Guide · Home care
Storage Units and Self Storage
A friendly, practical guide to storing belongings safely at home and in storage units, from what not to store to moisture, pests, insurance and choosing a unit.
Where to start
- Setting up storage?
Ask which spaces are yours, then work through the storage checklist.
- Stored items wet or damaged?
Take a breath. Many things can be saved. See if stored items get wet.
- Renting a storage unit?
The short version
Good storage protects your belongings and the home around them. A little planning keeps things dry, safe and easy to find.
Use sealed plastic bins, keep items off the floor, and label everything clearly.
Never store fuel or flammables near heat sources, never store food, and keep space clear around water heaters and furnaces.
Check whether your insurance covers stored belongings, and choose a clean, secure storage unit if you need one.
Storage rules differ from place to place, so we’d gently encourage a quick look at the rules where your home is. If you ever have questions, we would love to help.
Four simple rules
- 1Store it safely
Never store fuel, chemicals or anything that can burn near heaters, water heaters or furnaces.
- 2Keep it off the floor
Use shelves or pallets and sealed plastic bins to protect against moisture.
- 3Keep pests out
Never store food, and seal bins tightly. Pests love quiet, cluttered spaces.
- 4Know your coverage
Check whether your renters or home insurance covers belongings in storage.
Storage checklist
From the guide’s own checklist. Tick each one as you go. Your ticks stay on this device. These are examples; your home may need others.
All done. Your things are safe, dry and easy to find.
If stored items get wet or damaged
- Take a breath. Many stored items can be saved if you act soon.
- If water is still coming in, stay away from any water near electricity, and stop the source only if it is safe. Active water coming in is urgent, so call right away.
- Move items to a dry space, and open wet boxes so things can dry.
- Take photos and video of the damage and what caused it.
- Share it in writing with the owner or the storage facility, and contact your insurance company.
- Keep receipts for anything you replace or clean.
You did exactly the right thing.
Choosing a storage unit
- Look for good lighting, secure locks, cameras or staff on site, and units that are clean, dry and kept clear of pests.
- Consider climate control for photos, papers, electronics, wood and fabrics.
- Read the rental agreement carefully, and ask how belongings are insured. Facilities often don’t cover what you store.
- Visit every few months. A quick look can catch leaks, pests or damp smells before they spread.
- Cover mattresses and furniture with breathable covers.
About 3 feet of open space in front of water heaters, furnaces and panels is a good rule of thumb at home.
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Go deeper with The Perfect Seasonal Home Care Checklist Workbook
Simple, step by step checklists you can write in, one topic at a time, to help any home stay warm, safe and dry through every season.
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This guide shares general information to help you, and is not legal, insurance or fire-safety advice. Please read your insurance policy and storage agreement. Bunklow does not provide storage or insurance.