A lot of people think that renting a storage unit is easy: all you have to do is pack up your things and put them away. But it’s easy to make mistakes that can damage your things, waste room, or even make it hard to get to your things when you need to. If you know how to use a storage unit correctly, you can save time, money, and effort whether you’re storing personal things, business supplies, or seasonal items.
Here are some common storage unit mistakes and how to avoid them:
1. Not Packing Properly
One of the most common mistakes people make is improperly packing their storage unit. When items are not packed correctly, you risk damaging your belongings or even losing track of where everything is. It’s essential to take the time to organize and pack carefully.
How to Avoid It: To begin, pack your things in strong unites and cases. Write what’s in each unit on the label, and stack things by group. Use bubble wrap or padding to keep fragile items from breaking when you store them. Take apart big pieces of furniture like beds and tables to save room when you’re storing them. Everything is neatly put away, and simple to find this way.
2. Overpacking Your Storage Unit
Filling up a storage unit to the brim might seem like a good way to make use of the space, but it can lead to problems later. Overpacking makes it difficult to access items, and if the unit is too full, it can cause damage to the items at the back. Additionally, it can lead to a disorganized mess when you need to retrieve something.
How to Avoid It: Be strategic about what you place in your storage unit. Leave a pathway to allow easy access to the back of the unit. Don’t stack units too high because that can make it hard to get to your things. Leave enough space around your items for ventilation and for future access. If you’re unsure about how much space you need, it’s always a good idea to talk to your storage facility to determine the right size unit for your needs.
3. Storing Items Without Climate Control
Some items, especially electronics, important documents, or artwork, require climate control to maintain their condition. Without it, your belongings could be damaged by extreme temperatures, humidity, or other environmental factors.
How to Avoid It: Before storing your items, check if they require climate-controlled conditions. Most storage facilities offer climate-controlled units that maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level. For sensitive items, such as electronics, photographs, or furniture, it’s best to opt for a climate-controlled unit to ensure they remain in excellent condition.
4. Not Using Proper Storage for Special Items
Certain items, such as clothing, shoes, or books, can deteriorate if stored improperly. For instance, clothes can become musty, shoes can lose their shape, and books can get damaged from moisture or pests.
How to Avoid It: Use bags or bins that don’t let air in to store clothes, shoes, and other fabric items to keep them safe from dust, moisture, and pests. To keep books safe, put them in strong unites and stand them up straight like you would on a table. Protective covers keep things like mattresses and chairs from getting dirty or broken while they’re being stored.
5. Ignoring Security Concerns
While many storage units are secure, not all facilities have the same level of security. Some people overlook the importance of ensuring their items are kept in a safe environment, which can lead to theft or vandalism.
How to Avoid It: Pick a storage center that puts safety first. Look for things like video security, gated entry, and locks on each unit. If you’re not sure about a building’s safety, don’t be afraid to ask about their security methods. Using your own lock is also a good idea, even if the building gives you one. This will give you extra security.
6. Forgetting to Insure Your Belongings
Many people don’t consider purchasing insurance for their items in storage, leaving them vulnerable to loss or damage. While some storage facilities offer insurance options, others may not, and in the event of an emergency, you could be left without compensation for your belongings.
How to Avoid It: Before storing valuable items, check with your insurance provider to see if your policy covers items in storage. If not, you might want to buy extra storage insurance to protect your things from being stolen or damaged. It’s better to be safe than sorry, especially when keeping things that are very valuable.
7. Failing to Review Storage Unit Tips
Sometimes, a lack of research leads to storage mistakes. Every year, new tips and techniques come to light that can help maximize the effectiveness of your storage unit. It’s always a good idea to stay updated.
How to Avoid It: Take time to read the latest storage tips and best practices. For instance, you can visit blogs like https://scottsdale-storage.com/blog/top-storage-unit-tips-you-must-know-in-2025/ for up-to-date advice on how to optimize your storage unit usage.
Finally, putting your things in a storage unit can be helpful, but it’s important to avoid making common mistakes that could cause problems you don’t need. You can get the most out of your storage unit by taking the time to properly pack, efficiently organize it, and make sure your things are in good shape. You can also stay up to date on the latest storage tips. Make sure you pick a facility that fits your wants and has enough security to give you peace of mind.