Nine Critical Errors to Avoid When Using Self Storage According to Experts

Self storage has emerged as a practical solution for those who need extra space to store their belongings or an unconventional office space in South Africa. It’s especially useful for business owners and people moving house, providing a safe, secure place to store items outside of their home or office. Using a self-storage unit can particularly come in handy when you need to downsize.

Many people find themselves with a surplus of belongings they can’t part with. Getting additional space doesn’t have to be challenging. If you know which mistakes to avoid, you can find the perfect solution that suits your precise needs.

So, if you find yourself in one of these situations and you want to use a self-storage unit, you’ve come to the right place. Below, we look at some mistakes to steer clear of in order to have a great storing experience.

#1: Renting Without Research

The first critical error South Africans often make is choosing to rent a storage unit without doing thorough research on various self storage facilities. Storing your belongings securely is critical, and not all storage providers may offer the same level of security or offer comparable benefits. For example, did you know Easy Store brings the unit to you and takes it back to our facility? That means you won’t have to pay extra to transport your goods to our warehouse space.

#2: Failing to Plan

People use self storage for different reasons. Therefore, planning what, when, and how to store various items is essential. Skipping this step can lead to difficulties when trying to access specific belongings later on. If you’ve ever stored your things, whether in a spare room, the garage, or a unit, you’ll have experienced the need for planning how you organise your space.

#3: Cluttering the Storage Space

Despite the additional room that a self-storage unit provides, it’s vital to avoid creating clutter. Positioning items carefully allows better accessibility and prevents damage to your valuable items. Otherwise, things tend to pile up, get damaged, and be hard to access again. Or you might end up using more space than you need, which means paying more. Many experts suggest using clear, plastic storage boxes that are clearly labelled and stackable to organise things, as well as packing things in such a way that they can easily be accessed again.

#4: Not Maximizing Space

Another mistake people who need to store their belongings make while using self-storage is not maximizing the use of the space. A well-organized self-storage unit can help keep your belongings safe and make it easier to find items when needed. But if you don’t use your space to the max, you may be paying for space you don’t need.

Easy Store’s innovative approach allows you to use every cm to your advantage. Our units are designed to use vertical space to its fullest. You can choose the storage unit sizes that suit your needs and pack it yourself or hire our pros to pack it for you.

#5: Not Considering Climate Controlled Storage

Depending on what you’re storing, you may need a climate-controlled unit. Disregarding this aspect can lead to damage, especially for sensitive items like electronics or artwork. Climate control simply means keeping units dry, with a regulated temperature and humidity level. Not all self-storage companies offer this. So, if you want peace of mind, it’s best to find out whether you need this feature and who offers it before choosing your storage solutions.

#6: Forgetting to Assess Accessibility

Accessibility of the self storage unit is another aspect that should not be overlooked. Depending on how frequently you need to retrieve items, location and opening hours can greatly affect convenience. Some long-term storage options do not allow for easy access. Our facilities boast excellent security features that limit access controls to keep your items safe. And yet, there are easy ways to access your things, since you keep the key to the unit.

#7: Disregarding Insurance

Even in the most secure facilities, unexpected events can occur. Storms, fires, burglaries, or even riots can cause the loss of your valuables. Not opting for insurance can be a costly mistake, especially when storing valuable items. If you want to store with us, you can rest assured that our facility is adequately insured. It’s also a good idea to insure specific valuable items on your own policy for extra peace of mind.

#8: Neglecting Regular Visits

Regular visits and checks can prevent problems from escalating. Failing to do so can cause minor issues to turn into significant problems. Self storage provides a safe and secure place to keep your personal belongings or business items. With us, you can store for as long as you need. If you’re planning to store your stuff long term, you can check in on your things whenever you need to, to make sure it is still safe and in a good condition.

#9: Ignoring Long-Term Costs

The last of the nine critical errors experts say are most common is ignoring the long-term costs of renting a storage unit. Ensure the cost aligns with your budget to prevent financial strain down the line. With Easy Store, you don’t have to concern yourself with long-term costs. That’s because we rent out our units on a month-to-month basis. This is one of the many reasons why people who use our units call it the easiest way to store in Jozi.

When people are renting a space for their belongings, one of the most stressful parts of the process can be the costs and having to sign long-term contracts. Luckily, that’s not the case with Easy Store. We’ve done everything possible to make our storage the best solution for your needs.

Here’s Why Easy Store is the Ideal Solution

With us, you can now enjoy more valuable space and keep items stored safely and securely the easy way. No foot foot nonsense. No extra costs or added stress. Just easy, convenient storage to enhance your life. Sounds lekker!

Here’s how it works. Whether for home or business, you can call us to book a unit. We then bring the unit to you. You can pack the unit yourself, or we can pack it for you. We also provide packing materials to keep your things safe while they’re being stored. When you’re ready, you can call us to collect the unit. We’ll hand you the key and take your unit to our facilities.

Our facilities offer security measures as a way to protect your things. With our service, you have the opportunity to gain additional valuable space and store your possessions securely and effortlessly. Ready to get started? Give us a call today!