There are a wide range of situations where you just need to get some of your belongings out of the way. Whether you’re moving house, renovating the living room, or just need some space to declutter, in these situations, self storage can be an absolute lifesaver.
It’s really not that difficult to work it out, but there are a few things you should know beforehand. With that in mind, here are some of the most important dos and don’ts for first-time self storage users.
Do pack efficiently
When storing your belongings with a trusted provider, you’ll often be able to choose how much space you rent. By packing efficiently, you can make sure that you’re not spending more money than necessary, while also making it easier to move and sort through all your belongings.
Don’t forget insurance
If you’re storing particularly valuable items, then you definitely want to look into insurance options. While a lot of storage facilities offer a basic insurance premium with their service, if the items that you’re leaving in their care are worth a lot of money, you may need to arrange for a more comprehensive premium.
Do think about accessibility
Another thing to keep in mind is how accessible the self storage solution you go with is. This includes how easy it is to get to, but it also means thinking about opening hours. If you know you’ll need access late at night or early in the morning, you should make sure this will be possible before committing to anything.
Don’t rent unventilated units
You likely want to pick up your belongings in the same kind of condition they were when you dropped them off. If this is the case, then don’t forget to check that the self storage unit you’re using has climate control of some sort. Otherwise, there’s a strong chance that your possessions will end up developing mould or discolouring.
Do check for future price increases
A lot of storage providers will hook you in with great initial deals, but if you check the fine print, you’ll often find that the prices go up significantly after a little while. Often, you’ll find that it’s cheaper to go with a solution that appears more expensive at first, but that operates a more honest price structure in the long run.
Don’t forget to check on your items
Even if you’ve chosen a great self storage provider, it’s important that you still take time to check up on your belongings every now and then. There could have been a leak, or one of the items you stored might not be responding well to the humidity or temperature – whatever it is, by checking up on these regularly, you can nip any potentially significant issues in the bud.
Sorting out a self storage solution really isn’t too difficult. By taking these main do’s and don’ts into consideration, you can help to make sure that you end up with a reliable, affordable solution that provides you with the access and safety you need.
Luciana joined our team as a mum blogger in 2020. A dedicated mum to a lively daughter and a dog, Luna, Luciana brings authenticity and passion to every post. Her expertise in parenting and lifestyle topics offers practical, relatable advice for real-life situations.