7 Tips for Keeping Your Belongings Safe in Student Storage Units

Student life is hectic, and moving out of your student accommodation for summer break prompts you to find a reliable storage solution. Whether you’re going home, moving to a new accommodation, or traveling with your family, a self-storage unit gives you the extra space to keep your belongings safe.

Here are some essential tips to protect your items in student storage units while on a break from school:

1. Choose the Right Storage Unit Size

Getting the right storage unit size ensures that all your belongings fit well without being cramped. A small unit may be enough if you only need to store a box or two, but larger items like furniture need bigger units.

Student storage UK experts from reputable storage facilities can offer size guides to help you decide which unit to get.

2. Select a Reliable Storage Solution

As accurate as it may sound, not all self-storage facilities offer the same quality and level of service. Look for providers that have secure storage for students, including:

• CCTV Surveillance: A self-storage company with cameras everywhere can help detect and avert crimes.
• Secure Locks: Look for a facility with individual locks for all the units.
• Climate-Controlled Options: If you’re storing electronics or other sensitive items, you need a consistently low-temperature unit to protect them from damage.
• Convenient Locations: Choose a facility located near your home to save you time from traveling and retrieving your items.

Read customer reviews to understand and decide which storage unit to avail of.

3. Create a Storage Checklist and Inventory

Write down everything you want to store in the storage unit to make sure you don’t forget anything. Your checklist will also help you retrieve important items when you need them. Take photos of each item to track them easily for insurance purposes.

Reminder: Don’t store food and flammable items as they can attract pests.

4. Use the Right Packing Materials

Buy high-quality packing materials, such as sturdy cardboard boxes, bubble wrap, and plastic bins. Use silica gel packs to keep moisture from destroying your items inside the box.

5. Label Everything Clearly

Get clear boxes and label them with the appropriate item type to make it easier to find what you need. You can also use a color-coding system for various items, such as red for books, blue for electronics and gadgets, and yellow for important documents.

6. Pack Smartly to Maximise Space

Make the most out of your storage space by:

Disassembling Large Items

• Take beds and tables apart to minimize bulk in your boxes.
• Use labeled bags to store small furniture parts and screws.
• Free up floor space by placing furniture pieces vertically.

Use Every Inch of Space

• Place heavy boxes on the bottom and the light ones on top.
• Fill all the empty spaces with smaller items like socks, linens, or books.
• Place mattresses vertically along the wall to avoid taking up floor space.
• Take advantage of vertical storage with stackable crates and shelves.
• Use hooks and hanging organizers to hang small bags.

Pack Strategically

• Group items by category to make retrieving items easier.
• Put the box with frequently used items near the front to get what you need right away.
• Create an aisle in the unit’s center to reach every item without unpacking.

Protect Your Items

• Wrap all fragile items in blankets or bubble wrap to prevent damage.
• Cover your furniture with dust sheets of furniture covers for dust and moisture protection.
• Put your important documents and electronics in waterproof containers.

Do a final check to see if you labeled all boxes clearly and if the weight is distributed evenly within the unit.

7. Insure Your Belongings

Storage insurance protects your items financially when they’re inside the storage unit. Here’s why you should get it:

Protection Against Theft

Insurance may cover the cost of your stolen items. Your policy might include forced entry coverage if security measures are breached.

Coverage for Fire and Flood Damage

Despite their security measures, storage facilities cannot prevent fires, floods, and water damage. Insurance can cover repairs and replacements for every damaged item if such catastrophic events happen.

Protection from Extreme Weather

Some policies may cover damage from snow, storms, and heavy rains, especially when the unit has been affected. Container-based storage units might have this kind of coverage.

Coverage for Accidental Damage

You may get compensated when your items are damaged accidentally within the facility. However, damage due to poor packing or improper storage may be an exception.

Third-Party Damage

Insurance may reimburse you if your items caused damage to another unit, such as leaking from an appliance.

Mold and Pest Protection

Some insurance plans can offer limited protection to your items from pests, mildew, and mold damage.

What You Should Do: Read the fine print and understand the limits and exclusions. Verify if the storage company requires you to get insurance before renting a unit.

Final Thoughts

A student self-storage unit is a great storage solution for students who want to declutter their living space during summer or school breaks. Getting the right unit size and using high-quality packing materials can help guard your belongings from damage until you need to use them again. Choose a facility with top-notch security features for its units and comprehensive insurance coverage for your peace of mind.

For more information on storage for your home or rental unit, please visit GatorRated.com.