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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.
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