Whether you’re moving, have just moved, or are just getting tired of all of the stuff in your home, it could be time to look into a self-storage solution. Storage units are a great way to hold onto important items in your life without having to see them all the time. Whether these are family heirlooms that don’t quite fit your design aesthetic or seasonal holiday decorations that you don’t need taking up space in your closet, there are countless situations that might call for renting your own unit. If you’re a complete newbie to self-storage options, here are three mistakes you’ll definitely want to avoid making as you look to declutter your home.
1. Don’t forget to compare your options.
One of the first mistakes you can make when looking at different units is not comparing your options. There are a wide variety of storage facilities out there, from climate-controlled options to self-service units and facilities offering 24/7 access. Don’t just pick a storage unit because it’s cheap or nearby. It might not have all of the features you need.
One of the best ways to learn about what options are out there is by reading up on it on the internet. In addition to using your favorite search engine to look for different units or promotions, you’ll also want to read up on a few blogs and other websites to see what sorts of factors to keep in mind during your storage facility search. USSelfStorage Blog is a great resource full of tips for moving, the way technology is impacting units and more.
2. Don’t forget to label boxes and containers.
This might sound obvious, but in all of the hubbub of a move you may forget to label everything in your unit. This can create a major headache for you several months from now when you head back to retrieve something from your storage unit and can’t remember where you put it. Especially if you’re using your unit as a place to store seasonal decorations or clothing, this can add unnecessary time to your trip. For example, you might be storing a lot of clothing in your storage unit in order to make room for some new trouser pants or other work clothes. When winter comes and you need to get your sweaters, dress pants or warm dresses, the last thing you want is to have to dig through and open multiple boxes and containers just to get out your winter wardrobe. Do yourself a favor ahead of time and clearly label everything so that all you need to do is take a quick twenty-minute trip when the time comes to access your “closet” away from home.
3. Don’t sacrifice convenience for price.
Another thing to keep in mind is the balance between affordability and location when you’re shopping around for cheap self-storage units. While a monthly payment may be more affordable in a different area of town, you’ll want to seriously consider what sorts of items you’re planning on storing and how often you plan on accessing your unit during the year. A twenty or thirty-minute drive out of your way may not be the biggest pain each holiday season, but if you’re going to be using your storage unit for business, that commute can get old fast.
Having a more organized living space is worth its weight in gold. That being said, if you’ve inherited objects with sentimental value, it’s important to know that you can have those pieces safely stored and still in your hands. Storage units are a great way to give you that peace of mind, and, especially if you pick a storage facility near your home, you can even take advantage of these units as an extra, seasonal closet of sorts. The three tips above will help you avoid some of the most common mistakes new renters might make renting a unit, and can ensure that you’re finding a good deal that truly serves your needs.
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