Self-Storage: Little Known Mistakes to Avoid
When opting for self-storage solutions, it is not uncommon to find some individuals who will simply toss their belongings into the unit and forget about them while they are out of sight. This may seem like the easy way to do it, but the reality is not putting much consideration into your needs will likely lead to you overlooking some mistakes. To make the most of your unit as well as ensure that your belongings stay in good condition, there are a number of things to keep in mind. Below are some of the little-known mistakes that you should avoid when putting your belongings into storage.
Overlooking insurance for your belongings
When putting your items into storage, you should note that the fine print with some of the providers states that the storage company will not be liable for any damaged, lost or stolen items. However, some people tend to take this for granted assuming that their belongings will be safe no matter what. The reality is anything could happen that could compromise your belongings such as moisture damage, a break in and more. To ensure that you will be compensated for your belonging in the event of any unfortunate incidence, you should opt to insure them. Take an inventory of all the items that you will be putting into your self-storage unit and then consult with an insurance broker on what type of policy would best suit your needs.
Wrapping your belongings in newspaper
A shortcut some homeowners make when packing their belongings to put them away in storage is wrapping them in newspaper. Although this may seem like an economical alternative to purchasing packaging materials, you may actually be doing your belongings more harm than good. It should be noted that the ink on the newspapers will have a propensity to bleed. As such, if your items are not being stored in climate-controlled conditions, you may find that items such as upholstery will have the newspaper ink imprinted onto them once you take them out of storage. Instead of risking your belongings becoming tarnished over time, you should invest in the right packaging materials that will keep your items in pristine condition.
Storing food items in your unit
Most people will know that they should not put food items into long-term storage. However, there are a number of people who may be under the assumption that dried foods are exempt. The reality is that all types of food items, including dried foodstuffs, have the potential of attracting pests. Save yourself from the risk of pest infestation by not including any food items in your self-storage unit.