Tips For Utilizing Your Self Storage Unit

You probably drive by self-storage centers every day, but have never considered that you may need to rent one someday. However, there are a number of different items you can store in a storage unit, and you could even think of the unit as a second garage or shed. Here are some ways you can benefit from renting a storage unit, and how to organize what you may decide you want to place inside.

Planning and Preparing

As you decide what to place in your unit, check with your rental facilities for any restrictions they may have. Remember that you will need to sign a lease, just as you would if you were renting a home. 

Make a inventory of the items that you are planning to store. Consider heated self-storage units for items that would fare better in a warmer environment. Once you have a list of what you want to store and have made sure it's in compliance with the facility's regulations, you can decide on the size unit you need to rent.

Insure Your Belongings

There may be insurance included with your rental facility rental fee, but you'll want to make sure you have additional insurance on something that 's very valuable. Don't assume your homeowner's insurance will cover the items – check with your policy to make sure. If not, purchase an additional rider. 

Effective Storing 

In order to make the most of the square footage you have in your storage unit, as well as being able to access your items when you need to, don't just throw everything in your unit and close the door and forget about them. 

To start, if you have appliances, place them towards the back wall. Label every box you place in there so you know what's inside what box. Clean all linens and clothing and store them in an air-tight plastic bin. When storing chairs and couches, don't be tempted to place heavy items atop the furniture, as they aren't made to hold excessive weight for a long period of time. 

When placing the items in storage, know what items you'll mostly need access to. You should also consider making a diagram of the unit and mapping out where each item and box are located. If you are going to store business or personal documents, be sure to make an extra copy and keep them with you, in the event something happens to the originals while in storage.