Storage Tips

Self-storage is a way to store your possessions away from your own property. Self-storage units (or parking spaces) are like apartments for your stuff. You pay, they stay.

Drive-up self-storage refers to any self-storage unit that can be driven up to with a car or truck. Drive-up units are great for those who want to minimize time at a self-storage facility. They’re also an excellent choice for large items that are difficult to move or may not fit into storage hallways. 

Traditional self-storage units come in a wide range of sizes to meet storage needs large and small. At most storage facilities, the least expensive (and spacious) storage units start at 5’ x 5’. The largest (and most expensive) units are 10’ x 30’ or larger. In between these two sizes, other commonly-found storage unit sizes include 5’ x 10’, 10’ x 10’, 10’ x 15’, and 10’ x 20’. 

There are several benefits of self-storage for both commercial and private clients. One of the biggest benefits is freed-up space. A storage unit can free up a considerable amount of space at your home or business. It can also allow you to hang on to items you may have otherwise had to donate or even throw away. A storage unit is also an excellent cost-saving solution. Rather than investing in a larger property or resorting to getting rid of items, you can rent a storage unit. Storage units are great for those with collections, large amounts of seasonal items, office supplies, excess inventory, or those in the midst of a move.

Storage unit insurance is a fantastic way to financially insure the items in your storage unit against unforeseen accidents such as storms, break-ins, infrastructure failures, or other emergencies. You can purchase storage insurance directly from our team here at Baytree Self Storage.

While different storage facilities offer different access hours, our facilities here at Baytree Self Storage units are accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Before putting your belongings inside a storage unit, you should know the proper ways to prepare and pack your items for storage.

1. Decide which personal items to put in storage; if it's not sentimental, valuable or useful, try donating it or selling it instead. You may want to create an inventory list of all your items.

2. Thoroughly clean and dry all belongings before putting them in a storage unit. If they're clean to begin with, they'll be much less likely to smell bad later. It's a good idea to wipe down all surfaces with a cleaning spray and vaccuum sofas and chair cushions. For appliances like washing machines, refrigerators and dishwashers, make sure to leave the appliance doors slightly open to prevent moisture, mold or mildew from building up. Cover sofas and mattresses with a light dust cover and place on cardboard.

3. Use airtight plastic bins instead of boxes. If you use cardboard boxes instead, be sure that they are sturdy enough to withstand long-term storage and clearly label each one. Be specific, instead of labeling a box "kitchen stuff," label it "pots, pans and blender."

4. When placing your belongings in storage, be strategic about how and where you store them inside the unit. If you want to save space, store items in a vertical positions. If the item is large or heavy, place it on the bottom and cover furniture with cotton sheets. Also consider which items you're going to need more often like seasonal clothing or decorations.

5. Know if there are storage restrictions, what can and can't be stored inside your unit. There is usually a list of restricted items due to their being dangerous; such as gasoline, propane tanks, paint, fertilizer, any chemicals, fireworks or explosives. If it is flammable it does belong inside a storage unit. Also, no medicine, plants or perishable food should be kept inside a storage unit.

6. You may want to safeguard items from outside conditions by using moisture elimination products. Also consider the quality of your packing supplies.

Contact Baytree Self Storage today if you have any questions about storing your possessions!