Top Storage Mistakes

Jack Rabbit Storage has been around for more than forty years, and in that time we’ve encountered plenty of dos and don’ts. Often times, customers are tempted to just toss all their items in and move on, but avoiding these mistakes can ensure that you don’t end up with damaged items and a stressful experience.

• Storing food or other prohibited items. Anything edible left in the storage unit will attract bugs and other pests. These pests will linger and spread to other units, causing stress to your storage neighbors.
• Using newspaper to wrap your belongings. While paper is a great packing solution, using newspaper is counter-productive. The ink on the newspaper will smudge and bleed on your items. Using clean packing paper or bubble wrap is a much better choice, and both are sold at Jack Rabbit.
• Not labeling boxes. Sometimes we are in a hurry to get our packing done and we forget to label our boxes, or perhaps we think we will remember which items are in those boxes so labeling is not needed. But when the boxes get stacked into a storage unit, it is almost impossible to tell the difference. Labeling boxes and keeping a detailed inventory will save you a ton of time if you need something specific. It also helps movers know where to place your boxes if they are labeled correctly.
• Shopping based on budget, not need. Just because a smaller unit is cheaper does not mean you will be able to fit all your items inside. Or maybe you wanted to save a few dollars a month so you decided against a climate controlled unit for your leather furniture. Or perhaps you decided to go with a cheaper storage facility that doesn’t offer the same level of customer service as Jack Rabbit Storage. When it comes to storing your belongings, don’t cut corners. Talk with the Manager to ensure you get the right unit for you.
• Not creating a barrier between the concrete floor and your items. Always place some type of barrier between your items and the concrete floor, such as wooden pallets, painter’s plastic, or tarps. This helps keep your items safe from slab sweat, which can cause mildew. Slab sweat is a normal process that happens when the concrete slab is a different temperature than the rest of the unit. Think of condensation on a cold drink. Placing a barrier can help protect your items.
• Waiting until the last minute to plan your move. A lot of people like to move on the weekend or holidays. If you don’t plan ahead of time, you might find yourself unable to find a moving truck or help. Call at least a week ahead and reserve a moving truck. Ask your friends and family if they can help well before your move and offer something for their help. With the right planning, your move will be smooth and easy.

Stop by your local Jack Rabbit to talk to a Manager about your storage needs.