Top Tips To Remember Before Moving Into A Storage Unit

A practical guide to storing your belongings more safely, efficiently, and with fewer costly mistakes.

Written by Michaela Pinga | Updated 4 May 2026

Self Storage Tips & Solutions moving packing security

So, you’ve finally bitten the bullet and have decided to rent a self storage unit. Congratulations! This is a big decision, and one that can really help to declutter your home and life. But before you start packing up your things and moving them into storage, there are a few things you need to keep in mind in order to make the process as smooth as possible.

Below, we have gathered some of the most important tips to remember before moving into a storage unit. By following these simple tips, you can be sure that your things will be safe and sound while they are in storage and that you will be able to access them easily whenever you need to.

Have you yet to choose a storage company? Check this out.

5 Tips To Keep In Mind When Moving Into A Storage Unit

Here are the top six tips to remember before moving your items into storage:

Check With Your Storage Facility About Items That Are Not Allowed In Their Storage Unit

Before moving your belongings into your chosen self storage space, you must first check with your storage company abut what type of items are not allowed in their storage units. Most self storage facilities have a pretty standard list of nonallowable items (e.g., illegal firearms, live animals, plants, dangerous chemicals, etc.) but it is best to check with your specific storage facility for any special rules they have regarding you putting items into storage.

Make A List Of Everything You’ll Be Storing

This may seem like an obvious one, but it’s important to make a list of everything you’ll be putting into storage. This will not only help you to stay organised, but it will also come in handy if you need to access something from your unit and can’t remember what you packed it in with.

When making your inventory list, remember to be as detailed as possible. Include the name of the item, a brief description, and where it is stored in your storage unit. This will save you a lot of time and frustration later on.

Use Good Quality Cardboard Boxes For Your Belongings

If you are going to be using cardboard boxes to store your belongings in your storage unit, it is important to make sure that you use good-quality boxes. Cheap, flimsy boxes are more likely to break and could damage your belongings.

This is especially true if you are planning to store your belongings for a long period of time. After all, even belongings stored in climate-controlled boxes can be damaged if they are not packed properly.

Here are some tips on Where To Get Moving Boxes.

For seasonal clothing and other garments, you may want to consider using vacuum-sealed plastic bags instead of cardboard boxes. These can help to keep your things clean and dust-free while in storage. The same goes for electronic items like computers, tablets, and TVs.

For large pieces of furniture and other bulky items that you plan on storing for a long time, you may want to invest in some dust sheets and furniture covers. These will help to keep your furniture clean and protected from the elements.

Meanwhile, if you have important documents or files that you need to store, it is best to keep them in a fireproof and waterproof box or safe. Lastly, if you have fragile items that you wish to put in storage, you will want to get protective packing materials like packing paper, packing peanuts, bubble wrap, and many more.

Purchase An Adequate Insurance Policy For Your Belongings In Self Storage

Next, it is crucial that before you move into your storage unit, you must purchase an adequate insurance policy that will cover your belongings in case of any damages or losses.

This is because most self storage facilities do not provide insurance for the items stored in their units. So, if something were to happen to your belongings while they are in storage (e.g., a fire, flooding, theft, etc.), you would not be compensated by the storage facility.

To find the right storage renters insurance policy for your needs, it is best to speak with your homeowners or renters insurance agent. They will be able to help you determine the coverage you need and whether or not your current policy will cover your belongings while they are in storage.

You can also purchase a self storage insurance policy from a third-party insurer. These policies are specifically designed to cover your belongings while they are in storage and can be quite affordable.

Ensure You Are Entrusting Your Personal Belongings With A Safe Storage Facility

When choosing a storage facility for your belongings, it is important to make sure that you are entrusting them with a safe and secure facility. This means that the facility should have security features like CCTV cameras, alarm systems, and on-site security guards.

It is also a good idea to choose a facility that is well-maintained and clean. This will help to ensure that your belongings are protected from the elements and are not subject to any damage while in storage.

Lastly, you should make sure that the facility you choose offers insurance for your belongings. This way, you will be covered in case of any damages or losses that may occur while your belongings are in their care.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to storing your belongings in a self storage unit, it is important to take the necessary precautions to ensure that they are safe and protected. This includes using good quality cardboard boxes, investing in the right insurance policy, and choosing a safe and secure storage facility.

By taking these steps, you can rest assured knowing that your belongings are in good hands. Now that you’ve got an idea of how to protect your belongings while in storage, it’s time to start packing!