Skip to main content
Do's and Don'ts of Self Storage in the Capital Region
February 27, 2023 at 4:00 PM
self storage in troy, ny.jpg

Whether you’re freeing up space around your home, relocating, or just looking for a safe place to store some cherished belongings, renting a self-storage unit can be a viable solution in the short and long terms.

Like anything else, there are certain do’s and don’ts that apply when renting a self-storage unit. To make the process easier and really ensure you’re making the most of your storage space, you’ll want to make sure you understand these important points before signing the rental agreement.

Do’s:

Choose a reputable self-storage facility

You’re going to store treasured items and maybe even personal stuff at your rental unit. So make sure the facility is trustworthy. They should have appropriate security measures in place and good reviews from current or past clients.

Get a unit close to your property

Renting a storage unit located near your home just makes the most sense, especially in terms of convenience. This ensures ease of access, plus, you can drop off or pick up stuff anytime without the process seeming like a dreary chore.

Choose the right size storage unit

Consider how much storage space you would need for your belongings, not just now but in the future. This helps you avoid overcrowding and underutilizing space.

Pack and label your items correctly

Use high-quality packing materials, such as boxes, bubble wrap, and packing tape. But more importantly, make sure the boxes are correctly labeled on all sides. This saves you time since it can help you quickly find what you need. It’s also a great way to ensure that fragile items are well protected.

Keep things organized

It may appear that way, but a self-storage unit is not a dumping ground. The items you’re storing there are things you want to pick up again sometime. Or else, why store it in the first place, right? Keeping things organized inside your storage unit can save you a lot of space and hassle. One good idea is to use uniform-sized boxes. This helps ensure that they are evenly stacked and that no space is wasted.

If you’re storing heavy, bulky items, make sure they’re stored on the bottom so they don’t crush any lighter items underneath.

Purchase storage unit insurance

Storage unit insurance provides financial compensation coverage to protect your stored items in the event of an accident. Several insurance providers offer this type of coverage. In some cases, storage unit facilities also offer insurance plans to meet various budgets.

Don'ts:

Don't store illegal items or hazardous materials

This is a big no-no. Storing hazardous materials or illegal items can get you in trouble with the law, plus, if anything goes wrong (such as combustion), it can impact the rest of the cont