The Dos And Don'ts Of Self-Storage
Posted on: 22 April 2020
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Would you want to store your items in a storage facility? It could be that you want to declutter your home or are moving into a smaller house. The excerpt below discusses the dos and don'ts of self-storage.
The Dos
Work With a Reputable Company
Conduct some research to identify reputable self-storage companies in your area. The storage facility should be conveniently located. It ensures you can access the unit at any time you wish. It should have adequate security. CCTV, armed guards and restricted access systems will guarantee the safety of your items.
The company should have a reasonable pricing strategy. Beware of extra costs. Some companies will give special discounts to students, senior adults and the disabled.
Expand Your Options
There are various options to consider when choosing a self-storage unit. For instance, if you have a spacious compound, you could ask the company to provide a portable storage container. It ensures you can access your items any time you want. Besides, you can move the container to a different location. It is a suitable option for people that want to move.
If you have a busy schedule, you could opt for full-service storage. It is an arrangement where the storage company picks items at your doorstep and delivers them when you no longer require storage services. Consider companies that provide conference facilities, long-term storage and offices at their sites.
Choose a Suitable Unit
Visit the company's premises to inspect the available storage units. As a rule, the unit you choose should be clean and disinfected. Besides, it should be large enough to store your current items and anything else you may want to store in the future. Consider climate-controlled units if you intend to store furniture, documents and paintings inside the unit.
The Don'ts
Don't Forget to Label Items
People often forget to label the cartons. Eventually, they have a difficult time locating items in the self-storage unit. As such, you should label the cartons and create an inventory of everything in the unit.
Don't Store Restricted Items
Most self-storage companies will prohibit you from storing perishables inside the storage unit. Food items will attract pests such as cockroaches, which will eventually damage other items in the storage unit. Besides, the company may restrict the storage of guns and drugs in the unit. Hire a unit that has a safe if you intend to store valuable items.
Don't Share Access Codes
Sharing your access codes could compromise the security and safety of your items. Change the codes if you share them with a close friend or relative.
Do not forget to buy storage insurance to protect your items from risks such as theft, fires, and floods.