Common Self-Storage Unit Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Choosing the Wrong Size Storage Unit
You may have seen a popular reality TV show that highlights some of the crazy things someone might find in a storage unit. Some of the storage units were packed way too tightly to get in and out of.
Too Small
One common mistake we see with self-storage in Cincinnati is underestimating the amount of space needed. The result? A storage unit that fails to accommodate everything.
Others select an oversized unit, paying for unused space that serves no purpose. Sure, it’s good to plan for the future if you need more space. But we don’t want you to spend more money on a storage unit if you don’t have to.
The key is to measure your items precisely and use our sizing tool to determine which size unit you need for self-storage in Cincinnati. You can get an estimate based on the items you have on hand.
Too Large
Choosing a unit that is too large presents another issue, which is unnecessary expenses. Yes, having extra space for later use is a good idea if you know you’ll need it later. However, strategic packing methods and stacking things properly can improve the organization of your unit. You might find you have more space than you realize.
Not Organizing Items
You don’t want a unit that’s too small because you’ll have to cram items into a smaller area, making access to items difficult. Closely packing items together means you might have to move things in and out of the unit just to find certain items.
Stacking items incorrectly risks damage, especially if you have fragile belongings. So, make sure you pack items correctly and put heavy items on the bottom with lightweight items on top.
Frequency of Access
How often do you plan on getting items in and out of your self-storage unit in Cincinnati? A cramped, disorganized unit makes retrieving belongings inconvenient at best and cumbersome at worst when you have to take items out, set them down in front of the unit, and then restack them when trying to get to items.
Organizing your items logically within a well-fitted unit allows easy navigation without unnecessary costs.
Poor Packing Techniques
We want your items to be safe when using self-storage in Cincinnati. Proper packing techniques, in addition to organizing your items, can help keep your items from facing potential damage. Many people overlook proper packing techniques and rush through the process of moving items into self-storage in Cincinnati. Don’t just throw items into boxes, cram fragile objects in random corners, or disregard labeling your items. A disorganized storage unit can lead to damage, frustration, and wasted space.
Padding
A lack of padding can lead to scratches, dents, or cracks on the surface. Consider filling boxes completely with filler material to make the edges stronger and to help prevent crushing.Look for padding to cover wooden furniture, glass shelving, and other items that could scratch or break. Wrap them with a blanket or towels, and then secure the padding with tape or straps.
Not Wrapping Fragile Items in Boxes
Failing to wrap delicate items properly could lead to breakage. If your items shift during transport or when in storage, your fragile items might crack or break. Wrapping glassware, electronics, and other breakables in bubble wrap or packing paper creates a cushioning layer that absorbs shocks. Also, fill in the boxes with filler items to prevent shifting as much as possible. Placing heavier items at the bottom and lighter ones on top is another way to help prevent breakage.
Using Weak Boxes
Using weak or oversized boxes creates unnecessary pressure on your items. Flimsy containers could collapse under heavier weight, leaving fragile items vulnerable to damage. Overfilled boxes could have too much weight in them, making them too heavy to lift safely. Choose sturdy, appropriately sized boxes to provide better protection and easier stacking within the self-storage unit in Cincinnati. Reinforcing cardboard boxes with strong packing tape further reduces the chance of collapse. Consider using plastic tubs rather than cardboard boxes. Tubs can be sturdier in many ways.
Ignoring Climate-Controlled Needs
Don’t make the mistake of putting sensitive items in a drive-up, non-climate-controlled storage unit. Temperature and humidity changes, either sudden or seasonal, can cause damage to sensitive items. Wood furniture, electronics, artwork, and important documents can deteriorate quickly when these items are not protected from the elements.
Fluctuating Temperatures and Humidity
Fluctuating temperatures cause warping, cracking, and mold growth. Wood expands and contracts with heat and cold, leading to permanent structural damage. High humidity encourages mold and mildew, which ruin fabrics, paper, and leather. Electronics suffer from condensation buildup, increasing the risk of malfunction due to corrosion on wires. A climate-controlled unit maintains a stable environment year-round, which lessens the chances of degradation over time.
Long-Term Storage
Many people place sentimental or high-value belongings in units without considering the long-term effects of heat and moisture. Or they presume they need the storage unit for just a few months, but then those few months turn into years.Photographs fade, musical instruments lose their integrity, and leather cracks when exposed to extreme temperatures. Renting a climate-controlled unit can further the lifespan of these items, reducing the need to purchase replacement items.
Price vs. Cost of Self-Storage in Cincinnati
You might choose a drive-up, non-climate-controlled unit based on price alone. But what happens if your items are damaged due to heat and humidity? Investing in a climate-controlled unit from the beginning can prevent unnecessary costs of replacing damaged items later. So, it’s important to weigh the price of the unit vs. the cost of replacing your items before placing them in storage.
Not Organizing or Labeling
You’ve probably heard, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Although stacking boxes without labeling may seem like a shortcut, a lack of labeling or organization can lead to issues later.
Time-Wasting Searches
You’ll have to open and close many boxes when searching for specific belongings in your self-storage unit in Cincinnati. A simple labeling system and relevant organizational system can prevent this issue.
Marking Boxes and Tubs
Unmarked boxes make retrieving your items cumbersome, especially when storing items for extended periods. Many people assume they will remember where everything sits, only to forget details months later. Writing clear labels with a list of contents allows for quick identification and eliminates the need to open every box. Consider using color-coded labels or a numbering system so you can quickly find items when you prepare your items for self-storage in Cincinnati.
Wasting Space in the Storage Unit
Poor organization wastes valuable space within your storage unit. Leave a clear walkway for easier access to your items, especially if you retrieve items every month or season. Seasonal decorations, important documents, or household essentials should remain near the front for convenience. Placing less-needed belongings toward the back keeps everything accessible without major disruptions. This is where creating a detailed inventory list, either on paper or computerized, simplifies things for the future.
Not Protecting Items From Pests
Pests can infiltrate your storage unit at any time, and since you don’t go to your unit every day to check it, it’s a wise decision to control pests as much as possible for your climate-controlled or drive-up storage unit. Your items coming from home may be free from pests, but other people’s belongings might not be. Plus, something might fly or crawl into a box while you’re moving items into your unit.Choosing the right storage facility, especially a climate-controlled one, is a good first step. But you can take other measures to prevent pests. Think about implementing these things to reduce the chances of pests in your storage unit:
Use Airtight Containers
Store items in sealed plastic bins rather than cardboard boxes. Vacuum-sealed bags work well for clothing, bedding, and soft materials.
Do Not Store Food or Scented Items
Even non-perishable food, canned food, and pet food can attract pests. Scents, like scented candles, can also attract pests. Remove any crumbs from furniture or kitchen appliances before putting them in self-storage in Cincinnati.
Elevate and Space Out Items
Keep belongings off the ground by using pallets or shelves. Leaving small gaps between boxes improves airflow and makes it harder for pests to nest.
Use Natural Pest Deterrents
Place pest repellents such as cedar blocks, lavender sachets, or peppermint oil-soaked cotton balls in the corners of the unit. Mothballs or silica gel packets help protect clothing and documents from moisture and bugs.
Inspect and Maintain the Unit Regularly
Check for signs of droppings, chew marks, or nests every time you check on your storage unit in Cincinnati. We recommend checking it at least once per month.
Unsafe Stacking
Imagine this scenario. You leave your storage unit in Cincinnati in perfect shape when you close and lock the door. When you arrive in a month to check on things, something falls over and causes an issue when you try to open the door.Unfortunately, we see this happen when people do not stack items safely in their storage units. Avoid stacking boxes haphazardly, creating unstable stacks that collapse under the weight.
Heavier Items on the Bottom
Stacking boxes without considering weight distribution could create instability. Lighter boxes collapse under heavier ones, causing any columns to shift or fall over. Place sturdy, heavier boxes at the bottom to establish a solid foundation, preventing leaning stacks from toppling. Or, if you have heavy, bulky furniture, you can use that as a foundation to stack lighter items on top.
Keep Stacks at a Manageable Height
Do not stack your boxes too high and out of your reach, even if you have a step stool to help. A towering stack may seem space-efficient, but without proper support, it topples easily. Keep stacks at a manageable height for easier access to frequently used items. Also, don’t pull a box out of the middle of a stack.
Create Pathways and Aisles
Failing to leave clear pathways creates more difficulties. If you stuff too many items into your unit, you’ll have to move items out or climb over piles. This results in more work when entering and exiting the unit. Create aisles 2 to 3 feet wide as you stack items properly for the best results.
Not Utilizing Vertical Space
Storage units are around 8 feet tall on the inside. Not utilizing vertical space wastes a lot of the usable area of your self-storage in Cincinnati. You might be paying for two storage units when you really only need one. Stack items with the heaviest objects on the bottom and the lightest ones on top. If you have heavy furniture, use that as a base and stack things around it without overwhelming the furniture piece.
Wrong Lock Type
Sometimes, we see locks that aren’t latched properly or get corroded over time. We highly recommend a sturdy, brand-new disc lock when you rent a self-storage unit in Cincinnati from us. We generally have some available in our retail centers at each location. We recommend a disc lock for its vaunted security and rugged construction when it comes to latching your storage unit securely.
Forgetting to Pay for Your Unit on Time
Most self-storage facilities in Cincinnati have a grace period when paying for your unit. Unfortunately, many people forget to pay for their units on time from month to month. Ohio law stipulates that storage facilities can start to collect late fees three days after the due date. The late fee is substantial and can be placed on a unit every month until the unit is paid current. So, it behooves you to pay your storage unit on time every month. Our convenient online payment system is secure and gives you a receipt after you pay the amount. Talk to us about this online portal when you reserve your unit and move in!
Contact Us for Self-Storage in Cincinnati
With eight locations and decades of serving the area, Circle Storage can meet your needs for secure self-storage in Cincinnati. We have three new state-of-the-art facilities with climate-controlled storage: one in West Chester, one in Springdale, and another in Blue Ash.
Circle Storage is one of the largest locally owned storage companies in the area. Everyone on staff is based here in Greater Cincinnati, so when you have questions about your unit, you’ll talk to someone based in this area.
Contact us for more information about the security measures we employ. We’re happy to help in any way we can.