Self Storage Tips for First Time Users

If you haven't used self storage before, it can be difficult knowing where to start. The idea of locking your belongings in a unit and leaving them there sometimes for months at a time can be a little intimidating, too, so with that in mind, we have put together a post for self-storage first-time users, and in this post, we will cover everything we think you need to know about renting a storage unit.

So keep on reading as we will go through self-storage tips for first-time users, starting with what to do before you rent a storage unit, then we will look at how to pack your belongings properly and what you should keep an eye on after you have moved everything in.

Before renting your unit

Your first step is to work out how much space you actually need. Walk around your home with a tape measure and make a rough list of the big items you plan to store. Sofas, wardrobes, bikes and even a few bulky boxes can add up quickly. If you overestimate by too much, you will end up paying for space you will never fill.

Once you have a sense of the volume, visit the storage facility in person. This is worth doing even if you have seen photos online.

When you are at the self-storage unit, you can check that the corridors are clean and well-lit, which is important if you need access to your unit at night.  You can also check that the doors seal properly and that there is good security in place. Finally, we would recommend that you ask about CCTV, humidity, pest control, and whether staff are on site during the hours you are likely to visit, as this can give you an overall picture of your unit.

Most people need storage, so they tend to jump into action, but we would recommend that, before you sign any agreement, you take the time to read the contract carefully. You should look for the notice period in case you need to move out early, and you can also find out whether you can upgrade or downsize your unit easily.  In your contract, you will also see if the rent can be increased while you are still using the same unit.

If there is anything you are unsure about, ask the staff before you sign. This is the point where you can avoid most future surprises.

You're going to need packing materials.

Good packing makes a huge difference to how well your belongings stay safe in your storage unit. Cheap, flimsy boxes can collapse under weight or humidity, so we would recommend that you invest in sturdy cardboard boxes or plastic crates with solid lids. Other supplies you are going to need include strong tape and a decent marker pen for labelling, which will save you a ton of time in the future when trying to find items.

If you are storing clothes, it is worth using wardrobe boxes so your items can hang and keep their shape. When you take apart furniture such as beds or tables, keep all the screws and fittings in a small sealed bag and tape it securely to the item so nothing gets lost.

While you may not want to spend your evenings or weekends cleaning, we would recommend that you clean everything before you store it. Dust, crumbs or even a little moisture can lead to pests or mould over time.

If you are storing wooden furniture, avoid wrapping it in tight plastic because this traps moisture and can lead to warping or mildew. A breathable cover is a better choice for wooden furniture.

When packing fragile items, give them an extra layer of padding such as bubble wrap or packing paper, as things can move around in your unit, and they could become damaged if you haven't stored them correctly. Finally, make sure that heavy boxes are placed at the bottom of any stack with lighter boxes above.

Take the time to label each box clearly on at least two sides so that you can see what is inside without moving everything around. It may feel slow when you are packing, but it saves hours of frustration when you need to find something later.

Laying Out Your Unit

The day you move into your storage unit can be chaotic if you do not have a plan. We would recommend that you start by placing the largest pieces of furniture, such as sofas, wardrobes or mattresses, at the back of the unit so that they do not block your view or access later.  You probably won't need to access these as much as seasonal items either, so the back is a good place for them.

As you build the rest of your layout, keep the items you will need to reach most often near the front of the unit. Things you will not need for a long time can go in the back.

Leave a narrow aisle through the middle of the space. Many first-time users regret not doing this, as it makes retrieving items much harder once the unit is full. If your unit is tall enough, consider adding shelving. Stacking upwards keeps fragile things off the floor and lets you use the vertical space more efficiently.

Before you lock the unit, take a few photos on your phone of how everything is arranged. These pictures become a simple road map the next time you visit and can save you from searching through piles of boxes.

Finally, make sure you use a strong padlock rather than the cheapest one you can find. A good lock is one of the simplest but most important investments for keeping your belongings secure.

Maintaining your storage unit

A storage unit is not something you can fill and forget. While none of us spend our evenings dreaming about storage units, we would recommend that you visit your unit every few weeks to make sure everything is still in good condition.

When you visit your unit, look for signs of damp or leaks and check that nothing has shifted or been damaged. If it has, fix it as soon as possible.

If you use moisture absorbers or silica gel packs within your unit, now is a good time to replace them. We would advise that you move items slightly from time to time so that air can circulate and to prevent any damp spots from developing in your storage unit.

Something we see beginners do is not keep a list of their items. We would recommend that you keep your inventory list up to date. If you add or remove items, note it down. This is especially useful for insurance purposes, and it also stops you from buying things you already own but forgot were in storage.

Common Mistakes First-Time Storage Users Make

A common mistake is to use cling film or plastic wrapping on furniture in the hope of protecting it. While it looks good and it may keep out dust, it also traps moisture and can lead to mould or wood swelling over time. If you don't check your unit and this happens, you can say bye-bye to your furniture.

Another mistake first-time storage unit users make is stacking boxes right up to the ceiling without leaving gaps for airflow or without thinking about access. This often can result in a messy unit that is hard to use, and it also leaves you open to mould forming in your unit.

Labelling is another task that many skip when they are tired after a long day of packing. Believe us, it's worth taking the extra time to label your items. As months later, when you need just one item, you will regret not taking those extra seconds to label the boxes properly.

It is also worth checking promotional deals and when they run out, as a low introductory price may go up significantly after the first few weeks of storage, so make sure you know the full ongoing cost before you agree to rent, as this can be a costly mistake that first-time users make.