Are you planning to rent a self-storage unit to secure belongings that you don't have room for at home? Here are a few important questions to answer before deciding what kind of unit to rent.
Is Climate Control Necessary?
Depending on what you will be storing in your storage unit, climate control might help to preserve your belongings so that they don't get ruined as time goes on. A climate-controlled storage unit likely isn't necessary if you're storing a bunch of items that are packed in sealed containers so that the insides won't be exposed to the elements. It also probably isn't necessary if you're storing things that are normally stored in the garage where temperatures are not well controlled.
On the other hand, items such as clothing, jewelry, artwork, and even furniture that could get damaged in the elements should be stored in a climate-controlled space to minimize the risk of damage. Plastic covers and sheets will do little to protect vulnerable items in the long term. So, it's a good idea to determine exactly what you'll be storing and consider whether climate control will be beneficial before deciding what kind of storage unit to rent.
Will You Need Nighttime Access?
It is also a good idea to figure out whether you will want to access your storage unit during the night when it's dark outside. If you think you'll need nighttime access at least occasionally, consider renting a storage unit that is located near the front of the compound. This will help ensure that you don't have to navigate rows of storage units with minimal light, which can be dangerous. You should also find out whether you can install a motion-activated light outside of your storage unit for extra light when you do go to access your unit.
How Often Will You Visit the Storage Unit?
Another question to answer is how often you'll be visiting your storage unit in the coming months and/or years. If you plan to visit often, basic security measures and a unit lock should be all that is necessary to keep your unit and its contents safe. However, if you don't plan to visit your storage unit more than once a month or so, it's a good idea to choose a unit in a compound that is secured by cameras, security guards, and even a gated entrance. You should let the manager know that you won't be around often and request that special attention is paid to your unit by security.
For more information on self-storage, contact a company near you.
Having lived in a 1,200-square-foot home with my husband and two children for many years, I've learned a lot about storage and maximizing space along the way. Once a year, we do a "purge" of each room in our home to get rid of unnecessary clutter. We then hold an annual garage sale, where we're able to make money selling this "stuff" for our yearly vacation. For extra space, we also have a small storage unit that we use to store seasonal things, such as Christmas decorations and bikes. If you've been looking for tips on maximizing storage in even the smallest of spaces, I hope the information on my blog will be useful to you!