It seems like a simple enough decision: you need some extra space to store the overflow from your home or office, so you go shopping for a self-storage unit.
But before you sign on the dotted line at your local facility, make sure you’re not making one of these 5 common mistakes that can add up to big money — and big headaches.
Self-storage facilities tend to look pretty similar from the outside, so it can be hard to tell which type of unit a company offers.
For instance, there are three different types of climate-controlled units, each with advantages and disadvantages: heated, cooled and humidity-controlled.
“The one thing you have to be careful of is being misled into a rental agreement for a unit that’s not suitable for the items you’re planning to store,” said Mike Kuechenberg, vice president of marketing and sales at Quick Lock Storage.
Here are the 5 most common mistakes to avoid when renting a self-storage unit.
1. Not packing your belongings properly
Many people don’t realize that when you’re storing items, they should be packed in proper containers. “We recommend you buy clear plastic bins so everything is visible, which will help the self-storage professionals get things back to you in an orderly way,” Kuechenberg said.
To avoid moisture damage, Kuechenberg recommends wrapping appliances in plastic and then packing them in their original boxes whenever possible.
2. Not double-checking your agreement
It’s a big mistake to sign a self-storage contract without reading the fine print first. You’ll want to consider whether you’ll need insurance for your self-storage unit and, if so, how much coverage you need to have. Also, read the self-storage terms before signing so you know what all of the self-storage terms mean.
For example, some self-storage facilities require an additional fee if you pay your self-storage bill late. Not paying on time can result in extra self-storage fees. And those fees could easily add up to more than the original self-storage charge for not paying on time! So always read through the self-storage self-storage contract before signing so you know what self-storage rules and self-storage rates apply.
3. Not securing your stuff
Not taking these precautions will leave your self-storage unit open to theft. Be sure to lock your storage unit securely and use a quality lock that can’t be removed easily with bolt cutters. That way you’ll ensure the safety of your belongings while they’re stored in self-storage. And, if you’re renting climate controlled self-storage, you’ll need to seal your belongings in airtight containers before storing them.
4. Not considering self-storage insurance
Insurance is essential for self-storage. It’s the only way you’ll be able to ensure your self-storage unit is fully protected in case of theft or damage by storms, fire, or other forces. For more information on self-storage insurance, check out
this article by Nationwide.
5) Note labeling your containers properly.
Don’t just throw a bunch of unlabeled cardboard boxes into your self-storage unit. Label each container with what’s inside. Self storage units are great for extra house hold items that you might not need constantly, but don’t want to get rid of, so labeling what is inside of each container is extremely important, it will save you time and aggravation in the future.
6) Renting a self-storage unit that is too small or too large
Walking into a self-storage facility is an overwhelming experience for some people, particularly if they are not experienced with self-storage. The size of the place is often a bit overwhelming. So how big does self-storage need to be?
Most self-storage facilities have three sizes: small, medium and large. Generally, choose medium when renting a self-storage unit, but make sure it’s the right size for all your belongings. Don’t get caught with an extra space that doesn’t fit your needs or even worse, not having enough space.
In Closing
Self-storage can be an affordable option for storing your stuff if done right, but it will only work out well if you know how to do it correctly! Avoid these five common mistakes that cause people problems with their rentable space and stay organized.