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Moving homes is a big decision, and it can be quite tedious and expensive if you do not do your research and plan well. If you spend some time looking up good moving companies, research expenses, and pack well, you can save a lot of costs and hassles in the process. Storage facilities can be a blessing when moving for a lot of reasons, but only if you use them right. Read on to learn more about storage facilities and if you should consider using them during your move.
What are storage facilities?
Storage facilities are secure indoor or outdoor spaces that you can rent to store your belongings. Belongings that can be stored in an indoor facility may include furniture, paintings, electronics, extra pots and pans, books, clothing, or just about anything you do not wish to move into your house. Outdoor facilities can house belongings that will not be affected by exposure to the outdoors and do not need a high level of security. You can also rent climate-controlled storage units for belongings that might spoil with changes in climate and weather.
Spaces that house storage facilities are usually gated and have some form of security 24 hours a day, every day. The higher the level of security, the more expensive the facility will be. Security may include close-circuit cameras, guards manning the units, biometric locks, and other such security systems.
Should you use a storage facility when you decide to move?
There are a number of questions you should ask yourself when making a decision about whether or not to rent a storage facility.
- Do you have a lot of belongings that you cannot move to your new home but do not wish to give away?
- Do you really need storage space or can you accommodate your belongings in your new home?
- Are there expensive or delicate items that you want to store and preserve for your kids or someone special?
- Can you afford to rent a secure storage unit for as long as you require it?
Pros and cons of using storage facilities
Pros
- Gives you time to decide what you wish to keep and what you wish to give away
- Helps clear clutter by forcing you to sell or donate all the extra belongings that you no longer require
- Lets you store belongings that you wish to preserve for someone else until they can take all of it
Cons
- Added expense of monthly rent for the storage unit
- Possibility of hoarding unwanted belongings instead of decluttering
Choosing the right storage facility
The kind of facility you should choose depends on what you wish to store, how much security your belongings require, how much space you require, and for how long you wish to rent the unit. For example, wooden furniture, books, and clothing would need climate-controlled storage and basic security. Vehicles and expensive paintings would require not only climate control but also a higher level of security than furniture and clothing.
Covered outdoor spaces, like garages, can be rented for storing portable swimming pools, toys, and such other items that do not require climate-controlled environments and a very high level of security.
- Visit multiple storage facilities so you have data to compare and make your decision.
- Check out the actual storage unit you will be renting before signing the agreement.
- Do not hesitate to ask questions and clear all your queries before deciding on a storage facility and renting out a unit.
- Understand how the rental works, curbs on accessing your storage unit, if any, and if late rentals are allowed.
- Ensure that the facility has the level of security you require for your belongings; do not compromise.
Tips to use your storage unit better
- Understand how much storage space you actually need before renting a unit so you don’t have to unnecessarily pay for extra space.
- Do not rent less space than required as this would force you to sell or donate belonging that you wish to keep.
- Learn some packing hacks so that you can pack all your belongings in a compact way and save on space.
- Rent a space before you start packing so that there are no last-minute surprises like lack of availability of storage units.
- Ensure all your belongings are dry and clean before packing them to avoid mildew and spoilage.
- Choose a facility that has the required know-how to handle goods if you have fragile or expensive items like vehicles, paintings, and glass.
How useful a storage facility is to you depends on how you decide to use it and what you wish to store. Knowing that important belongings are in a safe and secure place can give you the peace of mind you require to concentrate on completing your move successfully and setting up the new space before you decide to haul all your belongings to your new home.