Make sure that the facility you've chosen has hours of operation that work for you, and remember that many facilities have different gate and office hours. We recommend a facility with on-site staffing, because you never know what may come up, and it's always nice to be able to talk to an actual human being if you ever need to! Plus, having managers on-site adds some extra security. You also want to make sure that the facility will meet your budgetary and spacing needs, as well as other conveniences (i.e. will you be able to pull your vehicle up to the unit to unload?).
By knowing what you're going to put into your unit, you can more easily determine what size unit you'll need. An inventory also helps you stay organized when you're packing your unit, and helps you keep track of items later on.
Obviously you don't want to waste money on a unit too big for what you're looking to store, but also remember that if you're trying to cram too much stuff into a smaller unit, that can lead to stress down the road. If you think you'll be going in and out of your unit more frequently, it might be a good idea to get a size slightly bigger than the stuff you have, that way you'll be able to organize and access your belongings more easily. For additional assistance, check out our *sizing guide.
Take advantage of the unit's height and pack vertically when you're able, with heavy stuff on the bottom, getting lighter as you go up. Furniture can also be stored upright (remember, disassembling can make this process much easier), and it might be a good idea to keep a step-stool in your unit if you need.
Store items that you're less likely to need in back, and items you're more likely to need up front.
If you can, leave a pathway in your unit so that no item is not relatively accessible.
Make sure you're using strong boxes or bins that can hold 25-30 pounds (although we also recommend not making any box or bin too heavy).
Don't let empty space go to waste! If you have shelving units, like a bookshelf, they are a great way to help you out with that vertical storage we were talking about. Also, if you have furniture with drawers, like a dresser or desk, you can store smaller items there.
Unless it's someone you know well and trust completely, don't share your code and key. Although we are not relationship counselors, we have seen many a broken heart and relationships gone wrong, and your stuff can easily get sucked into the drama. If you're concerned that the wrong person might have your key or gate code, communicate this to your storage facility; we're always happy to help secure your belongings by changing your gate code if you need to, and/or putting a temporary lock on your unit until you can secure a new one.
Liability waivers for property damage are standard in storage leases so insurance may be a good idea. Your renters' or homeowners' insurance may cover personal property in storage.
Moving things into storage is still a move that can be difficult to tackle alone, especially if you’re moving heavy items or stacking things up high. Having an extra set of hands will help the process go smoother and faster, and will reduce the risk of injury when lifting furniture or other heavy things. Here at Enterprise Stor-All, we have dollies available, and you can always stop by the office for a joke or emotional support!