The real estate market is hot right now and that means more people are moving – which also means more people are using storage units. The lack of space in many homes is driving people to look for other storage solutions and that’s where renting a storage unit comes in.
If you’re thinking of renting a storage unit, there are some things you should do to prepare your belongings – and some things you definitely shouldn’t do.
To help you out, we’ve put together a list of the dos and don’ts of moving your belongings into storage:
DO:
- Find a storage facility that offers the right size unit for your needs. There are many storage companies in Kent that offer different sizes of units, so make sure to find one that will fit all of your belongings. Your unit should also be climate-controlled to protect your belongings from elements like heat and humidity.
- Make sure your belongings are clean before you put them into storage. This will help to keep your unit clean and will also prevent any pests from infesting your things. The last thing you want is to come back to a storage unit full of dirty, damaged belongings.
- Use boxes and other containers that are sturdy and in good condition. This will help to protect your belongings from damage while they’re in storage. You don’t want to use old, flimsy boxes that will fall apart easily.
- Label all of your boxes and containers. This will make it much easier to find things when you need to retrieve them from storage. You don’t want to have to search through a bunch of unmarked boxes.
- Wrap fragile items carefully. This will help to prevent them from breaking while they’re in storage. You don’t want your fragile items to get damaged because they weren’t properly protected. Aside from wrapping them in bubble wrap, you can also place them in boxes with soft materials like towels or blankets.
- Disassemble any furniture that you can. This will save space in your storage unit and will also help to prevent damage to your furniture. You don’t want your furniture to get damaged because it was too big for the storage unit.
- Arrange your storage unit in a way that makes sense. This will make it easier to find things when you need to retrieve them. You don’t want to have to search through a bunch of boxes and containers that are all jumbled together.
DON’T:
- Don’t store food in your storage unit. This will attract pests and can also cause unpleasant odors. This is a big no-no if you want to keep your storage unit clean and pest-free. You can store non-perishable food items, but make sure to keep them in sealed containers.
- Don’t store flammable or combustible items in your storage unit. This includes things like gasoline, propane, and fireworks. These items are a fire hazard and can be very dangerous. Make sure to keep them stored in a safe place outside of your storage unit.
- Don’t store perishable items in your storage unit. This includes things like food, plants, and flowers. These items will go bad quickly and can attract pests. Make sure to keep them stored in a cool, dry place outside of your storage unit. The last thing you want is to come back to a storage unit smelling of rotten food.
- Don’t store valuables in your storage unit. This includes things like jewelry, money, and important documents. You don’t want to risk these items getting lost or stolen. Make sure to keep them in a safe place outside of your storage unit.
- Don’t store hazardous materials in your storage unit. This includes things like chemicals, paint, and oil. These items can be very dangerous and should be stored in a safe place outside of your storage unit.
- Don’t overload your storage unit. This can make it difficult to close the door properly and can also damage your belongings. Make sure to pack your storage unit in a way that everything is evenly distributed.
- Don’t block the door of your storage unit. This can make it difficult to open and close the door, and can also be a safety hazard. Make sure to leave enough space around the door so that it can be opened and closed easily.
These are just a few of the dos and don’ts of moving your belongings into storage. By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your belongings are safe and sound while they’re in storage.
