Americans have valuable money to acquire goods, necessitating storage for everything. Self-storage businesses generate $39.5 billion on average annually in the United States.
Self-storage can be a great way to store items you will need access to later in some capacity. However, you commonly think that what is a great way to save space or money may cause you more harm than good.
Self-storage facilities and storage mobile units house a remarkable amount of things. Yet even with all that space, mistakes can move unnoticed. Blunders can damage items in your storage unit.
It’s essential to avoid these common self-storage errors. Otherwise, your items could suffer permanent damage, and you could lose whatever is inside.
Check out this guide to identify many of the top self-storage mistakes and how you can avoid them.
1. Overpaying for the Wrong Size Unit
It can be easy to underestimate the amount of storage space needed. To avoid this, it is essential to carefully measure the items that you need to store and determine the minimum self-storage unit size when researching storage room prices in San Francisco. Also, consider any extra space necessary for packing and sorting things.
Inspect the unit in person before signing a contract to make sure that the unit is clean, properly maintained, and safe. Taking the time to verify all of these details will help you avoid any costly errors in self-storage.
2. Poor Placement of Sensitive Items
People often store these items on the floor, which could be better in terms of security or preservation. It is a terrible idea if the self-storage unit is prone to moisture or insects. Instead, sensitive items should be placed on shelves or racks and stored in climate-controlled units for security and safety.
3. Ignoring Space Accessibility
Before signing a rental agreement, understand the methods available for accessing the space and the frequency of its availability. Self-storage units generally have set hours of operation, and the facility may not be accessible 24/7. Ask questions to ensure you have access to the unit when needed.
4. Forgetting the Necessary Supplies
For example, if you do not bring packing tape, you may not be able to secure your packed boxes for optimal protection. If you use plastic bags for your belongings, make sure to bring zip ties or bungee cords to seal them securely. Also, if you are storing furniture, remember to bring moving blankets, dollies, and straps to secure the items in transport and storage.
Take the time to plan what supplies you need before you move your items in. Always ensure they are on hand to avoid any damage or improper storage. Another much easier option is to hire professionals like these Richmond movers. They will show up with all the needed supplies and save you some time.
5. Neglecting to Obtain Insurance Coverage
Unit owners aren’t protected if items are damaged or stolen. It’s a good idea to read the terms of any coverage the facility offers. Choosing a storage facility may require obtaining coverage through a third-party insurer.
Other functions, such as climate control, may also require insurance. Making sure coverage is in place before rental helps avoid losing valuable items to theft or damage.
Avoid Common Self-Storage Errors
Self-storage can provide a great asset to individuals in need of extra storage. You can avoid common self-storage errors by following a few simple tips and ensuring you do enough research ahead of time. Determine your needs and budget, compare unit sizes and facilities, choose a secure location, and ensure your unit is insured.
Planning can save you stress and potentially costly mistakes or inconveniences. Please read our other blogs on this site for some further help!
