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Self Storage Shiremoor: 4 Common Mistakes

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The same storage problems keep showing up at Self Storage Shiremoor. People book too small, forget what they've put away, leave items unprotected, or pick a unit without checking the basics first. Most of these slip-ups are avoidable once you know what to look for.

Booking a unit that's too small

This is the most common one. You ring up, estimate on the fly, and six weeks later you're stacking boxes up to the ceiling or leaving items outside because nothing fits properly.

The issue is that people guess based on what they think they're storing, not what they're actually storing. A spare bedroom's worth of furniture takes up far more space than most folk realise. Add in seasonal items—garden equipment, Christmas decorations, summer clothes—and that "small unit" becomes a squeeze.

Before you book, do a proper inventory. Walk through your house and actually count the items: boxes, furniture pieces, bags. Measure if you can. Be honest about whether you'll add to it over time. It's better to book slightly larger and have breathing room than to run out of space after a month. You can always upgrade later, but moving everything to a bigger unit costs time and effort.

Not checking the unit condition when you arrive

You get the keys, have a quick look, and sign off. Then three months later you notice dampness or damage that's been there the whole time—and you're stuck trying to prove it wasn't your fault.

When you first access your unit, take photos and note anything: water marks, cracks, temperature issues, pest signs. Open windows if there are any. Check that the lock works properly. Read more here about what to actually inspect. This takes ten minutes and protects you. It also gives the storage provider a clear baseline, which matters if something does go wrong later.

Don't rely on memory. Write it down or photograph it on the spot.

Stacking items without proper protection

People treat self-storage units like garden sheds. Items go in as they are, boxes stacked in towers, nothing covered or organised.

Self-storage isn't weatherproof in the way your home is. Temperature and humidity shift, dust gets in, and if anything leaks or settles, unprotected items suffer. Cardboard weakens over time, especially if there's any moisture. Furniture gets scratched and dinged if it's touching other items or walls.

Use plastic storage boxes where you can—they're sturdier and seal better than cardboard. Cover furniture with blankets or protective sheets. Leave space between stacked items so air can circulate. Keep heavier things on the bottom and lighter items on top. Stay away from the walls and ceiling where condensation and temperature changes happen most. Label everything clearly so you can find what you need without pulling everything out.

As we covered in this guide, what you store and how you store it makes a real difference to condition over time.

Losing track of what's actually in there

You pack the unit, life gets busy, and six months later you can't remember if you stored the winter boots or left them at home. You end up either replacing things you already have or forgetting items are there altogether.

This one's simple to fix but easy to skip. Make a list—even a basic one on your phone. Photo each section of the unit so you can see the layout. Note which box contains what. Keep that record somewhere accessible, not buried in a notebook you'll never look at again. When you add or remove items, update it.

It sounds tedious, but it saves time and money. You won't buy duplicates. You'll actually use what's stored. And if you ever need to make an insurance claim or dispute an item's condition, you've got a clear record.

Not thinking about climate control

Shiremoor gets damp. If you're storing anything that matters—documents, electronics, textiles, antiques—standard units can let you down.

Humidity and temperature swings damage sensitive items. Wood warps, leather cracks, photos fade, electronics rust. Standard units have basic ventilation, which helps, but they're not sealed or temperature-controlled.

Our guide on what to check covers climate options in detail. If you're storing anything valuable or delicate, ask about climate-controlled units. They cost more, but for the right items they're worth it. For boxes of old clothes or garden tools? Standard storage is fine. For family documents, artwork, or electronics? Climate control protects your investment.

Get it right from the start

These mistakes aren't huge, but they add up. A too-small unit means wasted money and constant frustration. Unprotected items deteriorate. Missing inventory means lost time and duplicated purchases. A unit you haven't properly inspected leaves you exposed.

When you're ready to book, take the time to plan properly. Measure your stuff. Ask questions about the unit itself. Think about what you're storing and whether it needs protection. Keep records. Self Storage Shiremoor is here to help you get it right—just reach out and ask.