Get your stuff together! 60,000 storage facilities are in operation throughout the United States. 

Millions of people enjoy the services of these facilities every year. But many people struggle with putting their items away and using different types of storage units. If you want to be smart with your self-storage, you need to know the biggest self-storage mistakes. 

How can you find the right unit for your needs? How should you pack and organize your items? What should you do to maintain your items over time? 

Answer these questions and you can make the most out of your storage unit. Here are eight common self-storage mistakes.

1. Selecting the Wrong Self-Storage Unit

Not all storage units are the same. When you are storing large items, you need to prioritize the storage unit size and find a big unit. 

But if you have smaller items like papers, you don’t need to get a large unit. Buy a small unit that is big enough to store your boxes and a few additional items. 

Try to order 24-hour storage units as you access them during any time of day. You can also get a unit with amenities like electric outlets and task lights.

You should do your research on the self-storage company. Read customer reviews and evaluate how their customer service is. Take a look at their rates and see if you need to pay fees for using a unit every month.

2. Mispacking Your Items

You should start packing your items before you get your unit. This gives you plenty of time to get packing products and put your things into proper containers. You should get cardboard boxes, furniture covers, and packing tape. 

You need to wrap each individual plate and cup so they do not break. Wrap other fragile objects in bubble wrap before you place them into your boxes. 

Follow tips for packing like keeping similar items and items from the same room together. You should also label your boxes so you know what’s inside.

3. Storing the Wrong Items

Food and plants never go in a storage unit, even if you visit the unit to take care of the plants. Before you pack your clothes away, you should clean them to remove any food stains or debris. 

Never pack items that are damp or moldy. You should dry your clothes and linens, and you can leave them hanging in your unit so water falls off of them. 

Be careful with storing any items that can attract pests. Moths like to feed off of soft linens, so put them in wraps or boxes that moths cannot eat through.

4. Misarranging Your Boxes

After you’ve packed your boxes, you should think about what you will need most often. These items should go toward the front of your unit so they are easy to access. 

Place bulkier items around your unit. This will keep you from having to walk around or step over them to access the things you want. Heavy boxes should go underneath fragile and light boxes, as heavy boxes can crush smaller objects. 

5. Declining Storage Unit Insurance

Storage units do not have to pay you if your belongings get damaged or stolen. The only way to get money back is to buy insurance in advance. 

Some storage companies offer insurance packages, though you should read the terms of the insurance before buying it. You can also get insurance from an insurance company, especially if you have a valuable item you are storing. 

6. Failing to Secure Your Unit

Your storage company may have an on-site security team. Though security personnel can keep some thieves at bay, a thief can buy a unit next to yours and then transfer your items into their unit. 

You should lock the door to your unit with a sturdy lock. Some storage companies have security cameras, and you can select a unit that is close to the cameras. However, your unit should be as far away from the entrance as possible to make it harder for thieves to access it.

7. Forgetting About Your Unit 

Thousands of people buy storage units, only to forget about them. A storage unit company can sell your belongings if you forget about your unit and fail to pay your monthly fees. 

Visit your unit multiple times a year to keep it. Open it up and check to see that all of your belongings are in good condition. 

Give your unit a deep clean at least once a year. You should vacuum the floors, walls, and ceiling. If you notice pests, you should ask a pest control company to remove your infestation.

8. Not Adopting a Transition Plan

You can keep your unit for as long as you want. But you may need to remove your items if you are moving to another city or downsizing. 

Think about what you will do with your items in the unit. You can get another unit in your new city, or you can get a bigger home and move your items into your home. Think about whether you can give your belongings to friends and family or sell them for money.

Avoiding Self-Storage Mistakes

You don’t have to fall victim to self-storage mistakes. You should look at your options and find a unit that is just big enough to meet your needs. You should pack your items carefully, protecting valuable and bulky objects but keeping food out. 

Buy insurance so your items are protected. Visit your unit on a regular basis so you can keep things clean and safe. Decide what you will do in case you need to move your items. 

You can avoid many mistakes by hiring the right storage company. Tri-Star Storage serves the Mt. Juliet area. Contact us today.