A self storage facility can be a great way to keep fragile items safely stored when they're not needed in your home. However, you have to take care while you're packing your unit to prevent damage so that your items stay in good condition throughout their time in storage.

The following are six mistakes to avoid when packing your self storage unit to prevent damage to your possessions:

Packing fragile items without placing them in boxes

Boxes serve as a layer of protection for fragile items in addition to making it easier to keep a storage unit organized. Pack possessions in boxes and you can provide cushioning right up against fragile items by filling boxes with packing peanuts or crumpled up newspaper pieces. 

Neglecting to plan out how you pack your unit

You can provide the most protection for your possessions while they're in storage by carefully planning things out before you begin packing your unit.

With a packing plan, you can design things to minimize potential hazards like items falling on one another or becoming damaged when you're accessing your unit to take out stored items as they become necessary. 

Putting heavier items up high or on top of lighter items

One of the biggest dangers to your fragile possessions is heavy items that can crush or fall on delicate possessions you store. 

You should always put heavier items down on the ground and keep lighter items up top. 

Not placing a good lock on your unit

You don't only need to protect your items from damage caused during packing or by accidents within the unit itself. You also need to protect your items from damage or theft caused by intruders by placing a good lock on your unit.  

Not using plastic covers over items to provide protection

It's a good idea to stock up on plastic covers to place over your items. These will protect items from damage caused by dust or moisture exposure. They can also protect from damage when possessions bump up against one another when you're packing or accessing your unit. 

Failing to take out insurance on your unit and the items stored in it

If damage does occur, you can protect your items by having insurance. It's always a good idea to have insurance on a storage unit, and some self storage facilities will even require insurance for you to be able to rent a unit and store your items there.