An offsite storage unit is often a good solution when you have little room at home and wish to move furniture, seasonal equipment, or other items out of your way. However, it's easy to make mistakes when selecting a facility or packing your belongings into storage. Below are some of the key do’s and don'ts of self-storage so you can get the most out of your unit. 

Do:

Map Out Your Unit

Create a graph of the storage unit using a series of squares and rectangles to represent boxes and furniture. Number each shape, and in a separate, numbered list, write out the contents of each shape. For instance, “Square 1: soccer pads, balls, tennis rackets, baseball gear.” This will make it much easier to find what you want if you ever need to remove items from your unit. 

Insure Your Belongings

Talk to your agent to make sure your current renters or homeowners insurance covers property stored offsite. If it doesn’t — or if you don’t have a policy — ask your agent or storage facility manager if you can purchase coverage. Be sure you know the approximate value of the storage unit contents so you can get a policy that fits your needs. 

Don't:

Leave Items Unprotected

It's important to raise water-sensitive items off the floor in case of flooding. Similarly, wrap all delicate items in bubble wrap or several layers of newsprint to protect them against toppling boxes or the weight of other items. Cover furniture with blankets to protect it from dust.

Choose an Inconvenient or Unsafe Location

When selecting a storage facility, you might be inclined to choose solely based on price. Avoid this temptation — instead, choose a safe location that’s close to your home. This makes it easier to access your belongings when you need them and gives you peace of mind that your items are secure.

If you’re looking for a safe, affordable facility to store your belongings, contact All American Self Storage in North Carolina. They operate two locations in High Point and another in Greensboro, all of which offer protection from both intruders and the elements with 24-hour video surveillance, advanced lighting, and strong fencing. Visit their website to view storage unit sizes or call (336) 434-1222 to speak with a representative today.