Life is better with self-storage. Imagine the flexibility and freedom to own more and do more, without worrying about what goes where. If there is no space for your latest whimsy or that unexpected surprise at home, personal storage lets you make more space!
Maintaining a self-storage unit is quite easy. All you need to do is remember a few simple “don'ts”, and you can rest easy about the safety of the items you’ve stored.
Don’t store these!
Storage units are generally dependable and can keep a lot of things safe. However, there are a few items storage units are not designed to handle. The most common culprit? Food! Your storage is not your pantry, and even if you are simply storing dry rations and canned goods, a storage unit is not the place to keep them. Storing food items for a long time (and more often than not, forgetting about them) can stink up your whole unit (no one wants that!) and create a breeding ground for critters and bugs!
Another common storage no-no is your plants. Especially when in the middle of a move, many seem to use storage units as interim homes for their plants, which is not a great idea. The lack of sunlight and ventilation means that plants can’t survive in a storage unit. When you are moving or need a temporary space for your plants, consider leaving them with friends or family, in an open space where they can breathe and thrive.
This goes without saying - anything that’s illegal, combustible, or potentially dangerous in any way is not for your storage unit. These include weapons, fireworks, chemicals, acids, pesticides, medical waste, and the list goes on. Always check with your storage provider about what you can and can’t store.
Your storage unit is also not a safety deposit box. Any valuables, including jewelry, precious metals and stones, and important documents such as deeds and passports are not for your storage unit - but ideally for your bank.
When in doubt about what to store - and what not to store, don’t hesitate to contact us. We at Space Centre Storage are always happy to guide you in planning your storage space.
Don't look too far!
Your storage unit needs to be easily accessible. Choosing a unit that’s miles away does not serve this purpose. Regardless of why you need storage - maybe while you move to a new home, to store off-season items, or to just make more space - accessibility is the first thing you should consider when selecting a self-storage unit. When your storage unit is a short drive away, you can do a better job of maintaining it and keeping it organized. And when your family comes over and wants to know where that vase you got as a Christmas gift last year is, it’s easy to sneak out and get it!
Using a storage provider close to you like Space Centre Storage also comes with added benefits, such as drive-up units and conveniently placed push carts, offering you a hassle-free storage experience.
Don’t mess it up!
Keeping your storage unit well organized, neat, and tidy will make your life so very easy. Packing your items properly (using the right supplies) and labeling your boxes right (in a way you can read them) will create a unit where you know what is where without spending time digging through. Our team is happy to help you organize your storage unit to make the most of your space!
Do your research.
Before selecting a storage unit, do your research. Learn everything you can about the company, and what other customers say about it. Evaluate your budget and the storage size that works best for your needs - to make sure that you don't overspend. You can use our handy storage unit size estimator to help with your research - and if you need any additional information or have any doubts, always be sure to have a heart-to-heart with your storage company. Get to know your options - what are you storing? Will these items need heated storage or will a basic storage unit do? This background research will help you make the right, financially feasible self-storage decision.
When you avoid these common mistakes, and actively do your research, self-storage is a breeze!
Looking for personal storage and have a lot of questions? Space Centre Storage is here to help. Contact us now and let’s chat!