Storing For A Cleaner Home

A Guide To Protecting Your Stuff When It Is In A Storage Unit

26 June 2017 by Irma Soto

In general, the concept of self-storage is fairly easy to grasp. It usually rents on a month-to-month basis, is empty when you move in and has a lock on the door to safeguard it. However, every year, a few unfortunate units are robbed or otherwise suffer unexpected damage from a variety of different sources. Therefore, it's a good idea to be aware of the following tips for protecting your stored items from everything that could damage it, even mother nature itself.

Consider The Damage That The Weather Could Inflict 

Although most storage units are safe, they're also built in a utilitarian manner and given a severe rain and wind, it is quite possible that water could access the unit. When that happens, many of your items that are on or near the floor could occur damage and if you don't visit the storage locker very often, mold could quickly become an issue.

Fortunately, there are a couple of things you can do to keep everything dry and sanitary. One option is to keep your waterproof or water-resistant items on the floor and store everything else higher. While that might not work if you have a  furniture, it could be a great help if you have books and videos. In this instance, you are likely to find that buying a few plastic totes with which to store your books, papers, etc. is better than using cardboard boxes or heavy-duty garbage bags, as they can be more easily placed on top of items.   

Don't Decline The Insurance (Or Call To See If It Is Covered Under An Existing Policy)

If water damage does occur you are probably aware of how hard it would be to get mold out of your new couch or mold spores from your grandmother's antique lace. While there a myriad of tips for doing so, none are guaranteed and you might find that just replacing what you can is your best bet. If that becomes necessary you will be glad that you have insurance on the unit or wish that you did.    

Therefore, it's best to consider paying extra for the insurance, and adding flood insurance on, if necessary. Alternatively, you might find that your existing homeowner's or renter's insurance covers part or all of your items while they are being temporarily stored in self-storage. It is important to note that flood damage is often excluded from a standard policy. Regardless, there is a good chance that you will never need it, as most storage facilities are quite secure. However, if you are one of the few people who incur damage, you'll be glad you invested in the insurance.

Clean And Provide Insecticide Before You Move In

Just as in apartments, you have no way of knowing how clean or hygienic the tenants in adjacent units are. Unfortunately, if they had vermin or pests in their homes, it is quite possible that those unwanted visitors hitched a ride in the boxes and bags. As a result, you should consider sweeping, mopping and leaving some appropriate pest control in the room before you move your stuff in. 

Even just a few of the roach baits and cruelty-free mouse traps can allow you to sleep better at night when you are not surrounded by your stuff.  

In conclusion, self-storage units are an ideal option when you need a temporary home for your stuff. However, it's very important to protect your items while being stored and the advice provided above will help you to do so. For more safety tips, contact a company like Stadium Storage.

Share

Search