvenient Location
Another mistake you don’t want to make? Choosing a storage facility that isn’t easily accessible to you.
If you’re only visiting your unit twice – the day you drop off your stuff and the day you retrieve your stuff – then the location of your unit might not be that important. However, if you want to access your stuff regularly, you need to think about how much driving time is realistic for you. Fifteen minutes is fine, but if you’re driving over an hour to grab a few things from your unit, that’s valuable time you could be using for something else. Skip this mistake off the bat by choosing a storage facility that is convenient for you to visit.
Mistake 3 – Not Reading the Fine Print
Renting a storage space is pretty straightforward, but don’t just assume the contract is the same. You want to read everything closely so you know exactly what the terms mean and what you’re getting into.
For example, some self-storage facilities require an additional fee if you pay your bill late. If you’re regularly not paying on time, those fees can add up. Reading the contract can also let you know the policies on what is and what isn’t permitted in your unit. Bottom line: read your contract, and you won’t deal with any surprises later on.
Mistake 4 – Choosing the Wrong Size Unit
One of the biggest storage mistakes is choosing the wrong size unit for your stuff.
You may choose a unit that’s too small and try cramming everything into the space. This can risk your belongings being damaged, as the more you shove, the easier it is for things in the back of your unit to get squished and break. Or, on the flip side, you may choose a unit that’s far too big. It’s always better to go bigger than smaller when renting a storage unit, but if you go too big, you could just be wasting money on unused space.
If you’re not sure how to pick the right unit size for your needs, check out our Size Guide.
Mistake 5 – Not Packing for the Long Haul
If you’re using your storage unit for the long term, that’s great. Just don’t make the mistake of improperly packing your items.
Properly packing your items for the long haul is the best defense against moisture, crushed boxes, and other damage that could ruin your belongings. Invest in your materials, which include cardboard/clear plastic bins, packing paper, packing tape, and furniture covers. Also, make sure you’re taking your time when packing your items. Not wrapping cups and plates individually can lead to shattered glass, failing to cover furniture can lead to scratched surfaces, and placing dirty clothes into boxes can mean those stains and smells never come out.
Mistake 6 – Not Labeling Boxes Properly
Just like packing is important, so is some planning beforehand to make your storage life easier.
Don’t just throw a bunch of unlabeled cardboard boxes into your storage space. When you need to grab something, you’ll have no idea where to look and will have to open every box and bin to find what you’re looking for (in short: a waste of time and energy). Instead, label each container with what’s inside. It doesn’t have to be a list; even “Joey’s Art” or “Kitchen Utensils” can help you narrow down which boxes you open when you’re on the hunt for something. Pro tip: label the top and a side of each box, so no matter if it’s stacked or not, there’s always a label you can read.
When you’re ready to store your stuff, EZ Access Storage will be here for you.
It’s Never a Mistake to Store at Bay Street Storage
With these tips, you’ll avoid the most common storage mistakes, and your stuff will stay safer. Not to mention, you’ll save time and money, too!
When you’re ready to store your stuff, EZ Access Storage will be here for you. We have a wide variety of options available, so no matter how much you need to store, we can help. Our storage units are spacious, secure, and affordable. They also come in options of standard or premium. We are always here to make your storage experience as EZ as possible in East Wenatchee!
