How to Choose a Storage Unit

So you have too much stuff and you need somewhere to put it; or you’re getting ready to move, but your new house won’t be ready before your old house has to be vacated.

You need to know how and where to store your belongings.

And whether you do it yourself or have someone do it for you, you need to have information on how you’re insured and what you need to be aware of to protect yourself and your possessions.

The solutions available

The simplest solution is a self-storage company, where you’ll have access to your possessions and they will be secure.

If this is your solution, you need to research the security at the storage company you’re considering, and you need to decide how much storage you really need. It’s a waste of money if you get too much storage for your needs; but if you get too small a space, it’s even worse.

Public storage

If you choose to use public storage, make sure you have access to your unit at the times you want it. You’re better off with on-site personnel, and you should visually inspect the security arrangements, not just take their word for it.

What to think of...

When storing your belongings, you should also consider what you’re storing. Books and clothing are more perishable than Uncle Woodrow’s “antique” vintage 70s chrome and formica table. For perishable possessions, you might want to consider environmentally controlled storage. It’s also possible to get refrigerated storage for small businesses; if you ran a small catering company from your home, this might be an option to think about.

Moving your things

When you’ve chosen a unit, you need to think about ways to move your things. Self-moving is always an option, but there are lots of advantages to using professional movers: you don’t have to take days off work, your possessions are packed quickly and insured against damage, you don’t have to buy packing materials or rent a moving vehicle, and you won’t strain your back by moving things. If you do move your own things, instead of using boxes from the grocery store for your breakables, you might want to get special boxes designed for this purpose.

Shipping

There’s another great option for moving that combines the best of both worlds: you can use shipping containers for both storage and shipping. Shipping containers are dropped off at your house, and you pack them at your leisure. If you need more space, you call and ask for another container. When you’re done, a truck can come and pick up the whole unit; when moving overseas, your entire household goes onto the ship in its moving container.

Shipping containers are also great for temporary storage at your house. But if you need permanent, easily-accessible storage, you might want to consider building your own outdoor storage shed. You can purchase them in kits, and you’ll be able to come and go at your leisure. Security, though, will be what you make it.

Other storage

Sometimes, though, you just need storage for your RV, boat, or car. Depending on the part of the country in which you live and what you have available, you may want to go to a large storage facility (especially for boats) or you may just want to build a shelter or full building on your own property.

No matter what your needs are, you can find a storage method to meet them.

For Government advice on storage, a good starting point would be the US government consumer advice site, or in the UK the Consumer watchdog site.