Storage units can be incredibly useful for a range of different uses. Whether you’re downsizing your home and need someone to store treasured memories, need somewhere to put excess stock from your business, or just need more space overall, a storage unit could be the winning solution. Self-storage units can be found all over the United States and are easy to use, but there are still some things to bear in mind when you’re getting started. Here are five top tips for successful self-storage use.
Get organized from the start.
You might think you only have a few items to put into your storage space, but it’s likely that your self-storage needs will grow as time goes on. To keep your storage space neat, keep a checklist from the very beginning and label your boxes, so it’s easy to find your belongings later on. The last thing you want is to need to access something and realize that not only do you not know what box it’s in, but you also have a mess of different boxes that are impossible to move around. Keep things neatly stacked, labeled, and know what’s in each of them; Future You will thank you!
Keep dangerous and valuable items secure.
Depending on what you’re storing, you might need to take special consideration to keep dangerous or valuable items properly secure. The perfect storage unit should be secure in itself, but if you have particularly valuable items, like jewelry or expensive belongings, then adding extra security within, like a mini-safe, lockbox, or just hiding them out of sight is a good idea.
If you are planning to store anything that could be potentially dangerous, it’s wise to keep those specially secured as well. Many people choose to store guns in self-storage units, perhaps after having children, and getting a leather shotgun case or gun case can keep it both safe and protect from any long-term damage. With weapons that can be dangerous, it’s vital to get the specifications right and store them in the right place, to keep both it and others safe.
Do your research.
Not all self-storage properties are made equal, so make sure you find the right one for you. From vehicle storage to business storage, there are dozens of options. US Self Storage breaks down exactly what each option can offer and why they might be right for you. The amount of rentable self-storage space is on the rise, with people living in smaller homes. This is great for anyone looking to find their own extra space storage, as there is simply so much to choose from. Think about how much space you need, whether you need a refrigerated unit, how secure you want it to be before you make a reservation with a storage company. Doing the extra work will definitely pay off in the end.
Find a location that suits you.
Although the items you put into extra space storage won’t be stuff you need every day, you will probably need to get at them at some point. That’s why it’s smart to pick a location that is somewhat nearby. If you’re in the process of relocation, then maybe hold off a reservation. There is a large amount of rentable self-storage space across the United States, so you’ll likely be spoilt for choice. From excess luggage to winter jackets, much of what the average person puts into a storage unit needs to be kept in excellent condition to be used at some point throughout the year. Make that as easy for yourself as possible.
Don’t skimp on price.
With that in mind, think about your self-storage needs as an investment in yourself. As a renter, it can be tempting to skimp on cost, but you also want to make sure your belongings stay in excellent condition and you will be able to expect customer satisfaction throughout the process. That might mean paying a little more money at first, but you’ll be glad when everything you put into your unit comes out the other side exactly the same as you left it.
