If you have a self-storage unit, you are probably anxious to start tossing your boxes in there and getting them out of your home. But, before you do, consider the following storage unit mistakes. You want to make sure you are avoiding these mistakes at all costs, as they will end up costing you in the long run.

Mistake #1: Forgetting about a climate controlled unit.

Did you know that some items are sensitive to temperatures? If you have forgotten to consider a climate controlled unit, you may be in for a surprise when you open your storage door and find your furniture warped or your electronics damaged.

It is important that you evaluate the items you are storing and then decide whether or not a climate controlled unit is right for you.

Mistake #2: Choosing to throw unlabeled boxes into your unit.

One of the worst things you can do is take a bunch of unlabeled boxes and just throw them into your unit. First, you will be creating clutter and you will make it impossible to get to your items. Secondly, you will never know where to look for items when you need them. An unlabeled box means you will have to sift through it just to identify what is inside.

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When you place your items in a storage unit that is supposed to be climate controlled, do you really know if it is? Think about it for a moment. What if the climate controlled unit is too hot, too cold, or too humid? Your items are at risk when the temperature and humidity levels are not kept where they need to be. To prevent this from happening, you need to make sure that you are monitoring your storage unit’s climate. Not sure how? Below, we will help you learn how to do so effectively.

1. Use Temperature and Humidity Monitors

When you want to monitor the temperature and humidity level of your storage unit, you need to place a thermometer, hydrometer, or other type of measuring device inside your unit to ensure that everything is correct.

The thermometer itself will tell you what the current temperature is and you can write down on a piece paper to keep a log, if you choose. The hydrometer is responsible for monitoring the humidity level within your storage unit. You can choose to purchase manual read gauges or you can choose to place a digital meter to keep track of the temperature levels.

On average, your storage unit should be somewhere between 55 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit and the humidity level should be somewhere between 35 and 45 percent.

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