The Do’s and Don’ts of self-storage
Self-storage can be a great way to store your belongings, no matter what reason you may have! M54 Space Centre’s guide to do’s and don’ts of renting self-storage will hopefully make the process a lot less overwhelming as we have shared some handy tips when using a self-storage facility.
Do:
Find a convenient location
No matter whether you are renting short or long-term, it is essential to find a self-storage unit located near you and easily accessible. The ideal location is somewhere that permits frequent access to your unit such as our which offers convenient 24/7 easy access, including bank holidays and weekends.
Storage unit size
There are multiple self-storage sizes available therefore it is important for you to understand how much space you will need. We offer a flexible approach to storage to offer a fuss-free solution. We have a size estimator on our website that provides you with the best idea of what size will be best suited to you.
Organise your inventory
It is important to keep track of your inventory so that you are aware of what you are adding and removing from your self-storage unit as well as knowing what is where and in what boxes – labelling will be key! An inventory list also helps you to calculate the sized space you need and if it is a long-term storage plan, you may need to see if you need to upgrade or downgrade the size of the space you’re using.
Pack properly
To ensure that your items remain in the same condition, it is vital to pack your items appropriately otherwise they may become damaged, broken, or perish over time while they are in storage. When packing your items, think about which items may require extra care. Some items may be more fragile and may need bubble wrap to keep them safe and fabrics will need mothballs and be stored in airtight containers if they are to be kept in storage longer-term.
Find somewhere which offers a flexible lease
You will only want to pay for the space that you are using and for the amount of time that you are using it for. With M54 Space Centre, you will be offered simplicity and flexibility with our leasing arrangement to make the process as easy as possible for you. This is the ideal solution for businesses or individuals as these terms are flexible to suit you and your situation.
Don’t:
Store unpermitted items
Most items are permitted and safe to store but you’ll find that all self-storage spaces will have a general list of items that they will be unable to keep in the self-storage units. The items on this list usually include perishable goods such as food and plants, ammunition, flammable materials, and animals.
Forget to lock your unit
Although we provide secure self-storage which is monitored by CCTV at all times, we also provide a lock for you to use and we strongly advise you to lock up your unit after you leave.
Let anyone else access your storage
We strongly advise that unless you are certain that you are able to trust someone, you should never share the key to your lock or any other security measures that would provide someone else with access to your self-storage unit.
Leave your storage items unprotected and poorly packed
When packing your boxes, it is imperative to not pack your items too high or too heavy to avoid causing hazards and reduce the risk of injury. When placing your items, it is important to label anything fragile or heavy to avoid items from being broken or causing strain when lifting.
Wrap items in plastic
It may seem like a good idea to wrap up your items in plastic, especially if you’re planning on keeping your items in self-storage for a long time, however, it is not. While short-term will be fine, you will start to run into issues once more time has passed as plastic preserves everything inside therefore it will also lock and seal in any moisture and dirt therefore it will eventually develop into condensation, which will turn into mould.
Climb on boxes
When trying to reach for something that is placed higher up, it is good to remember that it is not a good idea to climb onto one of your boxes to avoid injury to you or one of your items! If you need some assistance, a member of our team will be more than happy to help!
For more information about our solutions for self-storage in Telford, Shropshire, please get in touch.
