Six questions to ask your self storage manager before moving in

Are you contemplating renting a storage unit?  If you are after something a wee bit more secure than this old mattress storage unit seen this morning in the news you will probably first think about three key items, location, cost and security.  

Even if you have rented self storage before, it is always a good idea when renting to look around, try something new and ask a few questions of the self storage manager.  

Is a lease required, or is my rent month-to-month?

All self-storage facilities will require you to sign a month to month lease, however, some facilities will offer a discount if you pay up front for leases in six or twelve monthly periods.

Does your self storage facility provide 24hr access?

Most storage facilities will have regular access hours, very few will have 24hr access, however for businesses and people needing 24hr access you may be able to pay an extra fee to allow you freedom in your movements.

Does your storage facility have individually alarmed units?

A properly secure self storage facility will have individually alarmed units, this means your unit is always alarmed unless you have used your pin code or swipe card on entry, immediately alerting staff of any irregular movement if you are not on the premises.  This along with CCTV and good lighting is one of my priorities when renting a storage unit as it provides me with peace of mind that everything is properly protected.

How good is the lighting?

We all know that feeling of rummaging around in the dark looking for things, always check for good lighting in your storage facility for well lit corridors and units to make moving items in and out (and being able to find them when needed) easy.

Can I move in online?

Modern storage facilities will have the ability for you to move in and pay online.  Be wary of those facilities who don't have this ability or aren't displaying prices it usually means they are wanting you to pick up that phone to sell you a unit in a sub-standard facility at a higher market price.

What additional facilities and services do you have available?

When you rent a house you want to feel at home, it should be the same at a self storage facility.  Ask about access to wifi, whether there is space to sit down and do some work and have a coffee (and access to a clean bathroom) in between sales appointments and what else your potential facility may offer.

In housing limbo? Six Tips to help you cope.

With the property market at an all time high, more and more of us are finding ourselves in a temporary state of homelessness. 

And while sharing a friends place is great for a short time, what happens when your friendship is being slightly stretched by your over enthusiastic children not having enough space to play, or your dog who loves napping on you couch at home but isn't welcome on your friends designer furniture?  

The problem has already been identified, Auckland rentals are hard to get, people are lining up for overpriced inner city rentals (the reality of renting in Auckland) buyers are paying high prices in an over-inflated market and demanding immediate move in's and everyone who can't get a rental is left with their stuff in jam-packed storage units looking desperately for somewhere to lay their heads.

So what is the solution when you and your family are left with  nowhere to go?

Social Media

This is where Social Media becomes your best friend.  Post endlessly on Facebook and ask your friends to share the post, tweet, post on LinkedIn (good property managers use it as a top tool.  Post photos on instagram of where you would love to be.  Chances are someone will know someone and you will find something soon.

If you’re still stuck, try AirBnb, Holiday Houses, book-a-bach, they may be expensive short term solutions but they will still be infinitely cheaper than a hotel.   

Where do you put your stuff?

If you’ve always admired the minimalist look, now’s the time to embrace it! It is time to de-clutter.  Sell, give away or bin anything you do not need and rent a clean, dry, secure storage unit for the rest.  

What do you actually need?

Remember that you are now a temporary transient resident and you only have room for what you can carry and the necessities you need to ensure you don't overstep a hosts welcome.  Keep a supply of bedding, towels and toiletries with you.  This will mean you are self-sufficient and you still have a bit of your own home with you.  When it comes to your wardrobe only keep the bare essentials and learn how to layer for effect.  

Do you offer to pay friends when you are staying?

Tackle this subject before moving in with a friend or family.  Offer to pay rent or a portion of the bills, its gives everyone peace of mind that you aren't there just for a free ride, especially if your stay turns out to be longer than you anticipated. 

You may instead be asked to contribute in other ways such as child-care, cooking meals or cleaning to play your part.

How should you cope with the everyday routines?

This is a great opportunity to discover new restaurants and galleries in the city you may not know, save some money and be a tourist in your own city.

But be considerate and respect your hosts routines, fit in with their life, be very self aware and if you are not sure of something be sure to ask, don't assume anything.  

When do we move on?

Hopefully that perfect rental or new house will come around as fast as you are hoping, but if not always keep in mind that although your host will always be telling you to make yourself at home if the stay turns out to be longer than anticipated give them a break and pop away for the weekend or check into a hotel for a couple of nights to give them some space in their home.  

And as for the rest ... the perfect home will come along when you least expect!

Self Storage for Real Estate Agents

Never has a market been more competitive for real estate agents.  Houses are selling in Auckland like hot cakes at record prices but it would seem to win the right to sell, commissions are being dropped, incentives are being offered and you need a convincing package for your vendor to sign an exclusive.

Presentation, how can you present your offices at their best?

The whole deal is what it is all about, well kept presentation files, slick signage and access to home stagers or re-usable home decor to makeover a house at short notice for showings and open homes.  All of this can take up large amounts of space which unfortunately the majority of Auckland real estate offices don't have the space for.

Keeping your files safe and secure

Most real estate offices have boxes and boxes of files requiring safe, secure storage.   So with a lack of space where do real estate agents store? Usually in a reputable self storage facility. The costs are minimal, files are safe and you can still achieve a well organised space with easily accessible filing cabinets and alphabetised document boxes giving you the ability to keep your office clean and professional.  

Protect your investment, get rid of the clutter

Clutter is often the number one first impression guaranteed to turn potential clients off.  Keep all your signs, banners, brochures and promotional goodies in another part of your storage unit.  Signage takes up a huge amount of space and is easily damaged.  When you think of the cost involved in every open home with around 20-30 directional signs, lock boxes, brochures, banners and associated hardware it pays to keep as much as you can re-usable, clean and tidy.  

The extra edge

Often clients are looking for options to give them that extra edge.  Real Estate agents who can offer extra support to their clients by providing a safe secure storage unit to hold extra clutter while open homes are on can often mean the difference between a standard agent and one who is known for going the extra mile.  The additional commission when an uncluttered house sells for an inflated price more than pays for the space!

A real estate agent using self storage can also offer support to their clients looking to purchase a new home as well.  For many clients, during the transition period they will need to store their stuff and in this situation a real estate agent can refer a storage unit to the seller during that period, taking your estate service to the next level.  Having a great relationship with a self storage facility who offer cash back to realtors who bring business to them, can take the hassle out of real-estate work.  

Five tips for your next road trip

Just when it was seeming like the never ending winter, I peered out the window this morning and saw the first bloom of my spring bulbs out.  That means summer is on the way and it will soon be the perfect opportunity for a road trip.

Some of the most precious memories I have are of new sights, discovering hidden gems and endless laughs in the car while on trips taken on whim.  To make your road trip even better than you thought possible use these tips to help you on you way.

Make a plan ... but keep it flexible

Plan where you are going to end up at the end of each day but be ready to stop along the way, poke into places that aren't on the tourist map and spend longer in places that take your fancy.  A plan can be great, but a rigid one doesn't allow for any freedoms.

Pack to a minimum, it gives you room to collect

We always take so much more than what we need anyway, so this time, try something different, only take half of what you think you will need and you will have more room to bring back the discoveries in tiny antique shops and crafts from the local markets that you otherwise may not have had room for.  You may need to hire a storage unit when you get back, but those are the breaks!

Do pack the 'just in case' bottle of wine

For that unexpected sunset on the little beach you stayed too long at or the mountain range that would be perfect if only you had remembered the picnic, be good scout and be prepared.

Take loads of pictures

One of my favourite road trip albums is not from where we stopped but a long trip in the car on the back roads of Sri Lanka where to alleviate the boredom I began taking photos to amuse myself and the kids (the driver thought I was mad) of the oncoming trucks and cars of Sri Lanka that always swerved at the last minute.  Not only did it keep the kids and I amused but the album created lasting memories.

On-board Entertainment

If you have packed really light, you may need to let your inner child loose in the car and make some games up.  If not have pre-loaded music playlists ready, books, magnetic board games and create trip trivia games with kids in the car.

Above all, have fun, explore new places and try new things.

Downsizing the home, lessons learned to help you move on

Practicalities and emotions don't always go happily hand in hand.  You know you have to downsize and move to a smaller space and take less possessions with you, but where do you start with what to keep, what to sell and what to throw or give away?

Often it is not your possessions your are downsizing but those of a loved one - an ageing parent or dealing with a deceased estate.  

Two women in the US, Janet Hulstrand and Linda Hetzer have gone so far as to write one of the most comprehensive and practical guides,on this after helping their fathers move out of the houses they had lived in for several decades to apartments.  The blog has been so successful and the task was so overwhelming they have gone on to write a book, Moving On: A Practical Guide to Downsizing the Family Home.

Questions to ask when considering a move

• Do we need this space anymore?
• Are we really using all of these things?
• Has the joy gone from having such a large space?
• Are we ready to let go?

Lessons learned by Janet and Linda

• Throwing things away (other than obvious trash, such as spoiled food in the refrigerator and burned-out light bulbs) should not be your first step. The first step is to sort, and as you’re sorting, consult with each other about what to do with it all.
• If you will be holding an estate sale or auction at your house, ask a couple of professionals to come in and evaluate the estate before you start throwing items out or hauling them away. Part of their professional expertise is in knowing what kinds of “worthless” items can actually be worth a little, or a lot. It is surprising, to say the least, to learn what kinds of items can actually be big sellers at estate sales.
• Money, important papers, and other treasures are often found hidden within stacks of papers, inside seemingly “empty” envelopes, in the pages of books, in the pockets of clothing, and in other unlikely spots.
• Many things tossed willy-nilly into the Dumpster—from old Christmas cards and maps to sewing machine manuals and sales receipts—could be of interest to your local historical society.

If you are really not sure if you are ready to let go, a good option can be to rent a storage unit while you make decisions, remove yourself emotionally and don't have regrets.  

Airbnb, bookabach, Holiday Houses, getting your place ready to rent

With thousands of bach owners caught up in a property investor crackdown (Stuff.co.nz), it is a great time to think about how best to make more money out of your bach, crib or holiday home to cover those additional taxes so you don't lose out.  Great places to start advertising if you are new to the game are Airbnb, bookabach and holiday houses.

Staging Your Living Space for Holiday Rentals

To make the most out of your rental, stage it just like your would for an open home and create a space that is attractive to renters, easy to clean and a space that they would be likely to recommend to other holiday goers.  

Photographing the space

• First do a huge spring clean and schedule a big clean on a six monthly basis, be aware that everything shows up on photos, especially when taking shots on a sunny day.
• De-clutter, remove all personal items and anything that that may clutter the shot such as paperwork and excess items in kitchens and bathrooms.
• Then stage your furniture to make the best possible use of the space and to make the rooms look as large and inviting as possible.  If you are unsure, enlist the help of a professional or a friend or family member whose house you admire.
• When taking the shots, be very aware of lighting,the time of day and the position of the shot.  Avoid photos with direct sunlight behind images and play around with camera angles to properly show off the dimensions of the room.
• Take outside shots and just like the inside, clean and tidy first and make the areas look attractive to potential renters.  Include photographs of key amenities such as pools, BBQ areas and outside showers.
• Remember, the more photos the better, renters want to see the space they are going to be paying you top dollar for and the more photos you have the more they will trust you as a landlord.

Your first holiday guest is about to turn up - now what?

• Staging - do your photographs reflect your property.  You staged for your photos, now stage for your guest.
• Make sure the areas are spotlessly clean, the majority of guests will leave online reviews and you want to ensure your rental is as clean as promised.
• Does the space feel like it is theirs for the time they are there, or did you go and put everything back after staging for the photos and they are walking into someones space?  If the latter is the case, hire a STORAGE UNIT or have a locked garage set aside to store all personal and unnecessary items while your property is up for rental. Doing this also minimises damage.
• Remember the basics - clean sheets, properly made beds, fresh towels, kitchen basics and a manual of how things work, recommended eateries and cool things to do in the area.

Follow these basics and the money will flow, leaving you more time to holiday yourself!

Six things you should know before renting a self storage unit

Renting space for your property, whether it be personal or business can be a big decision. When looking for and renting extra space to store, here a a few tips to get the best out of a storage experience.

Not all storage facilities are the same

Just like children, no two facilities are the same, even within the same company.  Check for security measures (including pin-access, individual unit alarm control, gates, CCTV and lighting), customer service, cleanliness, help to move and packing materials.  Having a checklist of what your top priorities in a storage facility can really help you to make your final decision.

Theft - what will your storage facilities do to avoid this?

Security gates, padlocks and gate access don't always stop an opportune burglar.    To avoid this always rent off facilities that have ;

• individually alarmed storage units - to deactivate the alarm, the customer must have the pin code, if un-authorised access occurs the alarm with sound with an immediate identification of which unit has been accessed
• CCTV - there will be security cameras covering the whole facility inside and out
• for your own piece of mind use a disc lock which have no ability to be cut by bolt cutters

Lastly ask a lot of questions about how the facility maintains their commitment to security.  If they can't or don't want to answer, go elsewhere.

Beware of "MOVE-IN DISCOUNTS"

Many storage companies offer sporadic and well timed move-in discounts or 'a months rent free', to get you to move in at a low rate only to raise the rent very soon afterwards (which will be in the fine print of your contract).  Before you rent, ask the manager how often your rent will be raised and how long they can guarantee your rent will not change.  If you are happy with their answers, ask for the guarantees in writing.  If they are not willing to do this, go elsewhere.

Plan Carefully

We see it time and time again in the industry, people rent far more space than they actually need.  Use the planning calculators on websites when moving, ask for advice from the store manager and if you find yourself moved in with excess space, don't be afraid to request a smaller unit at a smaller price!  

• Packing the unit properly  will also save you valuable space, again follow a checklist to save you money and space

Moving Day

If you do not have easy access to a large trailer or truck you will probably have to rent one. Some storage facilities will offer a free trailer to their customers (for a limited time period), some will offer a trailer or truck at a cost - do try and negotiate the fee, or the best storage facilities will offer a free truck and driver.  The cost of moving can often be more than the first few months rent on your unit, so it is worth checking out which facilities offer these services.

Insurance

Insurance is the responsibility of the customer.  Storage facilities are not insured for the contents of customers units, because it is a rented space, much like a house rental, you will need to insure the goods you intend to store.  Your house and contents cover will generally not cover you for goods in storage and it is often cheaper to purchase insurance direct from your storage facility.  Your store manager will have full details on this.

And then, enjoy the freedom of all your space you have created!

Which is the best lock to use when securing my self storage unit?

You have done the research, the storage facility is chosen, you looked for all the things that mattered to keep your property safe and secure - individually alarmed units, CCTV security, fencing and swipe or pin card access gates - now it comes down to the last item on your security list, the lock.  

There are so many different locks available for purchase and you may be tempted just to bring the one lying around idle at home but keep in mind that it is the last barrier between your property and potential theft no matter how secure your facility.

 All locks have pro's and con's and we look at a few options so you can find the lock best suited to you.  

Disc Lock 

For durability and ease, for me this comes out top every time!

Pros:  

• They cannot be be removed using bolt cutters
• They are highly durable
• You will need the key to open and close your lock meaning you cannot leave your key locked inside your storage unit!

Cons:

• More expensive than other locks (but less expensive than replacing property)
• It may not fit on the door (always check with your facility first what size the doors will take)

Standard Combination Locks

These are my least favourite, the most easily removed.

Pros:

• No key required
• You can easily give others access to your unit if needed
• Cheap

Cons:

• Easily cut with bolt cutters
• You can forget the code
• Shoulder surfing, someone may see the code as you are opening the lock and break in later

Standard Padlock

Pros:

• Easily re-keyed
• You can easily give others access to your unit if needed
• Cheap

Cons:

• Easily cut with bolt cutters
• You can lose your keys
• Easily picked

Other things to consider:

• The size of the lock, make sure it fits - but bear in mind, the larger the lock the more secure your belongings.
• If you have a storage unit outdoors, make sure you choose a lock designed specifically for outdoor use.  
• Always choose brass or steel keys, they are far less likely to break than aluminium.

And remember, above all, always insure and choose your facility wisely, its better to be safe than sorry.

How self storage in Auckland can benefit small business

For the small business owner 'small' can be a funny term!  You may only employ a few staff but the ever increasing amount of stuff that needs to be dealt with can be overwhelming.  Typically of enterprising Kiwi's your business may have started in the spare room or garage of your home as your business increases it is not always possible to sustain even the simplest of companies (or your marriage) in limited space. As you get larger, increased rent costs for business mean that self storage and mini storage facilities are becoming more and more necessary for storage of important business documents and items critical to your business to ensure smooth operation. Self Storage can save you $$$$ for your business The costs of renting additional space in todays commercial market will easily start at $1500 per month.  Consider instead a self storage or mini storage unit for $100 or less per month to store items such as business records or sales material that you don't need everyday access to. Safety for your business records A major advantage of a self storage facility is that they are often an environment less prone to water, fire and theft that can occur in a normal office environment.  The IRD alone requires that records are kept safely for a minimum of seven years and for your safety as a business owner, it is a great idea to protect your records offsite where they are safe.  This also protects you from accidental employee damage to records. Save your office and retail space for expansion Choosing store outdated records and excess stock where your business is located is always the obvious choice.  But the fact of the matter is that this takes up valuable space that prevents you from employing more staff, expanding your retail space and even adding a boardroom for customer interactions in many cases.  The bottom line is that it is far more cost effective solution to rent off-site space for un-neccessaries which will not only save you on rental but on heating and electricity as well.   So what kind of businesses often store?

Small Publishers  Independent publishers and businesses that publish material in the form of magazines, brochures, pamphlets or books often have an excess of physical stock which needs to be stored before being sent out to readers, subscribers and customers.   A self storage or mini storage unit is the perfect place for anyone publishing materials to store their stock before sending it out as you can upsize and downsize units as you need to and a good self storage or mini storage facility will let you ship product straight to your storage unit. Local Contractors and Landscapers

If you value your family relationships, home is not always the best place to accumulate and store everything business related, especially when it is in the form of industrial equipment such as drills, saws, forklifts, chainsaws etc.  The space in your vehicles is not infinite and as your business grows the demand for space will grow too.  A self storage or mini storage unit can be a great solution as you can set up the unit so your employees have access too and you can work on the business not just in the business!

Local Theatre 

Our local theatres (in West Auckland we have a couple) put on some incredible shows, but with that comes sets, costumes, props and many other items that will need to be stored in a safe environment for shows at a later date.  Self storage facilities also give theatres the flexibility to divide their storage into smaller units to easily categorise items by show to make it easier to track down those much needed items when needed.

Online Businesses

When online shops find success, they will often find their inventory growing faster than the space they have available to store it.  Self storage and mini storage can really help out here as you can also get containers shipped directly to your self storage facility for MAF clearances before you unload saving you a lot of valuable startup cash.  

Sales Reps

Sales reps will often find their customer base is on one side of the city and their head office is a good hour or two drive away.  A self storage unit is often a great solution to store samples in closer to your customer base, making you more available to your clients and enabling greater sales.  A great storage facility will often offer you a place to drop in for not only you inventory but also a space to sit down, have a coffee and access to wifi to prepare for you next meeting.

So what to take away from this?  Invest in growing your business, making use of the available capital that can be saved by storing items smartly and thinking outside the square.  

Keeping your antiques and art safe in self storage

Whether you antiques and art are retained for precious memories or they are collectibles, when storing and transporting, you need to use extra caution to protect from damage and theft.

How to keep your antiques safe when packing

• Aquire a valuation for any good going into storage, you will be required by your storage company to purchase insurance while storing and may need to list some of these specific items on your insurance.
• Clean and dry thoroughly, this prevents airborne dust particles and mildew from staining and damaging your antiques whilst in storage.
• Treat each piece before storage e.g. for wooden antiques use a proper wood conditioner before storing to protect the integrity of the piece.
• Remove any loose or fragile parts to be wrapped separately and tape mirrors and glass.
• Only use acid-free paper when wrapping antique items
• Use layers of acid-free paper between layers of clothing and linen and where possible do not fold.
• Roll silverware individually in soft cotton clothes to protect from tarnishing.
• Cover or wrap furniture in a  protective layer and store each item separately.
• After items have been wrapped put extra fragile items into crates for extra protection.
• Remember you cannot go overboard with use of corrugated cardboard, bubble wrap or polystyrene peanuts to keep fragile items safe.
• Label everything and indicate correct orientation (this way up arrows).

How to properly pack art pieces

• Wrap every piece of art in acid-free polyester plastic specifically designed to store artwork.  
• Avoid using bubble wrap as the first layer as it may leave marks on your artwork.  
• Where possible use acid-free boxes specifically designed to store artwork. For expensive and fragile artwork it is worth the investment of custom built crates.
• Label all items correctly and indicate orientation, this is critical as framed painting may otherwise become dislodged and damaged.

Extra safety and security measures

• Choose a self storage facility that has individually alarmed units and pin code entry on security gates.
• Spend the money on purchasing a heavy duty lock.
• Ensure your insurance will fully cover your antiques and art while in insurance against theft, fire and flood damage.
• If unsure how to look after any antique or art items pop into a local dealer such as Antique Alley where they will be able to advise you on storage of each individual item. 

Lastly ... rest easy knowing you have done everything you can to keep your memories safe for future generations.

Vehicle storage - keeping your car safe and secure in storage

Trains, Planes and Automobiles .. The quarter acre dream has passed, garages are often non-existent and you have run out of room for your polished piece of joy.  What to do?  Store it!  

What are your options?

Some self-storage and vehicle storage facilities will provide outdoor parking only, while others will provide covered space or fully enclosed units.  Look for additional facilities available for vehicles either on premise or close including wash-bays and petrol stations.  

Before you put your vehicle into storage:

Measure - I always measure my car (plus me - so I can get in and out) before I drive it into a self storage space.  A unit can often look bigger than it is, so it does pay to check that you can easily drive in and out without causing damage to your car or the unit.  

Air Conditioning - Set the air conditioning to 're-circulate'.  This will shut the ventilation system off to the outside and prevent little nasties from entering.  If you are storing in an area when this is a worries seal off the air intake and tail pipes as well, rubber gloves are great for this.  

Spic and Span - Clean both the interior and exterior thoroughly, whether stored inside or out this will help protect your first love from mildew, rust and rodents.  Silica or moisture absorbers are also great inside the car to protect from moisture and odour buildups.  A good storage facility will take measures to protect against rodents, but do make sure to check as rodents will often chew electrical wiring and anything else they deem edible inside stored vehicles.  

Fuel Systems - When storing for a long time replace all fluids including transmission fluid, oil, antifreeze, power steering and brake fluid.  A fresh tank of fuel and a fuel stabiliser are also recommended to prevent corrosion in the fuel lines.  

Battery - Either disconnect the battery or complete remove from the car (this prevents leakage).

Tyres - Ensure tyres are at there full pressure, this will avoid flat spots on a car not being driven for a long period of time.

Brakes - Dis-engage parking brakes and leave manual cars in neutral.   Use vehicle blocks to stop movement.  This will protect your brake drums from sticking.  

COVER COVER COVER - If you are storing outdoors, cover your vehicle to protect from moisture (rust prevention) and other elements.  Even if indoors a cover will also help to protect from dust and any other damage if you have other items stored in your unit.  Choose your cover carefully, it is worth spending extra money on a cover that won't trap moisture or scratch an expensive paint job.

When in storage what will be required of me?

Insurance - Your storage facility will not be covered for theft or damage to your vehicle while in storageCheck with your insurance company whether your car is covered while in storage, you may need to take out additional or different insurance during this period.  Your storage facility may also be able to provide insurance options.

Current WOF and Registration - You will be required to show a current warrant and registration (or exemption paperwork).

Your car will be required by a storage facility to be in working order and you will need to show identification and proof of insurance.

Most self storage facilities will not allow vehicles to be worked on in storage, check with your storage facility first if that is your intention.

Last but not least

Take your baby for a drive, show it some love and let it know you are coming back!

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Protecting your precious items in storage

It is moving day! Your stuff is packed, your boxes are labelled beautifully and of course colour coded and the storage unit has been rented.  Then the little devil on your shoulder puts the golli-wobblies up you and the panic sets in - will my stuff be safe in storage?

The Good News :)

If you have picked a great self storage facility you are 90% of the way there.  The best storage facilities will have the following features (make sure you ask when you call).

• Individually alarmed units
• CCTV
• Security Gates
• Pin Code Access
• Great lighting

... the other great news is that storage theft is very rare.  However good facilities will insist that you are carrying separate storage insurance.  Your household contents cover does not usually cover goods in storage and although can may be able to get policy extension it is usually cheaper and easier to get insurance through the Storage facility you are renting from.  Be aware that the facilities insurance will not cover your goods for theft, fire or flooding damage.  

To ensure you are fully protected make a list of what is in your storage unit and ask your facility to keep this on record for you.  A good facility will do this as a matter of course.

Locks

A great lock is a must, most storage facilities sell these or you can bring your own. A tip that has been useful to me was to ensure I had two sets of keys and/or a combination I wouldn't forget.  

That extra protection 

• Wrap everything with appropriate packing materials
• Store fragile items appropriately 
• Pack clothes and linen with anti-moth inhibitors
• Pack books flat
• Thoroughly clean everything, especially food storage items such as refrigerators to protect from rodents

And for peace of mind

Periodically check your storage unit and the lock, or get a trusted friend or family member to, take insurance out and remember only you have access to your storage unit so staff will not have access and will not be able to check inside.