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 Store Your Stuff
Right: Self-Storage Tips
Moving and storage are
two sides of the same coin. Chances are if you’re
moving, you have to put some of your stuff in storage.
And unless you’re paying the moving company extra to use
their storage building, chances are you’re going to have
to rent a self-storage unit.
You know the ones: those
boxy, mini-warehouse buildings that line the sides of
highways from Phoenix to Philadelphia. Renting storage
units seems like a pretty open and shut job: you open
the door to your self-storage unit, you shove your stuff
in, you shut the door. But public storage isn’t quite
that simple. Even though it’s just sitting there,
there’s a lot that could happen to your stuff in
self-storage. It’s important that you pick the right
self-storage facility and once you do, it’s even more
important you pack your storage unit correctly.
 Before you lease anything, check out the following
tips:
When Selecting a
Self-Storage Facility
Think about location. Are
you going to need to access your storage building
frequently? If so, aim for someplace nearby.
Consider how much space
you really need. Self-storage facilities rent units in
all different sizes. It’s best to opt for a smaller
storage unit and pack it to the ceiling rather than pay
for space you’re not using. If even the smallest storage
units are too much, look into mini-storage facilities:
self-storage facilities that specialize in small loads.
Be sure to ask facility
representatives how and when you can access your unit.
Most self-storage and mini-storage facilities allow for
free access 24 hours a day, but some facilities have
restrictions and others charge fees for access.
Also ask about climate
controlled units. If you’re storing anything valuable or
delicate – like antique furniture or important documents
– it could be warped by being stored in space that’s too
hot, too cold or too humid. For an extra cost, most
public storage facilities can set you up with a unit
where temperature and humidity are restricted.
When Packing Up Your
Self-Storage Unit
Try to use boxes that are
a uniform size, they’re easier to stack (remember; keep
the heavy ones on the bottom and the light ones on top).
Leave small walkways
between the boxes and furniture in your storage unit so
you can easily get to the items you want without having
to move anything around.
If you’re storing a lot
of packing boxes in your unit, try to fill them to the
top, even if it’s just with padding and old, crumpled
newspapers. Boxes that are only half-filled tend to
collapse if anything’s placed on them.
If you’re putting any
metal objects into storage – like lawnmowers or file
cabinets – it’s best to treat them with rust protector
first, or at least wipe them down with an oily rag.
Most public storage
facilities have ample security. However, it’s still wise
to take a few precautions of your own against theft.
Pack your storage unit so that your most valuable items
are at the back, and purchase a high quality padlock to
put on the door.
The humidity in your
self-storage unit can cause your furniture to warp and
your appliances to mildew. Leaving a space between your
stuff and the unit’s wall allows for air to circulate
within the unit. Laying plastic sheeting on the floor
and stacking boxes on top of wooden pallets can prevent
condensation damage. So can using old linens or other
fabrics, instead of plastic, to protect your stuff from
dust.
If you’re storing a
refrigerator in your unit leave the door ajar. This will
prevent mold from growing inside.
Under no circumstances
should you keep anything flammable or combustible in
your storage building. This means no gasoline, oil,
cleaning fluids or paint thinner. If you’re storing any
machinery that runs on gas, drain the tank before you
store it.
Now that you’re ready for
your relocation, scroll to the top of the page for free
self-storage quotes from facilities in your area. |
