There are many reasons you may be in the market for storing your belongings. Perhaps you’re running out of space in your current house or office, or maybe you’re in between locations and need a place for your items, or maybe you’re just plain having a hard time getting rid of your stuff and need some time to think it over.
If you’re wondering whether a storage unit is a smart move for you, Road Scholars has some professional advice to help you make a smart storage decision.
Storage Unit Advice
Explore your options and do your research
Be sure to check out storage company reviews and the BBB prior to determining where you’ll store your belongings. Doing this will ensure your things are left with a reputable storage company while giving you peace of mind.
Find out what kind of access you have to the unit also. Some storage facilities allow 24-hour access, while others have working hours. You want to be sure you get a unit that will fit your needs for access. At Road Scholars, our storage cannot be easily accessed and would require hiring of our movers. Please do not place anything into our storage that you think you may need, before moving out.
Unit Size and Type
Knowing how much you’ll be sending to the storage unit is important to determining the size of the unit you need. If you need advice on this, talk with the storage company and they can help you figure out the necessary size.
If you think you may be adding things to the unit down the road, it’s smart to go a little bigger than you need at the moment. Remember that you may need access to your items so leave room for you to move around the unit comfortably.
After you’ve determined an appropriate size for your storage unit, think about what’s going inside. A climate-controlled unit will be necessary for any items that may be harmed in extreme weather conditions such as heat, cold, and moisture. Some items that could be affected by these conditions are electronics, antiques, art, clothing, and documents.
Pack Items with Intent
Be sure you pack your belongings with the care they need. If items are fragile, layer with bubble wrap, if items are heavy, pack them in small boxes. If you’d like some help with packing safely and securely, Road Scholars is happy to provide that.
Don’t forget to label every box with its contents and/or room. It’s also a good idea to label as fragile or heavy so you (or your movers) know what to expect when they lift it.
Smartly packing the storage unit, is something to keep in mind. If you may need access to any of the items while they’re in the storage unit, be sure to put them toward the front of the unit so you can get to them easily. Road Scholars movers will pack your self-storage unit high and tight, to conserve space.
Insurance
Some storage unit facilities offer their own insurance to their customers, but not all. If insurance is something you’re interested in, be sure to ask about this service. If the storage company doesn’t offer insurance, you may be able to get it through your renters’ or homeowners’ insurance. Contact an agent and find out what they can offer you.
Items to Leave Out of Your Storage Unit
Below is a quick list of belongings not suitable for any storage unit, be sure to ask your storage company if they have their own restrictions:
- Firearms and ammunition
- Perishable food
- Medical supplies
- Flammable materials
- Combustible materials
- Unregistered vehicles
- Soaps
- Liquids
If you have any questions about storing your belongings or packing and moving in general, feel free to call us today.