Choosing a Self Storage Unit and Storage Tips

The use of self storage facilities has become very popular as storage space becomes more of a problem and consumers increase the buying habits.  Self storage can provide you with an option to store your valuables.  Here are some tips to help you choose a self storage unit and ways to store your belongings.

• Check the internet for location of self storage facilities near you and do a comparison of the rental rates.  Also, ask moving companies, relocation services, real estate brokers, truck rental agencies, apartment managers, and storage operators who have no vacancy.  Check with the Better Business Bureau (bbb.org) for a report on the facility before you make your final decision.

• Cost.  Get a written cost estimates from at least 3 places.  They will want to look at your belongings before giving you an estimate.  Do not accept phone quote.  Cost to consider are the monthly rental fee (usually there are a minimum storage charge and a minimum number of month you must rent); storage preparation, packing and transportation fee; the fee for extra options you may choose such as electricity, pest control, insurance.  Ask how the fees are collected and by what date.

• Size.  What size units are available?  Is there a maximum weight limit for the unit contents?  Can you pack the entire unit from floor to ceiling?

• Climate.  Is the storage unit an environmentally controlled unit?  Usually temperature are kept between 55 and 70 degrees F all year round, which means that it is perfect for storing all your personal valuables, even delicate items prone to wear and tear in changing conditions like fur, leather goods and books.  Some facilities even have humidity control features for extra protection of your collections. 

• Insurance.  The facilities may provide basic insurance or you can choose to purchase insurance from an alternate source.  Check with your home owner insurance agent whether you have an extended coverage for items stored away from home against theft, fire, or other damages.  Make an inventory of your stored items and keep it in a safe place. 

• Safety.  Obtain a heavy-duty lock for your storage unit.  Does the facility have surveillance cameras on the property?  Do they have a system in place to restrict access by strangers?  Get the emergency number of the facility.

• Access.  What are the hours and related charges for accessing your unit?  Is there adequate room for parking?  Is the distance from your vehicle to the rental unit acceptable?

• Contract.  Have everything in writing include the size and location of the unit, options that you selected, termination policy, insurance coverage and payment terms.

Now that you selected the self storage unit, here are some tips on how you can best utilize your storage space.

• Mattress and sofa.  Use mattress, sofa, and chair cover to protect your furniture against dust while in storage.  Place sofa and love seats on end to save floor space.  Wrap cushions in plastic and place them on top.

• Boxes.  Use uniform size boxes for ease of both moving and storage.  Use smaller boxes for heavier items and larger boxes for light weight and bulkier items.  Be sure boxes are strong enough to hold 25-30 pounds.  Fill each box completely and compactly.  This keep boxes from collapsing.  Do not over fill or under fill.  Indicate a room each box belongs to or list contents on the box.  Label each box.  Prepare an inventory record of box numbers and contents for referral at a later date. 

• Fragile.  Wrap pictures and mirrors with cardboard box and label them “fragile”.  Pack so they are standing as they hang.  Do not lay flat.  Do not pack fragile items and heavy items in the same box 

• Table.  Dismantle tables to save space.

Keep a small box of tool handy for dismantling and reassembly of furniture.  Allow walkway space inside your self storage unit for easy retrieval of items.