When you cannot immediately move into your new home or apartment, you will need to find a storage facility in which to place your items. If your new home or apartment is smaller (or has suddenly become smaller) than your old one, you may also need to store a few seldom-used items. Selecting a storage facility is an important decision. There are many factors that you should consider before you decide, such as size, security, location, and price.

If you are planning to place many items into storage well ahead of your move, you should hire a moving company that has their own storage facilities. They will move your items free of charge provided that you rent the storage space for a certain length of time.

Inspect your storage space

Before you place your items into a storage space, it is imperative that you inspect the facilities. The unit should have sufficient amount of space for all of your items. The facility should be located in a convenient spot near your new residence and accessible 24-hours.

The storage unit should be clean, climate-controlled, and above all, secure. Storage facilities offer many types of security features, ranging from alarms, motion detectors, video surveillance, and guards on duty. You will also have the option to have your own lock and key, so that only you and your family will have access to the unit.

Placing your items in storage

Keep a list of your entire inventory. Label all boxes and containers. When placing the boxes and containers in the unit, do so in a way that you can read the labels easily.

Plan far ahead when storing your items. Which ones do you anticipate needing or using the most often? Make sure that you place those near the front of the unit for easy access.

Avoid collapsing boxes by filling them to their maximum capacity. Pack your heavy items in smaller boxes for easy lifting and moving. Try to avoid storing any valuables. If you must, keep them out of the door's site. Use all of your space but make sure to leave sufficient space for ventilation and walk-way access.

Insurance for your items in storage

You will be completely responsible for the items that you place in your storage unit. It is advisable that you seek insurance. Take a complete inventory. Avoid storing valuables and antiques. Storage facilities will not insure any of your items except for moving companies that have their own facilities and have moved your items for you. This is because they have no ownership in your items. Thus, inspecting the facilities beforehand for its security is of the utmost importance.

Types of storage available

Storage Tips