Choosing
a Storage Company
Storage might be a
good solution for property that you want to keep, but are unwilling
or unable to take with you. Items such as large pieces of furniture
that will not fit into your new home, large tools and work benches,
air conditioners and other appliances, clothes which are inappropriate
for your new climate are likely candidates for storage. You
have two options: self-storage and pick
up and delivery storage:
Self-storage works best for items
that you are likely to retrieve, but don't have available space
at home. A mini-storage unit is convenient and accessible, and
you provide your own lock and key for added security. Individual
units, in a variety of sizes and shapes, are available to fit
your needs. You rent a unit on a monthly basis under an "occupancy
agreement."
Some companies may also bill you for electricity.
You may move your items into the unit yourself, or if you have
a couple of heavier items, you can request a pickup. Many facilities
will provide free pickup if you agree to keep your items in the
unit for a certain length of time. In these cases, when the driver
arrives with the truck, it will be your responsibility to load
your items. The driver will accept no liability for your items.
 How
to select your self-storage unit
Before you place your items into a
storage space, it is important that you inspect the facilities.
Your unit should have sufficient amount of space for all of your
items. Create an inventory of all of the items that you wish to
place into storage, so that if you don't know which size unit
to select, you'll have something to show to a facility worker.
The storage unit should be clean, and above all,
secure. Self-storage facilities offer many types of security features,
ranging from alarms, motion detectors, video surveillance, nightly
inspections, and guards on duty. You will have to provide your
own lock and key, so that only you and those you allow will have
access to the unit.
Insurance
for Your Items
You maintain complete responsibility
for the items that you place inside your storage unit. The storage
facility bears no responsibility for your items. Therefore inquire
with the company's representative. Some home owner's and renter's
policies cover theft off premises, and would cover what is in
storage. To find out if this applies to you, call your home owners
or renter's insurance provider. Take a complete inventory and
keep it current.
Pickup &
Delivery Services
Some self-storage companies
will deliver a container (or containers) to your home.
You will need to determine the number of containers. To help
decide, we recommend creating an inventory of all of the items
that you wish to place into storage and then calculate the approximate
size of the storage unit you need. If you are still uncertain,
you can show this list to a facility worker.
The driver will provide you with instructions on
how you load your items and lock your container. You'll provide
your own lock and key and have as much time as you need to load
your items into the container. When you're finished, you call
the facility for a pickup, they'll then transport your filled
container to their facility. When you wish to retrieve your
items, you have the option of going to the facilities or having
the container delivered to you. If you choose to go to the facility,
you'll need to call several hours in advance.
Tips
- how to store your goods
Furniture Cover
all furniture and disassemble, if possible.
Wrap table legs with packing paper as scratch protection.
Lay down blankets or a pallet between the furniture
and the floor of the storage
unit.
Place assembled tables top down on floor with legs
pointing towards the ceiling.
Stack chairs seat-to-seat with cloth or paper separating
them.
Avoid stacking or leaning furniture against outside
walls.
Metal Wipe
a few drops of oil on bicycles and tools as a rust protector.
Avoid oil staining by storing exposed items in a separate
space.
Breakables
Wrap plates, saucers, and bowls individually before
placing it in a china carton.
Use a china carton divider kit for increased security.
Fill paper into bottom, top and empty spaces in the
carton.
Books
and Valuable Papers
Use file boxes. They are the best
containers for your important documents.
Pack books flat and fill any empty space to minimize
movement.
Avoid overfilling cartons. Books are heavy.
Keep pallets free of moisture by placing plastic sheeting
on top of them.
Large
Appliances and Equipment
Leave appliance doors slightly ajar.
Moisture and mildew will damage your
valuables so make sure your refrigerator or freezer is
clean and dry.
Use valuable storage space inside appliance's for
small items.
Clothes
Avoid excessive wrinkling to your
clothes by employing wardrobe boxes
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Storage Recommendations
