Are you ready to get your first storage unit and declutter your house from all the extra, unused stuff? Getting a storage unit is not difficult at all, as most storage companies offer online booking nowadays, which means you can book your storage unit without setting a foot out of your house.
Choosing the right storage unit is crucial as you have to pay for it every month, and more often than it is a long-term commitment. Instead of selecting the first storage facility you come across, take some time to research and go in prepared.
Below are some mistakes people make when choosing a storage unit. Make sure you avoid making these mistakes, and you shall get a storage unit that will be perfect for you.
Choosing the Wrong Size
Choosing the wrong storage unit size is one of the most common mistake people make while booking a storage unit. When you book a storage unit, you pay by size for every square inch, so the larger you go, the higher you have to pay.
Choosing a storage unit that is too big for you will result in overpaying for the space that does not have any functionality for you. If you choose a storage unit that is smaller than your requirements, you will have to cramp up your storage unit to fit everything you want to store. A chaotic storage unit will lead to more problems instead of solving the previous ones.
You can avoid this mistake by talking to some storage provider like STORED about all the storage sizes they offer. You can make a list of everything you want to store; having an inventory will allow you to estimate your required storage unit size accurately.
Getting a Storage Unit Far Away
Gone are the days when storage facilities were built outside the city in the middle of nowhere. People now have access to storage facilities that are built near residential areas. Choosing a storage facility near your residence, workplace, or falls between your daily commute is highly recommended.
Some people make the mistake of booking a storage unit that is far away. If you choose a storage facility outside the city or town, you will have to waste a whole day travelling to and from.
This will result in a waste of time, money, and fuel. You will have to waste a lot of time when you fetch anything from the storage or put something in it.
Not Asking About Insurance Policy
Most storage companies offer storage unit insurance, as getting your belongings and storage unit insured is mandatory. You can inquire about different insurance plans from your storage provider or contact companies offering storage unit insurance.
Having your storage unit insured will save you a lot of hassle and stress in any unfortunate scenario. Storage companies offer different insurance packages that are primarily in relation to the value of your belongings.
Forgetting About the Security Features
People think storage facilities are supposed to be safe and secure, so they don’t hesitate to store their valuables. Our advice? Make security your priority whenever you are choosing a storage facility.
Have a detailed conversation with your prospective storage provider about all the security features they offer. Some storage facilities offer value-added services and added security features if you need a high-security storage unit.
Whenever you book a storage unit, check for basic security features offered by the storage provider. Some security elements considered a must are 24-hour CCTV, authorised access to the storage unit, a dual-protected storage unit, and guarded entry and exit points of the storage facility.
Not Getting Appropriate Packing Material
Your belongings will only remain safe if you have appropriately packed everything. Good-quality packing material is crucial if you want your belongings to remain in optimal condition. Good quality packing material, cardboard boxes, and cushioning material are essential when packing for a storage unit.
Some people don’t put much thought into packing; they cram everything in the boxes randomly and regret it later when they have to fetch something. If you fail to find high-quality packing material, you can also check with your storage provider whether they sell packing material.
Putting Prohibited Items in Your Storage Unit
A storage unit might seem like the perfect outlet to store unused, extra, rarely used items. Some people use it while decluttering; some rent a storage unit when moving to a new place. While some people use it as a store for discarded things and pile up all sorts of trash.
The good thing is there are some things you cannot store in a storage unit for your safety and others. Every storage facility has a list of prohibited items that should never be stored in a storage unit, some of which are mentioned below.
- Combustible items.
- Perishable items.
- Food.
- Pets.
- Flammable items.
- Weapons
- Ammunition.
- Plants.
- Fireworks.
The Final Word
Choosing a storage unit that matches your requirements is not hard at all. You just got to have a clear idea of what you want to store, the purpose of your storage, and the duration of your storage. Once you are all clear, you can make an informed decision and choose a storage unit that is best for you.
Go through our list of mistakes and try as much as you can to avoid those when you are short-listing storage providers. We are sure you have gotten the gist of picking a storage unit that is perfect for you.
