Your local storage company might feel secure enough for you, but it’s important to check in on your belongings every once in a while. How often should you be checking? There are a few things you’ll need to take into consideration to get your answer. Here’s what you need to know.
When to Visit Your Storage Unit
If You Have Valuable Items in Storage
If you’re storing valuable items in your unit, then it’s probably a good idea to check on them a little more frequently than you would normally. This is especially important for valuables that are very old or very delicate. If you’re storing antiques or family heirlooms, for example, you’d typically want to check in on them a few times a month to make sure that they haven’t been disturbed or damaged. It’s also important to make sure you’re packing these items with care. Proper packing can go a long way in preserving valuable heirlooms that you want to keep in your family for future generations. Some common valuables you may see in storage include electronics, artwork, work files, family heirlooms, and antique furniture or trinkets. These items will require your attention more often than ordinary items like clothing, even while they’re in storage.
If the Weather Has Been Severe
Extreme weather certainly isn’t a factor you want in the equation when you’re utilizing storage for rent. Extreme weather events such as blizzards, tornadoes, hurricanes, thunderstorms, and even heavy rain can take a toll on the items you have stored away. If your area has been seeing severe weather, it’s a good idea to check in on your belongings. Any major weather event should prompt a visit to your storage unit, especially if you’re investing in an outdoor unit that’s more exposed to the elements. Water damage is going to be the most likely culprit if you’ve seen a lot of heavy rain in your area. Even snow can cause water damage if it’s melting on the roof of your unit and leaking inside. In any case, make sure you’re checking on your belongings after any severe or particularly wet weather.
If You’re Storing Standard Items
When you rent a storage unit to store standard items like clothing, large pieces of furniture, and miscellaneous objects is quite common. Fortunately, these items also don’t require too much attention on your part. In most instances, when you’re not storing valuable items and the weather has been fair, you should be checking on your storage unit once every month or two. If you’re storing lawn equipment and tools, it’s possible that you won’t even need to check up on it that often. For the self-storage prices you’re paying, most ordinary items will be well protected under normal circumstances. Checking in can give you peace of mind and help you make sure that you’ve stored things properly. Sometimes an object might fall over and require a bit of attention, which is why regular check-ups are a good practice to get into.
