10 Self Storage Mistakes to Avoid

Self storage can be very helpful when you’re moving, downsizing, staying in student accommodations, or running a business. But it’s simple to make a few beginner mistakes that can cost you time and money. Things like choosing the wrong unit size, putting wet things in storage, or forgetting what you’ve packed where can cause more problems than you think.
This guide will show you ten common mistakes people make when they use self-storage and how to avoid them. Pack wisely, stay organised, and you’ll squeeze every bit of value out of your unit while keeping all your belongings secure.
At Storage Vault, we offer clean, safe, and easy-to-reach storage units across Scotland. To make things even simpler, you’ll get 50% off your first two months when you sign up as a new customer.
1. Choosing the Wrong Unit Size
Hands down the biggest beginner’s mistake is choosing the wrong storage unit size. It is not easy to gauge how much storage space you will need just from judging by sight. Go too small and you’ll struggle to fit everything in. Go too big and you’re just wasting money on space you don’t need.
Before booking anything, take a few minutes to measure the dimensions of your biggest items. Consider how they’ll fit together in the unit. Measure the breadth, width and height of your items. If you expect to add more items later, leave some extra room so you don’t have to upgrade to a bigger unit.
We recommend visiting our locations page, finding your closest Storage Vault and viewing the size guide. It uses clear, simple language to help you judge the size of our units. Alternatively, call our storage experts to discuss your needs and get practical advice.
2. Poor Organisation and Packing Practices
When you stuff everything into flimsy boxes, skip the bubble wrap and just stack boxes as you pack them, you’re asking for cracked dishes, dented furnishings and chipped paintwork. Throw in anything damp and you’ll end up with mouldy surprises or a pest invasion.
Packing best practices include:
- Wrap fragile items with loads of padding to avoid damage while being transported or stored
- Disassemble furniture, it makes packing easier and helps you save space in your unit
- Put the heavy stuff at the bottom so nothing gets flattened over time
- To reach the back of the unit without having to haul everything out, leave an aisle in the centre
- Label every box, especially during long-term storage, so you can find anything without unpacking your whole unit
By doing a little planning now, you avoid a lot of stress, frustration and wasted time later.
3. Not Maximising Vertical Space
Many people only consider the total floor space when picking a unit and overlook everything above shoulder level. Your unit is a three-dimensional space, and you can in fact stack items right up to the roof.
To maximise your available vertical room:
- Store long items at the top of your stuff, for example, rolled rugs can be placed horizontally, above your other items
- Add freestanding shelving units when available
- Take the time to invest in sturdy, stackable boxes. Visit our on-site box shops for this purpose
With a little forethought, you can store far more than you think, without needing to upgrade to a bigger self storage unit.
4. Storing Inappropriate Items:
Certain items never belong in a storage unit. Petrol, gas cylinders, fireworks, anything that spoils, or anything illegal, toxic, or highly flammable is off-limits. Plants and animals are also prohibited.
These rules protect everyone’s belongings. Break them and you risk losing your insurance or having the unit sealed. If you are unsure about an item, ask the staff before moving it in.
5. Lack of Inventory:
Ever spend an hour digging through boxes only to cave in and buy a duplicate of something you already own? That headache usually comes from not knowing what went where. Labelling each box is usually not enough to create a proper inventory of your items in storage.
Put together a simple spreadsheet that features the label of each box, along with the contents of said box. The longer you plan to keep your items in storage, the higher the likelihood that you may end up needing an errant item. And digging through a 50 sq ft storage unit for a misplaced hard drive or valuable document is not a Saturday well spent.
6. Not using Storage protection and Security Features:
Insurance helps protect your valuables from mishaps that could happen, including fire, flooding or other disasters. Without insurance, you carry the full cost of any damage to the contents of your unit yourself. Storage Vault offers great value storage insurance, but you may also be able to use your own insurance if it explicitly covers items in self storage.
When it comes to security, you should not trust any facility that skimps on features. At Storage Vault, every location includes CCTV, coded keypad access, and perimeter security to help give you total peace of mind. Plus, the on-site box and packaging shop at many of our locations offer durable, strong padlocks to secure your unit.
7. Not Considering the Location:
Finding a central, easily accessible storage facility saves you time, money and effort, especially when you plan to regularly visit your unit. Furthermore, you would ideally want your chosen storage facility to be located in a relatively safe neighbourhood.
Storage Vault storage facilities in Scotland are not only well located, but they also offer plenty of parking, making accessibility a breeze. Plus, they offer extended access hours to better fit even the busiest schedules.
8. Not checking on the unit regularly:
Leave a unit unchecked for months and problems like damp, pests, or general wear can go unnoticed and become a major issue. For example, delicate fabrics can discolour when not properly packed with acid-free paper. Pests or pest eggs can be picked up while your items are being transported and cause a nightmare situation for sofas, bedding etc.
Visit every few months, especially after heavy weather. Look for mould, water stains, odours or pest droppings. And if you remove or add any items, remember to update your inventory while you are there. Short visits prevent long-term damage.
9. Get and Compare Quotes:
Always collect a few quotes before committing. Comparing offers shows what is included and what local rates look like. Some facilities add perks like discounts for new customers and flexible terms that allow you to switch to bigger or smaller units without penalties.
More and more people in Scotland are switching to storing with Storage Vault as they give you half-price rental for the first two months (plus an extra 10 percent off online bookings with the code VAULT60), along with 24-hour CCTV surveillance, secure PIN entry, extended access, and a price-match promise*.
10. Not Using Self Storage Sooner
Most people realise the value of self storage only after they try it. Clearing out excess items frees up living or work areas and keeps things organised at home or the office. Self storage units are clean, very secure, and readily accessible for moves, seasonal gear, or business stock.
Many people are concerned about fixed-term leases and the long-term costs they run up. With Storage Vault there are no mandatory long-term contracts. Our leases work on a month-to-month basis, with no commitment needed. Friendly staff are on hand when you need advice, and you can start with 50% off for the first two months.
Need Help Finding the Right Fit?
Whether you are after 10 sq ft or +200 sq ft, we have a space that fits. Call our team and discuss your needs. In no time they will match a unit to your exact requirements and budget.
Give our team a call at 0800 802 1822. They’ll walk you through it and make sure you get the storage experience you deserve.
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