If you require a storage unit, you have some items you want to keep for some time. Maybe you are moving to a new place, running out of space, or have some delicate documents that require safekeeping. Whatever your reason is, it is crucial to know that storage companies have restrictions on what you can and cannot keep in their units. Therefore, before you pack your items and head to your chosen storage unit, read through this article to know what you should and should not do when storing your items in a storage unit.
The Dos of Keeping Assets in a Storage Unit
When storing your items in a self-storage unit, here are things you should do.
- Research the Company
The first and most crucial thing is researching the company to confirm it is genuine. Many storage companies are running unscrupulous businesses, and you need to know them. The safety of your items depends on the company you pick. Therefore, check the legitimacy of the company by checking accreditation. You can also read customer reviews to see what other people feel about their storage units. The important thing is choosing a storage unit that will be safe to keep your valuables.
- Buy Insurance
Insurance is also crucial when storing your items in a self-storage unit. You can ask the company if it offers coverage for the items stored in its units or whether they know a reliable insurer. The most crucial thing is making sure your belonging are covered from damage. With insurance, the company can cover the cost of the damages. Having insurance means your items are protected from elements like theft, vandalism, fire, and water damage.
- Label Your Boxes
Since you might be storing the items in the unit for a while, it is crucial to organize them properly since you will not remember where you put what after months of keeping them. Therefore, the best way to organize them and ensure you don’t damage fragile items is by labeling the boxes. You can place the boxes in similar categories on one side so it will be easy to recognize the things. This is also vital if you want to retrieve the items.
The Don’ts of Keeping Assets in a Storage Unit
- Keep Perishables
This might may be a no-brainer, but it is worth mentioning. The main idea of keeping items in a storage unit is to access them later while still in good shape. Therefore, never place perishable items in the unit. It can ruin other things or make the unit smell bad when they spoil.
- Store Invaluable Items
Never store items you cannot afford to lose in a storage unit. Even with insurance, you cannot recover the meaning of the items you lose. Furthermore, the self-storage industry is not heavily regulated. Therefore, your items might go unrecovered.
- Share Your Keys
Depending on the type of lock the company uses, you might be given a code or some keys. Be careful to whom you provide the keys. It is best you store them to yourself and only offer them to a person you can trust.
Takeaways
These are the untold rules of storing your items in a self-storage unit. Ensure you research the company first before committing and buying insurance. Label your boxes, and don’t store perishables. Also, don’t keep valuable items, and avoid sharing your key or code.