The Dos and Don’ts of Storing Your Belongings in Self Storage

Self storage offers a versatile, practical solution for individuals and businesses seeking extra space or a temporary home for their belongings. Whether you are moving, downsizing or need to store some hobby-related items, tools, equipment or documents for your business, self storage units offer the right environment to keep your belongings safe, long-term or short-term.

However, utilizing these spaces effectively requires a strategic approach. To ensure a smooth storage experience, here are some dos and don’ts every customer should keep in mind:

The Dos:

From getting the right storage unit size for your needs and making sure you are storing only items you actually need and will use again, to properly packing your belongings, there are some important things to remember when renting a self storage unit.

1. Only store items that you’re likely to use again

The first step when it comes to putting your belongings in self storage is to sort everything out. Assess whether you truly need all the items you intend to put in storage. A self storage unit is an excellent way to keep important belongings that you don’t use on a daily basis safe — however, it should not become a place to cram various stuff that you simply don’t want to keep around the house. Whether it’s clothing, furniture, books, electronics, hobby-related items or anything else, the main criteria for putting it in storage must be the likelihood of needing a particular item in the future.

2. Assess what type of unit you need

Determine the size and type of unit required for your belongings based on how much you are planning to store and the storage requirements of your items. For example, a 5’x5’ storage unit, which is one of the smallest standard units, is about the same size as the average home closet. This makes it a great choice for those who have a limited number of relatively small items to store: boxes with clothing, shoes or books, holiday decorations, camping gear, folding table and chairs, small appliances and so on. However, if you plan on storing bulkier items, such as extra furniture, large appliances, lawnmowers, bikes and such, you will need a larger unit, such as a 10’x10’ or a 10’x15’. People who are in the process of moving the contents of a home with multiple bedrooms and must temporarily store all their belongings have options as well: a 10’x20’ storage unit can hold all the furniture and the rest of the stuff in a three-plus bedroom home.

Another thing to consider, besides the unit sizes, is whether to get a climate-controlled unit or a regular one. Climate-controlled units are recommended when storing expensive and fragile items, including antiques, artworks, good-quality furniture, collectibles and so on. A climate-controlled unit, where the temperature and humidity are constant all the time, ensures the right environment for the long-term storage of your valuable belongings.

3. Clean everything before putting it in storage

Everything that goes into the self storage unit, from clothes and shoes to big-ticket items like furniture, appliances or even vehicles, should be perfectly clean and dry. Storing items that are dirty, dusty, rusted or moist will inevitably lead to them becoming damaged and unusable. Take the time to wash all the clothes before storage, dust and polish the furniture, vacuum upholstered furniture and carpets and do a thorough inside-and-out cleanup of appliances and vehicles. This way, your belongings will be safe even if stored long-term.

4. Organize and label everything before storing

Use lidded boxes and label all the boxes to organize your stored belongings — proper organization is key when it comes to making the most of your storage unit. It’s also extremely useful to keep an inventory list to easily locate items when needed. Another good strategy is to place frequently accessed items toward the front for quick retrieval.

5. Optimize space inside the unit

Most self storage units are eight feet tall, which means you can expand your storage area by utilizing vertical space. You can stack boxes and furniture strategically to make the most of the unit’s dimensions. However, there are a few precautions you should take to protect your belongings when it comes to stacking items in your storage unit:

• Don’t stack boxes on upholstered furniture, mattresses or varnished surfaces. Putting weight on these surfaces will damage your items.
• Invest in high-quality, durable boxes that can withstand the weight of stacking. Avoid overloading boxes as this can weaken them and cause them to collapse.
• Place the heaviest boxes at the bottom of the stack. This provides a stable foundation and prevents lighter boxes from getting crushed.
• Utilize the space within boxes efficiently by filling them to capacity. This prevents boxes from collapsing when stacked and minimizes shifting of items inside.

6. Use protective coverings

Some of the belongings you put in your storage unit are already protected inside boxes. However, large items, such as furniture or appliances, also need protection while in storage. To safeguard them from dust and damage, you should always use protective coverings such as tarps, sheets or specialized covers for furniture. Make sure you protect the edges and corners of your furniture using dedicated products or things you might have at home, such as pool noodles, cardboard, sponges or foam pipe insulation.

7. Maintain access pathways

Leave clear pathways within the storage unit for easy navigation and access to belongings you need to retrieve from time to time, particularly if you are using your unit long-term. This ensures you won’t have to move everything around to reach a specific item, which saves time and effort. It also protects your belongings from potential damages that might occur from frequent moving.

The Don’ts:

There are certain “don’ts” that, if overlooked, can compromise the safety and condition of your stored items. Adhering to these guidelines is vital to ensure your possessions remain intact, accessible and in good condition throughout their time in self storage.

1. Don’t overstuff the unit

One common mistake people make when putting their items in a self storage unit is to overstuff it. However, an overcrowded storage space can create a lot of problems. For one thing, your belongings might get damaged from improper stacking. Also, if there is no room for proper air circulation, mold and mildew buildup can damage your items. Finally, it’s highly impractical if you can’t easily reach all your stored belongings. So make sure you get a storage unit large enough for everything — with a bit of room to spare.

2. Don’t store prohibited items

Most storage facilities have a list of prohibited items for safety and legal reasons. These often include perishable goods, hazardous materials, firearms and illegal items. Depending on the facility, the list of prohibited items might vary, so check with the facility manager when in doubt about a certain item.

3. Don’t forget about insurance

Most self storage facilities require that you purchase insurance for your stored goods. In some cases, your existing homeowner’s or renter’s insurance might cover the belongings in your self storage unit. However, it’s important to make sure that the coverage is enough for your stuff. If not, it’s recommended that you purchase additional insurance. For certain items, such as artwork or antiques, the best practice is to have them appraised and get proper insurance based on their actual value. If you own old jewelry, for example, don’t simply put in in a storage unit without checking its value. A site like The Alloy Market can help you quickly estimate the worth of your gold pieces, so that you can get the right insurance based on the actual value of your items. As for vehicles, contact your auto insurance company — you will probably be able to get parked-car insurance, which is cheaper than regular auto insurance. However, don’t forget to switch to regular auto insurance prior to taking your vehicle out of storage.

4. Don’t neglect security measures

Most self storage facilities apply extensive safety precautions, including security cameras, a fenced and well-lit perimeter and electronic gate access — so make sure that the facility where you are planning to rent a unit follows similar policies. Always lock your unit securely using a quality padlock or security device recommended by the facility. Additionally, refrain from providing others with access to your unit while you’re not there. If you intend to give or lend something you have stored, it’s better that you drive to the unit and retrieve that object yourself.

5. Don’t disregard maintenance

Visit your storage unit at least once every couple of months to ensure that everything remains in good condition. You’ll be able to address any issues promptly, whether it’s moisture damage, dust accumulation, pest infestation or damage due to improper packing and stacking.

By adhering to these dos and don’ts, you can make the most of your self storage unit. Effective planning, organization and maintenance are essential for preserving the condition of your belongings. Remember, a well-maintained and organized storage unit not only keeps your items safe but also makes accessing them a stress-free experience whenever you need them.