Hiring a storage unit is a great way to store furniture, belongings, household and office items that you just don’t have the space for. Storage units can be a life saver for people moving house, moving office, decorating a property, de-cluttering and students that need to store belongings and coursework. If you are renting a storage unit for the first time this can be a daunting and tramatic experience

Whether relocating to a self storage unit or container storage unit, this article offers self storage tips and tasks you can can do to ensure the storage process goes smoothly and according to plan.

There are few major points that you should be aware or do prior to renting a storage unit. This section explains the things to do before you choose your storage unit.

Size of Storage Unit – You will need to make sure that you have rented the right size storage units to accomodate your needs along with the amount of items you have to be stored.

Make A Visit To Your Storage Unit – Its a good idea to visit your storage unit and location before actually moving in. This will help you to make sure that you are 100% comfortable with the storage unit you have chosen.

Storage Unit Location – If you need to make constant visits to your storage unit, then it is vital that you choose a storage unit that is close to where you live or work. This will help to keep your travelling time and costs to a minimum.

Storage Unit Access – If your storage unit has access to lifts and is located on upper floors, this can cause issues when trying to move in. Most storage units have 1 lift that customers will need to share, making it more difficult when loading. Other types of storage units allow you to drive right up to them, making them easy for loading.

Purchase Secure Padlocks – Most storage units only provide a basic padlock. It is recommended that you buy a high security padlock and key that you keep with you at all times.

While moving into a storage unit has its benefits, you will need to consider what you will do if things go wrong. If you have high valuable items and furniture to be moved and stored, this adds more of a risk that items could get marked, damged or scrapped, especially if not packaged correctly. You can purchase your own content insure for a small fee or use the insurance your storage unit provides.

If you use your storage unit for business purpose you will want to ensure that all your technology, equipment, furniture and products are insured and protected 24hrs a day.

1. Make an inventory of all items you are storing
2. Consider the size of your home or office
3. How many rooms in your house do you wish to store
4. Think about the size of your stotage unit
5. Are you storing just a few items a whole house or a office full?

All of the above are things you can do to work out what size storage unit you are going to need. Storage units come in various shapes and sizes. Shipping container storage units allow for excellent outdoor storage, sizes are as follows: 10ft, 20ft & 40ft. Where as self storage units have a wider varity of rooms and sizes available to choose from.

You will also need to consider what type of storage unit you need, the size of van and the size of your home to determine what size storage unit you would need.. You will need to consider the access to your unit and whether you would need an indoor storage unit or a container storage. Below we have provided the perfect table to help you to establish the exact size storage unit to accomodate your needs.

It is always good practise to go online and check up the reviews for the storage company you plan to rent with. You will only want a reputable storage company, that has a permanent base and offers clean and tidy storage units. You will want to ensure that the storage unit and premsies has high end security and fire sprinklers or alarms.

Although you can store most household and office items within your storage unit. There are some items that you can not store or should not store to protect your belongings. Below we have listed a few of the main items you should remove from your storage list.

Drinks & Liquids

Food & Perishable Goods

Combustible or Flammable Substances

Fire Arms, Explosives, Weapons Or Ammunition

Items That Have Bad Odors Or Wet

Valuables And Jewlery