Storage Unit Etiquette – Good Practice When Using a Self Storage Facility

So – you’ve done it. You’ve made the absolutely brilliant decision to incorporate a Storage Unit into your life – congratulations! 

And as it’s a new year and we’re all about fresh starts,  we thought it might be a good time to take a look at some Storage Facility Etiquette – no, not like that. You don’t have to curtsey to the security team, wear white gloves when keying in your passcode and we don’t really mind how you hold your knife and fork. By etiquette, we simply mean helpful and polite practices which can enhance everyone’s experience when using their storage unit. So whether you’re a total newbie, or perhaps would find a refresher helpful, here’s some do’s and don’ts when you pop by your Storage Facility.

RULES IS RULES!

The very word ‘rules’ can feel really restrictive – no talking after lights out, do not pass Go,  don’t give the tiger crisps through the cage bars … However they usually just exist to create a fair, safe and comfortable environment for everyone. 

The rules of your chosen storage facility will be laid out clearly in your contract. Give them a good read if you’re a first-timer, and there’s no harm in revisiting them if you’re a more seasoned user.

It can be a good idea to refresh yourself on prohibited items, for example – are any of your stored items flammable? Do they contain chemicals or potentially explosive ingredients? What about food, or something that will attract pests? The full list of forbidden items should be laid out clearly in your contract and will likely include items like  firearms, food, pets, people, hazardous materials like acid, fertiliser, fireworks, petrol, grease or gas.  Check out our helpful list on what’s not storable and why here: It’s a No! What Not To Store in Self Storage .

Overall, sticking to the rules – which are there for a reason – keeps things safe, and also prevents any dispute over liability should one arise.  

A MOST AGREEABLE EXPERIENCE

As well as observing the rules of the facility, it’s important – and good practice for smooth relationships – to be familiar with, and stick to, the agreements that you make. Set up direct debit schedules so you never miss a payment, read your contract thoroughly so you’re aware of anything that might crop up, and make sure that management have all of your up to date numbers, email addresses, postal addresses and backup contact details incase they need to reach you at any time and to ensure that necessary documentation is sent to the correct place. 

BE AN ANGEL AT THE GATES

It’s likely that you’ll be given an individualised passcode to access the entry gate and possibly internal doors too. First things first – keep it confidential and be very careful not to share it with anyone.

When you get to the facility, don’t ‘tailgate’ i.e. slip in the gate when it’s been opened by another user. For security reasons, make sure to punch in your unique code regardless of whether the gate is open or not – this is essential for record-keeping to settle potential disputes or even submit to the authorities if necessary. By punching yourself in, then you protect yourself. 

Also, don’t speed up if you see the gate starting to close in an attempt to get there  before it’s too late. You’re not Indiana Jones (more’s the pity!) and even the slightest misjudgement could result in a damaged gate which is obviously a security risk for every tenant of the facility; and/or a damaged vehicle and no one needs the nightmare of sorting all that out. 

DRIVE SAFELY

It seems obvious, but it’s imperative that you drive carefully around your Storage Facility. Speed is an obvious no-no, and it’s worth watching out for fellow Storers who could be dropping a load off in an unfamiliar or rented vehicle. There could be visibility hazards if you’re navigating around the aisles, especially at night. It’s important to stay aware at all times and keep to the assigned speed limits and observe signage carefully to make sure everyone stays safe. 

PARK POLITELY

It’s an obvious one, but you never know when, or how, your neighbours might need to access their units so take care not to park in front of their entry points, or to block them in.

HI-DIDDLY-HO NEIGHBOURINO!

Everybody needs good  neighbours, and your storage unit side-by-sides are no exception! Most people just want to get their storage business done and dusted so make the experience a more pleasant one by being courteous and treating others the way you’d like to be treated yourself. You’ll always catch more flies with honey, as the saying goes, so manners and kindness can go a long way to harmonious coexistence. Keep the noise down, give them space and privacy if they prefer it that way, and generally maintain a respectful attitude to your fellow renters. It can be nice to offer to lift a heavy box if you’re in a position to do so, or give a dig-out in helping to carry a load. You never know – you might appreciate the favour being repaid some day. 

We all know that not everyone’s going to get along all the time, however, so if a rare dispute occurs, it’s always best to step away and have a chat with management if it’s proving difficult to resolve. 

TAKE CARE OF YOUR SPACE

Remember that even if you’re a long term user, you’re still renting the unit and, as such, treat the space with care and respect for the next user down the line. Keep it clean and free of mould, damp and pests. Don’t drill holes in the walls, or make any permanent changes to the structure of the space. Use adhesive hooks, or bring in standalone shelving; stack boxes high, use drawers – be as creative as you please to get the most out of your unit but don’t deface the space! 

LOCK UP!

This may seem like a total no-brainer, but make sure your unit is locked when you leave. If everyone plays their part then there’s no safer space for your belongings but make sure to give yourself a head start by locking up your lock up. 

TIME TO SAY GOODBYE

If, for whatever reason, you don’t need your unit any longer, then make sure to adhere to the notice terms in your agreement. Check out the cancellation policy from Day One and stick to it – be strategic in your timings to avoid paying for time and space you’re not using but give fair warning. 

Once you’re done, make sure to remove absolutely everything and give the unit a sweep and a clean out before you go so that no one else has to clear up your mess.

KEEP IT SMOOTH

How we treat others and the space around us can lead to a much more pleasant experience for everyone, keep the place in good nick all round, and avoid conflict and unnecessary stress. Happy Storing everyone!

Unlock the freedom of extra space. Get in touch with Storage World today or get a quote online.