The Dos and Don’ts of Self-Storage
If your house or apartment is bursting at the seams or you’re moving away for a short while, self-storage can be an affordable way to store some or all of your household possessions. Self-storage units in Metairie, LA, come in a variety of sizes and prices. Here are some of the dos and don’ts of self-storage to help you get the best options and services.
Do Select the Right Size Storage Unit
The first question you should ask yourself is how large of a storage unit do you need. No one wants to rent more space than they need. For this reason, storage units come in all shapes and sizes. You can rent a unit as small as 5’ x 5’ for a few items. This unit will give you the storage capacity of a large hallway closet and is good for small furniture or up to 20 packaging boxes. People typically rent this unit size for storing small furniture, clothes, collectibles, business records, etc.
The largest storage unit is 10’ x 20’ which is the size of a single-car garage. This storage unit size stores up to six rooms of furniture or a three-bedroom house. People typically rent this size if they’re being deployed by the military or have a short job transfer and will be returning home at some point. This unit is ideal for storing the furniture and contents of a three-bedroom house, including appliances. Oftentimes, businesses will select this size for office furniture, excess inventory, and business files.
Do Use a Climate-Controlled Unit
The weather can be really hot and humid in Metairie, LA. If you have belongings that are sensitive to humidity and extreme temperatures, you can store these items in a climate-controlled storage unit. Temperatures can be set between 65 and 80 degrees. Humidity levels can be controlled as well. If you have electronics, antique furniture, collectibles, or artwork, such as oil paintings, you should opt for a climate-controlled unit.
Do Pack Properly
To maximize storage space, pack belongings in sturdy, stackable cardboard boxes. By stacking boxes, you can fit more items into a storage unit. Wrap dishes and other breakable items in bubble wrap. Disassemble furniture with removable parts. This is especially important for tables where the legs are bolted on. Also wrap the legs in bubble wrap to protect them from dents and scratches during transport. Bubble wrap will also protect picture and mirror frames. Remove light bulbs and shades and wrap lamps as well.
Do Record Items in Storage
At a minimum, with a Sharpie, write the name of the room on each box as it is packed. You can also write the basic contents of the box. After a few months or longer in storage, you won’t remember which boxes have bedroom stuff and which boxes have kitchen stuff. This will make moving easier since you will already know where to unpack each box in your house. You can also make a longer list of all contents in the storage unit for your records. For collectibles, antiques, etc. you can take photographs as well.
Don’t Store Anything Not Allowed
Don’t store anything not allowed by the self-storage company. This includes anything flammable, such as gasoline, oil, propane, cleaners, paints, etc. Weapons and ammunition are not allowed either. Some self-storage units will allow canned and other food items to be stored, but you may run the risk of rodents and insects infiltrating the food.
Don’t Forget to Lock
Don’t forget to lock the storage unit. Although self-storage units required a gate code to gain access, the self-storage company will make it clear that they are not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Don’t Forget to Check
Don’t forget to periodically check on the contents of your self-storage unit to make sure contents have not shifted and caused damage to your belongings.
To learn more about the dos and don’ts of self-storage, call Affordable Self Storage at 504-833-1717.