No matter why you’re renting self storage for the first time, it’s helpful to know the basics of how to rent a storage unit and how to organize and pack it properly. Here are nine essential tips for first-time renters of self storage!
Decide What to Store (& for How Long)
The first step of renting a storage space is knowing what you’re going to put in it—this will give you a better idea of how much space you require and help you keep your unit organized down the line. Only store items you’re confident you’ll use or look for again in the future—you can donate the rest. Keep in mind many facilities have a list of items you’re not allowed to store there. And while storage facilities take multiple safety precautions, think twice before storing jewelry, artwork, and other irreplaceable valuables, as there’s always a small risk of damage or loss. Once you know exactly what you’re storing, write an inventory list of everything going into your unit so you can refer to it later. Then contemplate how long you’ll need self storage so you know which storage solutions to look out for.
Determine Which Storage Solutions You Need
There are a variety of storage unit features and amenities to consider when renting your first storage unit. Carefully analyze the items you plan to store and decide whether they require a particular type of storage. For example, climate-controlled storage units maintain a consistent temperature range year-round to help protect sensitive items like wooden and upholstered furniture, mattresses, and collectibles, while vehicle storage units allow you to store motorcycles, cars, and more. Additionally, think about which accessibility features could be useful to you. For example, drive-up access storage allows you to pull a vehicle right up to your unit’s door for easier loading and unloading. Other accessibility options to consider include indoor access, first-floor access, and elevator access, as well as extended access hours or 24-hour access.
Find the Right Facility
When choosing a storage facility, there are several considerations to keep in mind. First, focus on location—do you need a facility near your home or college dorm room, close to your new residence while moving, or convenient to your workplace for business storage? Next, consider the storage features and amenities you’ve decided you need—such as climate control, drive-up storage, or vehicle storage—and find a storage facility that has everything you require. While affordability is important, remember that a modest price difference can sometimes reflect better customer service, more reliable features and security measures, and a well-maintained facility. Research and compare locations by browsing reviews, and ask for recommendations from friends and family members who have experience renting storage to help find a reputable facility near you.
Select a Storage Unit Size
Once you’ve found the right facility, it’s time to find the right unit. Most storage facilities have an array of storage unit sizes available for you to choose from. One way to figure out how much storage space you need is to go by the amount of boxes you plan to store—a 5x10 storage unit can hold about 20 large boxes, while you can store around 40 in a 10x10 storage unit. You can also consider how much furniture you’re storing—while smaller 5x10 units can fit a few pieces of furniture, larger units (e.g., 10x20) allow you to store several rooms’ worth of furniture. If you’re unsure, ask the facility staff for recommendations, or err on the side of more space to be safe—you don’t want to end up with not enough room, and overstuffing your unit can damage your belongings.
Organize Your Items
After renting a storage space, the next step is to use your inventory list to organize your items into different categories. Try storing related items together by having separate bins for clothing, dishes, camping gear, books, electronics, and more. You may also want to separate items into smaller categories—for example, if you’re storing clothing for multiple family members, try having separate bins for each person’s wardrobe. When organizing a storage unit, it’s a good idea to pack your items in clear plastic storage bins for easy stacking and the ability to see what’s inside. However, cardboard boxes are a budget-friendly alternative, and their breathability can help prevent moisture buildup for items like books, clothing, and documents.
Label Your Storage Bins
Though you might think you’ll remember, it’s easy to forget where you’ve placed items inside your unit. Before bringing anything into your first-ever storage unit, clearly label your storage bins and boxes with what’s inside of them so your belongings are easy to locate when you need them—you can buy storage labels or simply write on a piece of masking tape. If it’s helpful to you, consider creating a labeling system, such as writing what room in your home the objects belong in, or using a distinctly-colored label for different types of belongings. Another storage tip is to update your inventory list with exactly how you labeled your bins to help make future visits simple and stress-free!
Protect Your Belongings
Everything you’re packing inside a storage unit should be clean and dry, but delicate and valuable objects need extra care. Wrap smaller belongings in packing paper or bubble wrap before placing them in boxes or storage bins. When packing glasses, china, lamps, and other fragile items, use additional packing materials, foam wrap, or box dividers for added cushioning. Cover larger pieces—like furniture and appliances—with tarps, blankets, or furniture covers for extra protection. To improve air flow and help deter pests, place your items on wooden pallets instead of directly on the floor of your unit. For security and peace of mind, consider using a disc lock or cylinder lock. You might also look into purchasing storage insurance if you’re storing especially sentimental or valuable items.
Pack the Unit Strategically
How you organize a storage unit is as important as how you packed each bin! Take advantage of vertical space by stacking bins with non-breakable items in them, or put up shelves for an even more organized storage unit. If you have heavier objects, keep them toward the bottom so they don’t crush lighter boxes and belongings. Store any non-delicate furniture on its side to maximize space—or disassemble the pieces to save even more room. Another essential self storage unit tip for first-time renters is to place items you won’t need much in the back, and make sure anything you’ll access more often is in the front. Just don’t forget to leave yourself pathways so you can easily reach everything in the unit!
Maintain Your Storage Unit
Whether you rarely need to access your unit or you’ll be visiting regularly to swap out items, it’s important to maintain your storage space and keep it clean. Stop by your unit at least every two months to ensure there are no issues with pests or moisture, and check that your belongings are still in good shape. If you notice any issues, address them immediately to prevent further damage. As you add or remove items, stick to your storage unit organization plan so you can easily find what you need later on. Additionally, be sure to update your inventory list as items come and go, and consider including a map to help you pinpoint the exact location of each item!
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Ready to rent your first storage unit? Extra Space Storage has facilities across the U.S. that provide a secure environment for your belongings. Find affordable self storage near you!
