Self-storage units can be a great way to store your personal belongings, boxes and furniture pieces during a move, renovation, or decluttering process. However, the process can be overwhelming and lead to common mistakes that could impact your experience. In this blog post, we will highlight the top self-storage mistakes to avoid and provide tips on preventing them. Our goal is to help you have a smooth and stress-free storage experience.
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Neglecting to Plan Ahead
Before renting your first self-storage unit, take the time to assess your storage needs and plan accordingly. Determine what items you’ll be storing, their sizes, any odd-sized items, and how long you’ll need the storage space. Failing to plan could result in choosing the wrong storage unit size or not having adequate packing supplies like boxes, bubble wrap, and tape, leading to frustration down the line.
You can start by making a storage list indicating the number of items you plan to store and the measurements, including the height, length, and depth of any odd-sized items and any temperature-sensitive items. You can also include a column indicating the box number so that you can track where the items are stored.
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Underestimating Storage Space Needed
One of the most common mistakes is underestimating the required storage space. It’s essential to accurately assess the volume of items you plan to store to avoid renting a unit that’s too small. Take inventory of your belongings and consider future storage needs to ensure you select the appropriate unit size to accommodate everything comfortably. Should you have items with a higher height, it is also good to highlight this to the storage provider so that they can advise on the storage process and what storage size will best fit it.
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Skipping Proper Organisation and Labelling
Effective organisation is key to maximising your self-storage space and maintaining easy access to your belongings. Avoid the mistake of haphazardly packing items into boxes without proper labelling or organisation. Take the time to categorise items, label boxes clearly, and create a layout plan for your storage unit to facilitate efficient retrieval when needed.
For fragile items, remember to also indicate it on the box so that the movers can note it during the moving process. For businesses, you might also want to plan on installing shelving in the self-storage unit so that you can store your items in an orderly manner based on your business needs. This will also provide you with a space to walk about in the storage unit when you are taking stock or packing your items for customers.
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Overlooking Security Features
When choosing a self-storage facility, consider the importance of robust security features. Look for self-storage facilities with measures such as security guard posts, 24/7 CCTV surveillance cameras, pin code or security card access and reception or on-site staff to help safeguard your belongings. Prioritising security can provide peace of mind, knowing your items are well-protected in storage.
During your initial storage decision process, you should also visit the storage facility to have a first-hand look at the place, check on the security features, loading bay areas, and whether the storage facility is clean, etc. You can also time your journey to see if it is within your preferred travelling time if you visit your storage unit daily; this is also an important factor to consider.
By avoiding these common self-storage mistakes and taking proactive steps to plan, organise, and secure your belongings, you can make the most of your self-storage experience. Whether you’re storing items short-term or long-term, careful consideration and preparation will contribute to a seamless and successful storage journey.
If you are looking for a self-storage provider, you can always contact Extra Space Asia Self Storage at 1300 22 0288 to learn more about the various storage offerings. You can also visit the storage facility during operating hours from Monday to Friday, 9am to 6 and Saturday, 9 am to 1pm, without the need for a prior appointment.
