CHOOSING A SELF-STORAGE FACILITY
The first thing you need to consider is which self-storage facility to use. Visit a few local self-storage facilities before you make a decision. It's always best to remember that you're planning on storing your own items in the facility and you want it to remain in the condition you left it in. By the time you make your choice you should be confident of the following:
The self-storage facility has adequate security measures.
You can access your self-storage unit when you want to.
The units offered in the self-storage facility are the right size for you
You could cope with any future needs you might have to increase or decrease the space you rent.
The self-storage facility offers units that will suit the goods you want to store - for example, if you're storing valuable items you want an enclosed unit with concealing walls so that nobody can see what's inside.
The climate control in the self-storage facility is adequate for your needs - particularly important if you're looking to store upholstered items, business goods or archive documents
The storage units are tidy and well-maintained - professional self-storage facilities are well kept and clean.
Pest control shouldn't be an issue - the self-storage facility should be able to tell you what types of measures they take.
The small print of the contract for the self-storage facility has no hidden surprises.
If you're planning on storing a large amount, check that the self-storage facility has adequate access for the removal vehicle you've chosen. Many self-storage sites don't have the space or access for large removal trucks.
PACKING FOR SELF-STORAGE
Unless you plan on paying the storage unit to pack for you, you’ll have to box things up yourself. Before you begin, you'll need to put some thought into the packing process. After all, one of the primary advantages of using a self-storage facility is the fact that you can continue to access your items even in storage.
The first thing to remember is to pack in such a way that you can find things at a later date quickly and without unloading absolutely everything you've put away. Make an inventory of what you've packed and where it is as you go along. Other packing and storage preparation tips include:
Make an estimate of the replacement value of each item you store to help with accurate insurance policies and in case of unforeseen damage in the self-storage facility.
Invest in quality, sturdy boxes and packing materials. If you buy boxes of similar sizes it'll be easier to stack them securely in the self-storage facility and will save you space.
Box everything that you can. Everything that is left unboxed in a self-storage facility will get dusty and potentially dirty.
Fill boxes to capacity wherever possible to avoid breakages but don’t make them too heavy - remember you'll have to be able to lift them. You can use materials such as paper or towels special packing materials to fill spaces if necessary. Depending on the space you opt to rent from your self-storage facility, you might be stacking boxes on top of each other and the lower levels need to be sturdy enough to take the strain. Boxes that are only partly filled may tip over or collapse.
Label all boxes clearly so you can identify the contents and keep an inventory. Label them on more than one side so you can see what's what quickly. Mark 'Fragile' on any boxes containing breakable items.
Don't be tempted to fill large boxes with heavy items such as books as they'll quickly become impossible to carry and may break. You can buy small book boxes from your self-storage facility that will do the job just as well. If you do pack heavy items in a large box put in just a few and then fill the box up with lighter items or filler.
Don't pack items into sealed plastic bags, since humidity can cause mildew. Don't store wet items in a self-storage facility as they can cause water damage, mold and mildew.
Large appliances need care before placing in a self-storage facility. Make sure you defrost fridges and freezers thoroughly before storing them, to avoid water damage. Tie doors up for the move, but leave them slightly ajar once in storage to stop condensation forming and help ward off bad odors. Drain washing machines before storing them and tie down hoses etc. Appliances should be clean and dry and it'll be worthwhile to wipe the insides with bicarbonate of soda before storing.
Wrap all fragile items and breakables such as dishes, glasses, and ornaments separately. Paper will do but bubble wrap is a good investment. Pack them tightly into strong boxes, filling any gaps with paper or filler. Try to avoid putting heavy items on top of fragile ones in a self-storage facility.
If you're going to be storing clothes think about buying wardrobe or clothes boxes so you can simply hang the clothes in them and they'll keep their shape. It's not wise to simply put your clothes in bin liners in a self-storage faci ... |