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Store Your Stuff Right
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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