Things to Consider Before Leasing a Storage Unit
Will my belongings be safe, and will I feel secure when I visit my storage unit?
You can feel safer and better protect your belongings from vandalism and
theft by choosing a brightly-lit storage facility with on-site security features.
Security features to look for include:
- Brightly-lit exterior
- Fenced perimeters
- Electronics gates with custom entry codes
- On-site storage managers
- Individually-alarmed storage units
- Security cameras
When moving your items into a storage unit for the first time, remember
to provide your own lock to safely secure your storage unit. For added
protection, invest in storage insurance. While it is often times required,
many storage facilities give you the option to purchase storage insurance
to better protect your items from damage or theft.
Will the location fit my needs?
Consider how often you’ll need to visit your storage unit. If you
plan on visiting your storage unit often, choose a location that’s
most convenient for you. Keep in mind that location affects price—if you
won’t need to visit your storage unit regularly, consider a less
expensive storage option.
Is the facility and storage unit clean?
Choose a storage facility with a reputation for providing clean and secure
storage units. Make sure you’re getting the most for your money
and take a tour of your future storage facility before you commit to renting a unit.
Will I be able to access my storage unit when needed?
Make sure the access offered by the storage facility will meet your needs.
Gate hours typically run from 6 AM to 10 PM, but some storage units offer
24-hour accessibility at an additional cost.
Does this facility offer the right size and type of storage I need?
This is oftentimes the most challenging part about choosing a storage unit.
Research the features and consider the advantages of indoor, outdoor,
and drive-up storage units and create a quick list of what you’re
looking for. Most storage facilities provide on-site staff to help you
find the best unit that fits your needs.
When storing larger items such as heavy furniture and office equipment,
consider the size of the storage unit door. If you’re storing temperature-sensitive
items, choose a facility that offers climate-controlled storage space
to protect your belonging from extreme temperatures and humidity.
Before signing your lease, ask your storage manager any questions you might
have about the security and accessibility features of your storage facility.
Take a tour to see if the storage units available are right for you.
Pack Your Storage Unit Like A Pro in Three Easy Steps!
Step One: Gear Up with the Right Boxes
Before moving into your storage unit, invest in some sturdy moving boxes
for packing. Resist the urge to store things in plastic bags, which are
not stackable and trap moisture, causing mildew. Protect fragile items
with plenty of bubble wrap or packing paper. Most importantly, don’t
forget to label your boxes! You’ll be glad you did once you have
to unpack.
Step Two: Prepare for Move-In Day
Ask your storage manager for a dolly or moving cart to use to help move
into your unit. Most facilities offer them at no additional cost. Your
storage manager may also offer pallets to stack your moving boxes to help
protect them against unwanted pests and water damage.
Step Three: Stay Organized & Maximize Storage Space
When packing your storage unit, it pays to be prepared. Planning will help
save you time and frustration for a smooth move.
Check out these tips for efficiently packing your storage unit:
- Store the largest items against the wall and along the sides of your storage
unit. Place items you’ll access often near the entrance.
- Leave an aisle to easily access your belongings. Create aisles between
furniture and stacks of boxes or arrange your belongings in a “U”
shape with open space for added accessibility.
- When possible, store large pieces of furniture vertically.
- Stack chairs seat to seat.
- Disassemble furniture, such as tables and bed frames. Place screws and
bolts in a bag and store them along with your furniture.
- Stack moving boxes so that you can see the labels and place the heavy boxes
on the bottom of the stacks.
- Store framed artwork and mirrors on end. Never store them flat!
- Use the storage space inside furniture drawers, wardrobes, and other hollow items.
Self-Storage Packing Tips from the College H.U.N.K.S Professionals
Not everyone can be an expert on packing for your storage unit, but now
you don’t have to be! At College H.U.N.K.S.®, we want your items
to last as much as you do.
Here are some helpful packing tips from the professionals to help make
your storage experience a success:
Use high quality, strong, stackable boxes and containers.
The strength of your boxes will degrade with use. Smaller boxes will make
it easier for stacking and will save you space in the unit. Do not use
masking tape or cellophane tape, as these tapes do not provide the strength
necessary for secure closures.
Fill boxes completely to keep them from collapsing and damaging your belongings.
Make sure half-empty moving boxes are on top of the stack, with heavier
boxes on the bottom. Pack books and other heavy items in smaller boxes
for easier lifting.
Label each box on several sides and make note of fragile items.
Each moving box label should be facing out so that you can easily find
what you’re looking for inside your storage unit. Each box should
also be properly labeled by what room they belong in. Each room’s
items should be stacked in the same area for easy access.
Clean your items before you store them.
Wipe all metal surfaces with a rag containing a few drops of machine oil
to combat rust. Bedding linens should be cleaned or dry-cleaned. Any crumbs
or stains should be removed from your items to avoid attracting unwanted pests.
Make the best use of your space.
Utilize your unit space by using the tops of dressers and tables to stack
boxes. Drawers are a good place for linens and small items. Mattresses
should be standing flat, on end, and not leaning to prevent lumps and
damage. Mirrors, windows, doors, and screens should be stored on edge
and never flat.
Use your own supplies.
You can use your blankets, towels, or bed sheets as a dust cover for expensive
furniture to help cut down the costs of moving and storage supplies.
Contact College H.U.N.K.S.® today at F:P:Sub:Cookie:L:Phone} to learn
more about our storage options in Frederick!
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