12 Rookie Mistakes When Renting Storage Units in Red Deer

For many busy families, keeping their homes 100% clutter-free seems like a pipe dream. Despite our best efforts, we accumulate toys, clothes, books, collectibles, and more. We soon realize it's a few years later and find ourselves overwhelmed by the disarray. When too much stuff is inside your home, and your basement or garage has been completely overrun with even more stuff, it's time to consider renting storage units in Red Deer.

Placing your items in a Bluebird Self Storage facility is an excellent storage solution for decluttering your home or business. It provides a sense of security, knowing that your belongings are in a safe and secure location.

However, before you rent self storage units near Red Deer, it's crucial to do your research and choose the right one for your needs to avoid any issues. 

Here are 12 common storage unit mistakes made by first-time storage customers and tips on how you can avoid them.

Failure to Pack Things Properly in Self Storage

One of the most common mistakes people make when arranging their self storage units in Red Deer is improperly packing their belongings before storing them. Wrong or haphazard packing can lead to damaged or even "lost" items. There are stories of people completely forgetting what they packed inside their storage unit, thinking items were lost, only to find them inside the unit, sometimes years later. It's crucial to take the time to pack everything carefully and label all boxes, so you know what's inside.

Here are three essential tips for proper packing of self storage in Red Deer:

• Use appropriate packing materials such as bubble wrap, peanuts, and blankets.
• Label all boxes clearly.
• Do not overfill boxes or leave open spaces, which can cause items to shift during transport.

For more detailed tips on how to pack and store like an expert, check out Bluebird's Ultimate Packing & Storage Guide.

By packing things the right way, you ensure that your belongings arrive at the storage facility in one piece and will be in the same pristine condition once you take them out of storage.

Renting the Wrong Size Storage Units in Red Deer

Another major storage unit mistake is renting the wrong storage unit size. If you get a unit that is either too large, it can cause a lot of wasted space and money. If you get one that is too small, you’ll have to deal with the frustration of trying to fit everything into your unit.

To avoid this mistake, take some time to measure the items you need to store so you can quickly pinpoint which self storage units near Red Deer are large enough to accommodate them.

If you're unsure what size storage unit you need, our helpful team of storage experts at Bluebird Self Storage can help. We have a wide range of storage unit sizes to choose from, and our knowledgeable staff can assist you in selecting the right unit for your storage needs.

Keeping Food & Other Perishables in Your Self Storage Unit 

Though this might seem obvious, many people still make the mistake of storing food inside self storage units in Red Deer. While storage units are great for all your other items, storing food and other perishables, including plants and animals, should never be stored inside a storage unit.

Paying Your Self Storage Unit Bill Late

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is paying the rent for your self storage units near Red Deer late. Most storage facilities charge late fees, costing you more money in the long run. And if you're consistently late on your storage unit payments, the storage company has the right to terminate your contract and lock you out of your storage unit.

Not having access to your storage could cause many problems, primarily if you use your storage unit for business storage. You might be unable to work, serve customers, or access documents and inventory if you can't get inside your self storage in Red Deer.

To avoid this mistake, make sure you pay your storage bill on time or set up automatic online payments, so you never have to worry about paying late fees again. 

At Bluebird Self Storage, we want to provide the best storage experience to all our customers and so we offer automatic payments for added convenience and your monthly billing date will be chosen by you to accommodate your personal financial schedule.

Using the Wrong Packaging Materials

When packing storage units in Red Deer, use the proper moving supplies and packaging materials. This will make it easier to physically move your items from your home to the moving van and finally to your unit and ensure nothing gets damaged in transit.

At Bluebird Self Storage, we carry a complete line of packing and storage supplies to help you with your move, including:

• Moving Boxes
• Packing paper
• Bubble wrap
• Labels and markers
• Furniture and mattress covers
• Heavy-duty storage unit locks
• Utility Knives
• Moving Gloves
• Furniture Slides
• Dollies and carts

If you're not sure what type of packaging materials you need, our expert storage team can help. We are more than happy to answer any of your storage-related questions and assist you in choosing the right storage supplies in time for your move-in date.

Failing to Visit Your Vehicle Storage Unit Regularly

While it's not necessary to visit your storage unit every day, you should make it a point to stop by every few weeks or at least once a month if you have a vehicle in storage.  

For example, if you have a car in an indoor storage unit in Red Deer, visiting every few weeks is a must. You can start the engine and let it run for 15 to 20 minutes outside the facility to ensure the battery won't die and that all the engine parts stay lubricated.

By checking your vehicle regularly, you’ll be able to get ahead of mechanical issues that might pop up so that it stays in good running condition even if it is in self storage. 

Failing to Insure the Contents of Your Storage Units in Red Deer

Your home insurance policy does not automatically cover your storage unit contents. You might need to purchase a separate protection policy to insure your belongings. Consider the peace of mind it provides. It might be well worth it, and it doesn't hurt to prepare for any situation, no matter how unlikely. Ask about storage insurance when renting storage units near Red Deer.

Not Cleaning the Items Inside Self Storage Units Near Red Deer

Before placing your items inside storage units near Red Deer, thoroughly deep clean everything to stop dirt and dust from accumulating and damaging them. It will also prevent you from bringing unwanted elements like toxic chemical residue, forgotten food particles, and more from your home or garage into the clean and well-maintained storage facility you rented.

When cleaning your items, use a non-toxic cleaner to avoid harming the environment. You can also use storage unit sachets to keep your storage smelling fresh and clean.

Cleaning your items before placing them in storage units in Red Deer will also make it easier to use them right away when you finally take them out of storage.

Forgetting to Cover Your Furniture, Appliances, & Vehicles

While indoor storage units near Red Deer are safe and secure, a common mistake is forgetting to add an extra layer of protection by covering furniture, appliances, and even vehicles with a tarp or storage blanket. It will protect them from dust and dirt while in storage. 

Don't forget to do this if you've rented an indoor vehicle storage unit. While your car may already be protected from the elements because it is inside, we recommend that you still place a breathable cover over your vehicle to prevent dust and debris from scratching the surface.

Not Organizing Your Storage Units in Red Deer

Another common mistake is not organizing the inside of your storage unit. While it’s tempting to just pack as many items as you can inside your unit, this might cause bigger problems in the future. 

Packing your storage units near Red Deer too tightly can cause your items to get crushed and deformed. There's nothing worse than taking your stuff out of storage later on and discovering accidental damage.

Take the time to organize and pack your unit properly. A good rule of thumb is to place all the heavier items that you won’t retrieve anytime soon towards the back of your unit, or around the perimeter. 

You can also bring in shelving units if needed to place smaller items together, using vertical space so there is space to walk around the unit. If possible, try to leave an aisle down the middle to make it easier to access your belongings in the future. You also encourage better airflow when your items are not packed tightly in the unit.

Not Checking the Features & Amenities of Storage Units near Red Deer

When shopping around for a storage facility in Red Deer County, Alberta, and its surrounding areas, a common mistake is not to ask about any special features, amenities, or storage services they may offer.

Don't forget to check on their security features and if they offer heated storage units in Red Deer which are perfect if you have items that are sensitive to the cold, such as wood furniture, sports equipment, and specific musical instruments.

At Bluebird Self Storage, we take security seriously and offer a wide range of state-of-the-art security features and amenities, including:

• 24/7 video monitoring
• Gated access
• Bright, clean, and well-maintained interiors
• Heated storage units to protect from harsh winters

Bluebird's helpful customer service team will be happy to help if you need a specific storage solution.

Not Placing Labels on Your Storage Boxes

When you're packing your storage units in Red Deer, be sure to label all of the boxes. This will make it easier to find items when you need them. You can even take it to the next level by taking photos of the contents of each box, printing them out, and then sticking them onto the box directly. If ever you need to retrieve anything from your storage units near Red Deer, you'll know at a glance if the item is inside that particular box or not.

Bluebird Provides Stress-free Storage Units in Red Deer

While the concept of renting storage units near Red Deer and placing your extra items inside is simple, it can quickly turn complex and fraught with unexpected issues if not done correctly.

We've outlined some of the most common storage mistakes people make, and by following these tips, you can avoid making them yourself.

For a positive storage experience, look no further than Bluebird Self Storage! We have everything you need to make your self-storage experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.

If you're looking for storage units in Red Deer, check out Bluebird Self Storage. We offer a wide range of storage unit sizes and amenities to meet your needs. Contact us today to learn more!