Those who store in a unit for the first time usually make at least one of these storage mistakes. But no fear! You’re here now so you will be well-prepared to store like a professional. Take a look at these nine (9) common mini storage mistakes:
1. No insurance
Not using storage insurance is the first and most important self storage mstake. It can mean the difference between losing all your belongings and receiving money for your things in the unfortunate event that something were to happen to your stuff (lost or stolen).
Check with your insurance provider for a quote to cover the items in your unit. A helpful thing to remember is to not put anything in a unit worth over $5,000. It’s not guaranteed that an insurance company will cover the damages lost on an item worth this much. So, either keep this item at home or somewhere safe elsewhere.
2. Not checking security
Security is important for storage facilities, and not asking about it can be a mini storage mistake. Enclosed buildings have a much higher security rating than those that are in the open air. Sure, fences could keep out most intruders, but those who want to get in will get in. Ask the storage facility what security measures they have in place so you can sleep easy at night knowing your things are protected.
3. No storage plan
Not having a storage plan is another public storage mistake. Plan what packing materials you’ll need — boxes, tape, labels, and markers, for example.
Having a plan for the layout of your unit is important, too. Keep the most essential items at the front of your unit and create a path to navigate your stuff.
RELATED: 9 Mini Storage Hacks You Need To Know
4. Getting the wrong size
Knowing what storage room size you’ll need is another crucial factor to consider and many first-time renters make this storage mistake. They end up paying extra for space they don’t use. Get the most out of the unit you rent by utilizing height as well as floor space in the unit.
5. Not checking the unit from time to time
Not checking the unit from time to time is another self storage mistake. Items can become dusty, moldy, or damaged over time. Checking on the items every now and again will ensure none of your things are harmed when you leave it for months or years.
6. Not protecting against moisture
Units on the ground-level have a tendency of attracting water. Put a tarp down so water won’t seep in through the concrete. If you’re on the second level or higher, you won’t have to worry about water from below. You will, however, have to weigh the risk of having water come from above. The internal sprinkler system can soak your belongings if triggered. It’s a storage mistake not to cover your items with a tarp in your unit. This plastic tarp also doubles as a protector from dust.
7. Not protecting against pests
Pests such as mice, insects, moths, and silverfish can destroy your items. It’s a mini storage mistake to not have precautions in place to protect your items in storage from these pests. Cedar balls — opposed to mothballs — are your best chance against these animals (you can get these on Amazon). Mothballs make your clothes smell bad and the chemicals can be harmful to humans. Cedar balls, on the other hand, are a natural deterrent against these pests.
8. Using newspaper for packing material
Using newspaper instead of acid-free paper is another public storage mistake. For short-term storage (1-3 months), a newspaper may be okay to use, but longer-term storage (six or more months) is not ideal because the ink could bleed on the items. Instead, use acid-free packing paper because the chemical-free paper won’t interact with your pictures, art, clothing, or other items when in longterm storage.
9. Forgetting to label
Forgetting to label is another storage mistake. Many first-time storers forget to label what’s in the boxes and this makes it very hard to know what’s in the containers when you visit the unit months later. Keep an overview list of labeled boxes at the front of the unit for easy access.
Contact Moishe’s Self Storage if you’re looking for self-storage in NYC to hold your personal items. We’d love to hold your items.
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