You could be seeking out a storage unit for many different reasons. Perhaps you’re trying to sell your home and need to move some stuff out of the house to free up some space. Maybe you have too much stuff to fit into the small rental as you wait for your new house to be finished. It doesn’t matter why you’ve got to stash your stuff in storage – but there are just some things you need to know when you do.
What to Look For
When you are checking out the different storage warehouses and facilities in your area, keep these things in mind when talking to their office:
- What size storage units are available?
- What is the cost of your storage?
- What are the access hours?
- Are my items safe from heat and water?
- What’s the risk of insect infestation?
- Is there enough parking?
- How far from the parking lot is your storage unit?
Placing Your Items in Storage
If you haven’t opted for a full-service storage service, you’re going to need to know how to place your items into the unit as well as how to deal with the storage management throughout your rental period. Here are some ideas to keep the experience hassle-free:
- Create an aisle in the storage unit with all labels facing out.
- Don’t stack things too high – you will need to reach them eventually.
- Get a good, sturdy lock for the door to your storage unit.
- Always keep the contact information for the storage facility handy.
- Ask if there are any access fees.
- Don’t forget to read the rental agreement’s fine print!
For those of you who would like the option to have someone pack your items, and take them away, definitely go with the full-service storage option. If you’d rather pack the items yourself, there is a self-pack storage option and the moving company will still pick up the portable storage container. There are solutions for every scenario, professionals can help you pick which works best for you.
Lance Grooms
