{"id":130801,"date":"2023-12-20T23:21:24","date_gmt":"2023-12-21T07:21:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/?p=130801"},"modified":"2025-04-16T06:42:31","modified_gmt":"2025-04-16T13:42:31","slug":"the-dos-and-donts-of-self-storage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/self-storage\/the-dos-and-donts-of-self-storage\/","title":{"rendered":"The Dos and Don\u2019ts of Storing Your Belongings in Self Storage"},"content":{"rendered":"

Self storage<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

However, utilizing these spaces effectively requires a strategic approach. To ensure a smooth storage experience, here are some dos and don\u2019ts every customer should keep in mind:<\/p>\n

The Dos:<\/h2>\n

From getting the right storage unit size<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

1. Only store items that you\u2019re likely to use again<\/h3>\n

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\u2019t use on a daily basis safe \u2014 however, it should not become a place to cram various stuff that you simply don\u2019t want to keep around the house. Whether it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

2. Assess what type of unit you need<\/h3>\n

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\u2019x5\u2019 storage unit<\/a>, 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\u2019x10\u2019<\/a> or a 10\u2019x15\u2019<\/a>. 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\u2019x20\u2019 storage unit<\/a> can hold all the furniture and the rest of the stuff in a three-plus bedroom home.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"Person<\/p>\n

3. Clean everything before putting it in storage<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

4. Organize and label everything before storing<\/h3>\n

Use lidded boxes and label all the boxes to organize your stored belongings \u2014 proper organization is key when it comes to making the most of your storage unit. It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

5. Optimize space inside the unit<\/h3>\n

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\u2019s dimensions. However, there are a few precautions you should take to protect your belongings when it comes to stacking items in your storage unit:<\/p>\n