How to Properly Store your Belongings and Keep them Safe at a Self-Storage Facility
Delphos Self Storage
March 11th, 2023
Use high-quality locks
It's crucial to use a sturdy disc padlock or padlock to secure your storage unit. Avoid using cheap locks that can be easily broken into. Additionally, it's important to never share your key or combination with anyone else, as this can compromise the security of your unit.
Store your items strategically
When packing your belongings in your storage unit, consider placing your most valuable items towards the back of the unit where they'll be less visible and less accessible to potential thieves. Additionally, try to place items that you'll need in the near future towards the front for easy access.
As a general rule of thumb, leave about 6 inches of space between your belongings and the unit door to avoid obstructing the door's operation when you need to open it later on. This will make it easier for you to move items in and out of your unit without any hassle.
Store your items on pallets
Concrete is notorious for wicking moisture, to protect your belongings from moisture when storing them, it's recommended that you store them on pallets. By elevating your belongings off the ground, you can keep them away from any moisture that the concrete may release.
To provide extra protection, you can also lay down a tarp on the floor underneath the pallets. This will act as a vapor barrier to prevent moisture from seeping through and damaging your cherished belongings.
Leave space for ventilation
When storing your items in your unit, it's important to leave enough space between boxes to allow for proper ventilation. This will help prevent moisture buildup and reduce the risk of mold and mildew growth over time.
Cover belongings with a tarp
When storing your belongings in a drive-up self storage unit, be sure to cover everything with a tarp in case the roof leaks or any condensation forms on the metal during sever temperature shifts during the season changes.
Label your items
When storing your items, it's important to label each box clearly. Include a brief description of the contents on all sides to make it easier to find what you need later on. This way, you won't have to sift through multiple boxes to find what you're looking for.
For even more organization, consider creating a catalog of the items in each box. Start by labeling each box with a specific identifier, such as "kitchen box 1." Then, create a document with categories (e.g. "kitchen") and list everything that's in that box under the corresponding category and box number. This way, you can easily find the box labeled "kitchen box 1" and know exactly what's inside without having to search through each individual item.
Storing your most cherished and delicate belongings safely
When storing delicate items such as pictures, paintings, or electronics, it's best to opt for a climate-controlled storage facility. However, if you have no other option but to use a drive-up self storage unit, it's important to take extra precautions.
In this case, we suggest using weather-tight plastic totes that have a rubber or foam gasket where the lid and tote meet. This will help keep out moisture and dust that could damage your belongings. While it's not ideal, it can still provide some level of protection in a less-than-ideal storage environment.
Purchase insurance
Although most self-storage facilities near you have some level of security in place, it's still wise to purchase insurance for added protection against theft, fire, or other damage.
For a convenient and affordable option, we have partnered with Bader Insurance. Their policies start at just $10 for $2,000 worth of coverage, and we can set you up with this option during checkout, which takes less than 5 minutes. Check out their brochure here for more information.
If our insurance options don't meet your needs, please contact your insurance provider to learn more about other available options.
Check on your unit regularly
It's important to check on your storage unit regularly to ensure that your belongings are safe and secure. If you notice any signs of damage or theft, notify your self-storage facility manager right away.
If you plan to go on vacation or leave for an extended period, we recommend reaching out to your self-storage facility manager. They can put a note on your account to keep an eye out for any suspicious activity while you're away. This can give you peace of mind knowing that your belongings are being monitored even when you're not there.