Nowadays storage unit is needed for many reasons, such as when moving to a smaller home, when your new home is not ready yet or you just have too many things in your home. Basic options for household items are to either store your belongings with your local movers, or rent a self storage.
Selecting a Right Self-Storage Facility
First of all, think about location. If you are going to need an access to the storage facility frequently, then you need one close to your home. Recently, the number of self-storage facilities has greatly increased and they have become available almost in every city.
Once you find the suitable facility, consider how much space you really need. Self-storage unit size is very important when it comes to renting storage unit that meets your budget. It’s best to rent a smaller storage unit and pack it all the way to the ceiling, rather than pay for space that you’re not going to use. Self-storage facilities offer many different sizes that include 5’x5′, 5’x10′, 10’x10′, 10’x15′, 10’x20′, 10’x25′, 10’x30′ along with boat, RV, vehicle storage options.
It is also important to inquire about the hours of operations or access hours of the storage facility. The majority of self-storage and mini-storage facilities have 24-hour-a-day access, while others may have restrictions and charge fees for access at certain times of the day. This may be especially significant to companies that store important business records and may need unlimited access.
Usually there are 3 types of climate controlled self-storage units: temperature controlled, humidity-controlled and combination of both. Ask facility representatives if they have any climate controlled units. When considering the type of storage, there is no need to use climate-controlled units for most of your household goods, but if you’re storing anything valuable or delicate you might want to weight that option as well.
Self-Storage Insurance
Some self-storage facilities offer basic coverage, which is probably not enough for your needs. Few offer full insurance at extra charge. Ask facility representative about their insurance options. It’s also a good idea to contact your home insurer to see if the items you place in the self-storage will be covered by your policy.
How To Pack Your Self-Storage Unit
Packing a storage unit is like putting a puzzle together. Put it together well and you can safely fit a lot of stuff inside. You will not end up with damaged items.
Remember to place cardboard or plastic tarp on the floor prior to loading to help protect your goods. It is also recommended to cover furniture with plastic sheets or pads to protect them from scratches and dust.
Start with large furniture, appliances and load them on the floor. Continue by packing heavier items on the floor. Keep the items in their upright positions. If you have any old blankets or sheets, use them to protect wood surfaces and corners.
Then start loading the largest and heaviest boxes on top of the appliances and furniture. Make sure to fill any cavities beneath tables and under desks. Try to use standard boxes which will enable easy stacking.
Next, stock lighter boxes on the heavier boxes, making sure the lightest boxes are on top. And finally, stock all fragile boxes or items on the very top, ensuring that nothing else will go on top of those items.
Do not leave anything flammable or hazardous in your storage unit: no gasoline, oil, propane tanks or chemical liquids.