Avoid These Common Storage Mistakes for a Seamless Experience

At Red Rocks Self Storage, we understand the challenges that come with storing personal belongings. Whether you're in Aurora, Colorado Springs, Golden, Denver, or anywhere across the Front Range, avoiding these typical errors can make a big difference in your storage experience. Here are ten common storage mistakes, along with their problems and solutions, to help ensure a smooth and efficient storage experience.

1. Not Labeling Boxes

Problem: Searching through numerous unmarked boxes can be frustrating and time-consuming, especially when you're looking for specific items like ski gear or holiday decorations. 

Solution: Use a label maker or permanent marker to clearly label each box with its contents. This practice not only saves time during searches but also reduces stress and improves overall organization within your storage unit. To further simplify your organizing process, Red Rocks Self Storage sells a variety of moving supplies and labels, making it easier to keep everything in order.

2. Skipping Climate-Controlled Storage

Problem: Colorado's extreme weather conditions, with its cold winters and hot summers, can damage sensitive items such as electronics, photographs, documents, and wooden furniture.

Solution: Opt for climate-controlled storage units at Red Rocks Self Storage to protect your valuables from temperature fluctuations and humidity. This type of storage provides a stable environment that keeps your items in top condition.

3. Overloading the Unit

Problem: Packing a storage unit too full can restrict airflow and make it difficult to access items, potentially causing damage to your belongings.

Solution: Avoid filling your storage unit to capacity. Use shelving units to better organize and distribute the contents, which facilitates air circulation and makes items easier to retrieve when needed.

4. Ignoring the Need for Insurance

Problem: Even in secure storage facilities, unexpected events like theft, fires, or water damage can occur, risking loss or damage to your stored items.

Solution: Ensure your belongings are protected by obtaining a comprehensive insurance plan. This plan should cover a range of potential risks and provide peace of mind along with financial security in case of incidents.

5. Failing to Disassemble Large Furniture

Problem: Storing large pieces of furniture without disassembling them can take up excessive space and lead to damage during transport or storage.

Solution: Disassemble large furniture items before storing them. This action not only conserves space but also minimizes the risk of damage to both the furniture and other stored items.

6. Neglecting Regular Clean-Up

Problem: Tenants often store items and forget about them, leading to unnecessary clutter and inefficient use of space. Over time, items that are no longer needed accumulate, taking up valuable space and potentially hiding items that need more frequent access.

Solution: Encourage regular clean-ups and assessments of stored items. Provide guidelines on how to categorize items (keep, sell, donate, or throw away) and suggest yearly or bi-yearly clean-up schedules. This not only optimizes space but also helps in maintaining an organized unit which makes retrieving items easier.

7. Improper Packing Materials

Problem: Using inappropriate packing materials can cause damage to stored items. Newspapers, while readily available, can transfer ink onto items, and boxes that aren't sturdy can collapse or allow damage to their contents.

Solution: Recommend the use of professional-grade packing materials. Offer to sell or provide links to purchase supplies like plastic wrap, bubble wrap, and sturdy boxes directly at your facility. Provide packing tips in your blog posts or as a handout at the time of rental, highlighting the best practices for wrapping and cushioning valuables.

8. Forgetting to Secure the Storage Unit Properly

Problem: A common oversight by tenants is not securing their storage unit adequately, which can lead to theft or the unit accidentally opening.

Solution: Stress the importance of using high-quality locks and perform regular checks to ensure that units are properly secured. Provide a short tutorial or a handout on how to properly lock a storage unit and recommend tested and approved locks available for purchase at your facility or through trusted partners. If your facility is using the Noke Smart-Entry System by Janus it is highly recommended to turn on the notifications options within the application. The Noke Smart-Entry system provides live time motion detection on the inside of your unit! This is an awesome perk when choosing Red Rocks Self Storage. 

9. Ignoring Pest Control

Problem: Storage units can attract pests, especially if items are stored for long periods without proper precautions, leading to damage from rodents, insects, or other pests.

Solution: Advise tenants on preventive measures such as using pest-resistant containers, avoiding storing perishables, and using natural deterrents like cedar blocks or peppermint oil. Offer periodic pest control services as part of your facility management or recommend reputable pest control providers who specialize in storage spaces.

10. Failing to Plan for Long-Term Storage

Problem: Tenants often store items indefinitely without proper preparation, leading to potential damage over time. Items not meant for long-term storage without special preparations can degrade, especially when stored improperly.

Solution: Provide detailed guides and checklists for preparing various types of belongings for long-term storage. Focus on the importance of protective coverings, proper cleaning of items before storage, and the use of pallets to keep items off the floor. Consider offering periodic check-up services for long-term storage units to help tenants maintain their items in good condition.

Conclusion:

By being mindful of these common storage mistakes and following our tips at Red Rocks Self Storage, you can ensure a more efficient and worry-free storage experience in Colorado. Whether you're relocating, decluttering, or simply in need of extra space, our facilities are equipped to meet your needs with high-quality options like secure, climate-controlled units and comprehensive insurance coverage.

Ready to secure your storage unit in Colorado? Contact Red Rocks Self Storage today to find the perfect solution for your needs or click HERE!