Self-Access Storage Do’s and Don’ts
Are you looking to rent a self-access storage unit? Then there are a few things you need to know.
Self-storage is an incredibly convenient and flexible way to organise your belongings without any long-term commitments. If you want to make self-storage even easier, there are a number of do’s and don’ts to keep in mind that will help keep you, your property and the wider storage unit safe!
√ DO - Choose a location that suits your storage needs
Whilst searching for the right self-access storage space, make sure you strongly consider the location. If you plan on accessing your belongings regularly, you want to make sure the unit is located in a place that is easily accessible to you, and doesn’t inconvenience you or your schedule.
✗ DON’T - Store any perishable items
A self-access storage unit is not the right place to store any perishable items. A storage unit isn’t always temperature controlled, so for the sake of your items (and your nose when you return to the unit), we don’t recommend the storage of any food, plants or anything that can produce mould or excess moisture.
√ DO - Label your boxes accordingly
Help out future you. No one wants to make more work for themself. To avoid any confusion or endless searching in weeks or months to come, make sure you label your boxes!
We recommend labelling boxes on every side. Whilst it might seem like extra work in the packing process, it means you don’t have to lift or move boxes more than you need to when you're in need of a particular item.
When it comes to labelling, we would also suggest adding a few descriptive words about the contents within the box. For example, rather than just “clothes”, if you have multiple boxes of clothes label “Jumpers and T-shirts”.
✗ DON’T - Use plastic for storing items
Especially if you’re storing your items for the long term, wrapping your belongings in plastic is not the way to go.
While plastic is great for transporting items as it helps keep everything together, in the long term it holds condensation. Excess moisture then leads to mould.
So, if you want to protect your belongings in the long term, keep your items dry and preserved by avoiding plastic wrap.
√ DO - Choose a trusted self-access storage facility
When it comes to searching for a storage unit, reviews are your best friend. You want to keep your possessions safe and secure, and that means choosing a reputable and reliable storage facility.
To make sure there are no horror stories, or to hear from people who have required a similar service to you, it is always best to check over reviews before committing to a storage facility, so you know you have their trust.
✗ DON’T - Climb on other boxes to reach your belongings
It goes without saying your safety is a priority, and this one is safety 101. We understand you want to make as much use of your space as possible, so stacking your items is inevitable. But don’t jeopardise your safety or your belongings in the process.
A handy tip here is to keep a small step ladder at the entrance of your unit so you can reach any of your hard-to-reach boxes without hurting yourself or knocking over any other of your stored items.
√ DO - Store your items strategically
Following on from the previous ‘don’t’, it is so beneficial to store your items in your unit strategically. For example, leaving a walkway to the back of your unit means you don’t have to waste time rearranging all of your property when you need that one thing that’s right at the back of your unit.
Furthermore, it might not be something you consider when arranging your unit, but we recommend keeping your frequently needed items towards the front. Again, this will save you so much time when you need them.
When it comes to stacking boxes within your unit, don’t stack too high. This will both save your back and lower the risk of anything falling and breaking in your absence. To help make sure your boxes are stacked in a secure manner, always keep the heavier boxes at the bottom of the pile.
✗ DON’T - Store any flammable items
Unless stored in a specific temperature-controlled unit, or agreed upon by the facility manager, we do not recommend storing any flammable items. For the sake of your own belongings, and the safety of the wider premises, storing flammables in a unit that is not frequently supervised is not a suitable location.
√ DO - Choose Dickens Self Storage for your self-access storage needs.
If you’re looking for self-access storage in Stockton-on-Tees, request a viewing of our storage units today. We offer a trusted, secure and flexible service for all your personal storage needs.
With 24-hour CCTV and a range of unit sizes, we have something for everyone needing self-storage in the North East Area. Request a call back to book a viewing today.
