Do's and Don'ts of Self Storage

The do's and don'ts of self storage are fairly cut and dry. Basically, if it seems like a bad idea, it probably is. If you are ever in doubt, you can always refer to your rental agreement or a manager at your self storage facility who can clarify anything you are unsure of. The rules that are set in place are not only for the protection of the storage unit owners, but for you and all your facility neighbors as well.

Things you shouldn't do with your self storage unit are often reinforced by common sense, and include:

* Don't store anything that is a flammable or hazardous material. If you are storing anything with a fuel tank, try to store it with a full tank rather than a partial to reduce the amount of combustible fumes present.

* Don't store food products of any kind or anything that is scented like candles or potpourri. The scent of any of these items will eventually attract pests and/or rodents, regardless of how well you think they are sealed.

* Don't store fireworks, ammunition, guns, fertilizer or anything that can be deemed a firearm of any nature or used to manufacture weapons. Doing so will have Homeland Security on you in a heartbeat.

* Don't store paint cans, old car batteries, old tires, or anything that requires special disposal in your unit.

* Don't try to live in your unit. Storage units are not designed to be a home, so just don't do it!

* Don't modify the unit in any way that does not allow you turn it over at the end of your agreement in the condition you rented it.

The things that should be on your to-do list for a storage facility include:

* Do use a vapor barrier on the floor to help protect your belongings.

* Do keep any stacking you do to no higher than 6' tall so that the boxes do not topple easily.

* Do label all of your boxes so you can easily identify the contents of each.

* Do keep your unit secured with a hardened steel lock.

* Do stop by your unit periodically to make sure everything looks cool and nothing has tipped over or is otherwise out of place.

* Do report anything that needs to be fixed. Storage facility managers understand that things like door springs or lights are going to break at times and need to be fixed. If you do not report them, they will have no idea that a repair is needed.

Regulations may vary from one storage facility to another, but if you abide by these storage facility do's and don'ts you will usually be well within any rental agreement guidelines.