Storage Unit Checklist Before Moving In

If you are about to put your belongings into storage, having a storage unit checklist before moving in will save you stress, time and often money.

Moving your belongings into storage isn’t as simple as turning up with a van, and a little preparation goes a long way.

The following post walks you through everything to do before you move into a storage unit, from choosing the right space to keeping your things protected in the months ahead. So keep reading.

Choose the Right Facility Before You Sign

First, you will want to visit the facility in person if you can. This will give you a good feel of the place. You can look at the security gates, ask about cameras, and check whether the units feel dry and well-lit, after all, this is the place that will be holding your valuables.

You can take your time to examine the door seals and the walls for any signs of damp or pests. If you notice a musty smell or see evidence of rodents, then I would advise you to look elsewhere at other storage units.

You should also take note of access hours and how you will get in. Some self-storage sites offer 24-hour keypad entry, while others only allow access during staffed hours. You will need to consider this and think about whether you will need to retrieve items in the evening, at weekends or at any other times that suit you.

Finally, read the contract carefully. Understand how much notice you need to give to leave, whether the price is fixed or promotional, and if there are extra costs for late payment, admin or replacing a lost access card. You don't want to get tripped up by these hidden fees.

Gather the Paperwork and Essentials

Most storage companies ask for proof of identity, proof of address and a payment method before you can move in. Having these ready avoids last-minute headaches.

It is also worth arranging contents insurance early. Some facilities require you to use their provider, others let you shop around.

Depending on where you rent a storage unit, you may need to provide your own lock. We advise you to buy a decent lock rather than relying on the cheapest padlock on the shelf. Storage units can be targets for criminals, so a sturdy disc lock or closed shackle padlock can offer more protection than a basic brass one.

You should also give the storage unit a list of other contacts, so if anything happens to you, the facility will know who to reach.

Get the Right Packing Materials

A good storage company will provide units that are pest and damp-free, but it's always important to pack your belongings in a way which gives them the most protection. Each item you store will have a different way of packing, so do your research first.

Strong cardboard boxes or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids can be used to protect your items. If you are storing clothes. Pick a few wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes so they stay in shape.

We would also recommend that you invest in some packing tape, marker pens, bubble wrap or packing paper to make organising your unit quick and effective. If you are storing furniture, dust covers can also be used.

For long-term storage, consider adding moisture absorbers or silica gel sachets. In damp climates, these small items prevent mould and keep fabrics fresh.

Protecting your belongings

You should clean everything before it goes into storage, especially appliances and furniture, as residual food crumbs or moisture invite pests and mould into your unit, which can damage your items over time.

When storing furniture, try to disassemble beds, tables and large items where possible and then wrap these pieces in breathable covers to give them additional protection. Avoid sealing wooden items in plastic because trapped moisture can cause swelling and mildew. Plastic bags also have ink on them, which can stain your belongings over time.

When packing, put heavy boxes at the bottom of stacks and lighter ones on top, and try to use uniformly sized boxes so stacks stay stable.

If you are storing electronics and fragile items in your storage unit, they can benefit from an extra layer of padding and should be stored off the ground on a shelf or a pallet, so you keep them safe.

If you are storing clothes or soft furnishings, pack them dry and use breathable fabric bags rather than bin liners.

Plan Your Layout for Easy Access

When packing your unit, you should think ahead to what you will need to reach most often.

Seasonal clothing, paperwork or sports gear should be placed near the front as you will need access to them more frequently as the seasons change, whereas items that can sit undisturbed for months can go to the back of your storage unit.

We recommend that you leave a narrow aisle through the middle of the unit so you do not have to climb over boxes later. If the unit is tall enough, use sturdy shelving to keep fragile things higher up and maximise floor space.

Before you lock up, photograph the layout as a quick reference on your phone, which can save you a long search the next time you visit, which could be months down the line.

Maintain and Check

A storage unit is not a set-and-forget space.

You should drop by every few months to make sure nothing has shifted, leaked or developed mould. If you visit more often, you can make sure that your unit isn't taken over by mould and you can stop it in its tracks.

When visiting, you should also swap out moisture absorbers if they have become saturated, and it's a good idea to check locks for rust or damage on every visit.

When visiting your self-storage unit, you should update your inventory as you add or remove items. This helps with insurance claims and avoids duplicate purchases because you forgot what you already stored under 5 boxes in your storage unit.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

First-time users of storage units can make many mistakes, which either cost them money, time or something that ends up damaging their items. Mistakes can come in many sizes and shapes, and one of the most common mistakes that we see is people using the wrong type of wrapping on their items. The wrong wrapping can lead to moisture forming and mould festering in their unit.

Another frequent mistake that we see at Pink Storage is that our customers tend to stack boxes right up to the ceiling without leaving any airflow or space to retrieve them later. Once again, this makes it difficult to retrieve items and also makes it hard for air to flow in the unit.

Finally, if you don't want to spend too much time at your self-storage unit, we recommend that you label all of your boxes so finding items is easier. Trust us, if you don't do it now, you will be doing it months down the line, where it will be much harder to find your items.