5 Self Storage mistakes to avoid

Whether you’re a storage pro or you’ve just rented your first unit, we all slip up sometimes. Self storage should be simple and if you stick to the best practices, it’s all smooth sailing. 

To make sure your self storage journey is stress-free, we’ve identified five of the most common self storage mistakes to avoid. 

Mistake #1: Choosing the Wrong Unit Size

You’d be surprised how many people under- or overestimate the amount of space they need — and both of these scenarios come with their own sets of challenges.

Underestimating is more common; you show up on move-in day with all your stuff and realise your things take up way more space than you thought. Ideally, you’d chat with a staff member at your storage facility and find out if they can arrange a bigger unit. But often, people try to make their things fit, even when it’s a very tight squeeze. This leaves little to no room for you to manoeuvre through your unit and access your things when you need them — especially those boxes right at the back at the bottom of the pile. Your items are more likely to get crushed or otherwise damaged too, with tall piles waiting to topple over. 

Overestimating the amount of space you need doesn’t come with these issues — and some would argue it’s the lesser of two evils by far. You have all the room you need, and if you want to store more as time goes on, you have an abundance of space. The issue here is paying for more space than you need while that extra square footage goes to waste. Instead, you should rent the amount you need and upsize should your space needs increase. 

While choosing the wrong unit size is one of the more common mistakes, it’s certainly not the worst of them. Most self storage facilities allow you to upsize and downsize as you wish, so this error has a quick fix. 

Mistake #2: Compromising on Location

The location of your storage facility is one of the most important things to consider; it’s also one of the factors that impact the cost of your rental the most. 

If you’re living in a busy, highly populated area like a city, self storage will be pricier than it is in rural areas. In this case, it’s tempting to look for options that are further out. But most of the time, you’ll regret compromising on location. 

Think of how often you’ll want to access your storage unit. Got an idea in mind? You’ll end up going far more than that. Now consider the time it’ll take to travel to a far-flung location and the cost of gas or transport fare. Are you still willing to make the compromise? What if you need one of your stored items at short notice?

At the end of the day, it’s worth it to choose a convenient location, and if you shop around, you’re sure to find an affordable option. 

Mistake #3: Not Considering Access Hours 

When you’re considering facilities, make sure they have access hours that align with your schedule and lifestyle. If you need to access your unit during the week, but the facility’s only open during your working hours, then it’ll be of little use to you. 

Perhaps you might need your stored items at short notice, like if you’re storing equipment for work and you’re often booked for last-minute jobs. If you know you’re the type to need late-night runs to your storage unit, ask about extended access or find a facility that offers 24/7 access to your unit. 

Accessing your things should always be easy and convenient, so while you’re at it, look for facilities that offer access through pin codes or online apps. No point making a midnight run to your unit only to realise you’ve forgotten the key to your lock! 

Mistake #4: Not Packing Well 

This mistake is multifaceted because, unfortunately, there are many ways to go wrong. Packing your things for storage isn’t as simple as tossing your items into any old box — in fact, this can be a disaster waiting to happen. 

The very first step is to choose high-quality packaging supplies. Opt for sturdy boxes in different sizes, tape that will seal your boxes well, and bubble wrap if you have fragile items. Next is packing your things into boxes — heavy items should go into smaller boxes so that they’re easier to carry. If you pile a bunch of heavy items into a larger box, the box is more prone to breaking (and your items with it). If you have an item that’s both large and heavy, place it in a larger box while padding the empty space with smaller items. Once you’re done packing each box, make sure to label it clearly. 

Be careful when piling boxes in storage (and in transit to your storage unit). Heavier boxes should go at the bottom to prevent crushing smaller ones. Packing boxes of the same size together is easiest since the uniformity makes for easier stacking. If you get the hang of storing vertically — without having to worry about your boxes falling over — you’ll really maximise your space. 

Don’t underestimate the value of good organisation:

• Keep boxes with similar items in the same section, with their labels clearly visible
• Leave walkways between boxes to access items without unpacking everything
• Place frequently needed items near the entrance for easy access
• Use shelves or racks for additional organisation if you need 

Mistake #5: Not Reading Your Contract 

When you sign up for storage, make sure to go through your contract carefully, read all the terms and conditions, and ask the staff at your storage facility about anything you’re not certain of. 

Find out what’s included in the cost of your storage rental and if there are additional costs like insurance, which is often mandatory for your protection. Also consider factors like the notice period should you want to vacate your unit — many people neglect to look at this and end up paying for an extra month because they’ve let their provider know too late. 

Make sure you know all the terms of your agreement — especially options and perks you might be missing out on! 

One major self storage mistake to avoid? Choosing the wrong facility! If you’re in or around Brecht, Mechelen, or Roeselare, then lucky for you — you can’t go wrong with Storo! We offer secure, affordable storage at our state-of-the-art facilities, with easy access around the clock. And if you have any self storage questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly, expert team.