Our 6 point self-storage advice guide will help you understand what you need to be aware of when considering using self-storage.
Storing your belongings in a self-storage unit can be a great way to free up space at home or when moving. Our self-storage advice guide will provide help and guidance.
Choosing the right storage facility can help you find peace of mind knowing that your items are safe and sound in their new home, away from prying eyes.
Storage units are secure and safe, which can help you feel at ease when storing your items in these units.
There’s no need to worry about being without valuable items as they’re kept safely on-site until you come back for them!
However, it is wise to do some research before choosing the right place for you. As there are many different factors to consider.
Additionally, there are also a number of best practices to consider while you are storing. So we have provided 6 self-storage advice tips to help you.
The way you pack your unit is important to keep your belongings in great condition. There are a few things to mention:
Pack items that you use least of all. If you are likely to return for certain items leave them closer to the front of your storage unit. This will ensure easier access on future visits.
Label your boxes, and not just kitchen stuff, write the room location of each box. It will help you to not only find them in your unit but also which room to locate to on return.
Avoid stacking any items against the walls and think about leaving gaps between items to allow air to circulate.
If you stack several layers up, make sure the heaviest items are stacked at the bottom.
This will ensure a strong and sturdy base to build from, and a strong piece of self-storage advice to boot!.
Cardboard boxes can soften and lose durability over time. Something that looks sturdy enough when you first pack the unit may look different in several month’s time.
For packing heavier items, use double-wall boxes. This is particularly the case for belongings such as books and crockery.
The last thing you need is to pick up a box and find the contents hitting your feet within seconds!
It may not seem like it, but spending time at your unit can help keep all of your belongings in good condition.
Keeping a cool and dry environment is one of the main ways to keep your possessions safe from mold.
This means that it’s important for you to make sure everything in your unit stays as fresh-smelling, clean, and comfortable as possible
Visiting your unit allows you to open the doors and air the unit. furthermore, it allows you to check the condition of your unit.
While self-storage in most cases is a safe, and dry, solution to your storage needs, accidents and incidents can still happen.
It’s quite common for people who use self-storage over the longer term to remove and add belongings to the storage facility.
Furthermore, this can affect your insurance cover. You may find you either have too much cover or worse still not enough cover.
If you add or remove larger items from your unit, do not forget to check your insurance cover is adequate after adding or removing your belongings.
This will give you the peace of mind that you have adequate cover in place, should the unthinkable happen.
Part of your contract with the storage provider is to keep your account up to date. Moreover, it just makes sense, besides being a legal requirement!
If there is a problem with your payments and your account goes into arrears. Or if there is a problem at the storage facility, talk to the store without delay.
It is important that the storage provider has the most current details to be able to contact you.
The storage company will send out a notification if they need access and/or want to inspect anything in your unit.
They might just be doing some routine maintenance work or checking up on any incidents that may have happened at their facility-that way our belongings stay safe!
When you are adding items to your storage unit, just have a quick check they are not on the prohibited items list.
You will find this list in your contract, or for ease, most storage providers display a copy in reception and around the store.
If in doubt, just ask the store staff and they should be able to provide you with a copy.
Some of the items on the prohibited items on the list are obvious. It perhaps goes without saying, however, let’s say it anyway, you cannot store any illegal items!
Additionally, other items you would happily store at home. Such as paint, cleaning solvents, or compressed gases are not permitted for self-storage purposes.
If you are ever in doubt, check with your storage provider to clarify if you can or cannot store an item.
It is always better to be safe than sorry. More information on self-storage can be found on the self-storage association website.
Each store is a little different when it comes to access to your self-storage unit.
Therefore you may want to refer to your store for more information when considering these points.
If you are given a pin code, do not share it with anyone or only with the necessary people.
Also, be aware when keying it into the pin pad, ensure that nobody is watching you key it in.
A pin code is normally individual to each customer. Therefore the storage company can see who has entered the store at any time for security reasons.
If you think someone else knows your pin who shouldn’t, or you have concerns about it, report it.
You can then request that the store changes it for you.
Some pin codes will not only allow you access to the building but deactivate alarms within the building too.
If you have been asked to, please remember to always key in your pin.
Even if the shutters are open while staff are still on-site, this will deactivate your alarm on the unit.
If the thought of moving into self-storage seems a little bit too daunting then feel free to reach out to us, we can help with self-storage advice.
We can take away the hassle of hiring a van. Such as loading heavy items, and sitting in traffic trying to get to the self-storage facility. We are just an email away.
Call: 01172 510 400
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Bristol and Bath Science Park Dirac Crescent Emersons Green Bristol BS16 7FR
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