3 Things You Should Do Before Leaving Your Storage Unit

3 December 2014
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After you have finally finished loading everything into your storage unit, you might be ready to hit the road. However, making careful decisions before you leave your newly rented storage space might make a big difference. Here is more information on things that you should do before you leave your storage unit, so that you can avoid issues later.  

1: Cover Your Belongings

What would happen to your stuff if you set everything inside of your garage and left for a few months? Chances are that you would find them covered with a thick layer of dust and dirt later. Although some items can be wiped clean with a damp cloth, other pieces might be more difficult to care for if they become dirty. Fortunately, you might be able to make clean up a breeze by taking the time to cover your belongings before you drive away.

You can cover your items by using a large tarp, old blanket, or plastic dust cover. After you cover your stuff, make sure to secure the edges so that the cover doesn't get moved around by any wind that could blow into your unit. If you are looking for a more in-depth way to protect your things, ask your storage office if they sell furniture covers. Many businesses sell plastic protectors made to fit over mattresses, tables, and even entertainment centers.    

2: Report Unit Problems

Did you notice any issues with your unit as you were moving things into the space? Although you might be tempted to write off small problems as normal, little things can cause a lot of trouble later. Here are a few things that you should report to the front office right away, should you happen to notice them:

  • Holes or Cracks: Does your storage unit floor, wall, or door have any visible holes or cracks? If your floor is cracked and heaved, it could indicate structural problems with the building or ground movement. Holes in the door could allow critters or moisture to enter your space and destroy your stuff. Inspect your storage space carefully for problems, and consider moving to another unit if you notice any.
  • Pests: A few ants here and there couldn't hurt anything, right? Unfortunately, small pests like ants or pill bugs could attract larger vermin, which could potentially damage your stored goods. Talk with storage managers if you come across any bugs in your spot.  
  • Area Lighting: If you want to keep your storage unit safe and sound, check to see how well the area is lit at night. Report dim or damaged outdoor lighting to storage managers, so that your unit is less of a temptation for thieves after nightfall.
  • Hasp: Do you have a hard time opening and closing that door? If you struggle with the hasp, the sister you are sharing your unit with might have an even more difficult time with it later. To keep your unit secure, report any issues with your hasp, so that anyone accessing your space can close the unit properly when they are finished.

You might feel like a nag reporting minute problems to your storage manager, but the fact of the matter is that taking care of a few issues beforehand might save you from an unsecured or dirty unit down the road.

3: Lock It Up

Are you thinking about skipping the lock and leaving your unit unsecured? Although it might not seem like something a lot of people would do, the fact of the matter is that 7% of Americans leave their home unlocked at night, so why wouldn't they leave their storage unit unlocked too?

Believe it or not, many patrons decide to leave their unit unlocked to make it easier for others to access their space, or to speed up their storage unit visits. Unfortunately, leaving your unit unlocked might make theft a reality. Criminals frequently scout out potential targets beforehand, so if you are spotted accessing a unit filled with goodies and leaving the lock off, you might discover missing items later.

To keep your unit safe and secure, don't skip out on the lock. Take the time to find a secure lock with a protected shackle, which will deter thieves. To make accessing your unit convenient, make a few copies of your storage unit key, and keep one in your car. That way, you will be able to get into your unit quickly, without having to drive home to retrieve the key.   

Taking the time to protect and secure your belongings might help you to avoid hassles later, so that you can worry about other things.