4 Storage Unit Mistakes To Avoid
Posted on: 15 November 2017
Renting a self storage unit from a place like Security Self Storage is a great solution in a number of situations, such as when you're moving, downsizing, or have inherited items that you don't have room for in your home. But in order to get the most out of your self storage unit, you need to plan and be prepared. If you're renting a self storage unit in the near future, avoid these common mistakes:
Not Taking Security Seriously
Many people are surprised to learn that self storage facilities are a target for burglars, but criminals do tend to try to take advantage by breaking in to unattended units. If you want to ensure that your belongings stay safe while in storage, carefully select the right self storage facility. Ideally, look for a facility that is gated and requires a code for access. Facilities should be well-lit at night and have visible security cameras. If a self storage facility has a night guard, that adds an extra level of protection.
Failure to Label Boxes
Even if you're in a hurry to place items in a storage unit, you should always take the time to clearly label each box, and make sure that the boxes are placed with the label facing out. If you have a storage unit full of unlabeled boxes, you will waste a lot of time looking through each box trying to find what you're looking for.
Storing Edible Items
When you're filling up your storage unit, it is essential to ensure that you don't place any edible items inside. Anything edible, even dry goods like packaged rice or flour, can attract a number of pests to your unit. The last thing you want when you open up your storage unit is to see an infestation of insects or rodents among your belongings.
Not Thinking About Insurance
In most cases, the rental contract that you will sign for a storage unit includes wording that states that the storage facility is in no way responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items. This means that it is up to you to ensure that you're financially protected should anything happen to your items while they are in storage.
First, check with your renters or homeowners insurance company. In many cases, your policy will cover your belongings that are kept in a locked storage unit. But, if your renters or homeowners insurance policy does not provide coverage for stored items, you will need to purchase a separate policy for as long as you are renting the storage unit.
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