What To Look For In A Good Self Storage Facility

Storage Unit Sizing

Even though the experts can be very helpful, there are a few tips one can employ in order to make some good size determinations. Starting out with a list is probably the best approach in eventually deciding how much space is needed. All of the items to be self stored can be listed, and from there one can fine-tune their specific spatial needs.

Remember though that pricing differs based on space. Consolidation of items, or even selling you belongings, may be suitable for an over abundance of space-eating items. With the help of the storage experts, one can answer all space-related questions.

Accessibility and Location of the Perfect Unit

Location is a common concern for most. Will visits to and from the unit be during the day or night? How frequently will you need to go to the storage unit? Frequent accessing of the unit is certainly easier done when it is near your permanent address, or at least in the path of regular travels.

If you need to access your storage unit more often then the closest storage unit to your home would be the ideal location, but if you only need to access maybe once or twice, shop around and look for storage unit that may be further from you with a better price. A helpful hint: self storage facilities in more rural locations tend to be cheaper.

Security and Building Maintenance

It is always advisable for the prospective self storage customer to take a tour of the storage facility previous to accepting a unit. Getting a good look at the facility's overall condition and security practices can be a great help in making that self storage choice. If the premise were to be in a state of dilapidation or disrepair, this may not be a good choice. As well, ailing or failing security systems or practices can be spotted during the tour. Staff disposition and professionalism are also good things to observe. Also check reviews on the internet to see what people are saying about the storage facility.

Final Preparation

Despite having screened, and happily chosen a self storage unit, there are other preparations to be made. Bubble wrap, packaging tape, wooden pallets for floor storage, boxes, bags, and many more items may or may not be essential to your move. Referring back to the list of items to be stored and the size and shape of the storage unit, appropriate packing and transportation are still needed. There are moving professionals that can do all of this for you or you can do it yourself.

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Why Would You Use A Self Storage Facility?

Below, we take a look at our top reasons why people would use a self storage facility when it comes to storing their possessions.

Convenience - Convenience is a key reason why any of us would tend to steer towards using a self storage facility, because it offers us a convenient solution to our storage needs. Whether we just need a bit of extra space or we need to store some of our most treasured possessions, self storage is a convenient way of keeping the items we do not need regular access to but might need again one day.

Security - Even if you do not require the possessions or items at the time, you still want them to be secure which is another reason why you would use a self storage facility. You need to know that your possessions are in a secure environment and protected from all kinds of issues and dangers, which you cannot guarantee if you just chuck them in the loft or a garage to store your possessions.

Privacy - When it comes to documents and archiving, there are just some things that you do not want other people to see, which is why privacy is another factor when it comes to why consumers tend to use self storage facilities. From confidential documents through to private possessions, self storage facilities are ideal as they are secure and private meaning your documents and other types of confidential belongings are not going to be seen by anyone but you.

Protection - When we no longer need immediate access to our belongings, it can be quite likely that we just chuck them up into the loft or at the top of a cupboard in the bedroom. This is all good and well but this kind of adhoc storage will offer your possessions very little protection, especially when you consider that most lofts are damp and cold and that you will probably chuck more things on top and could therefore break them. Self storage offers your goods and possessions the protection against damage and weather wearing, which means that when you do need them again, they should all be in one piece and useable.

Affordable - One of the best aspects of a self storage unit is that they are often very affordable when compared to your other options, such as expansion or relocation, which makes this a cost effective way of storing extra goods when you no longer need regular access to them.

So, it is clear to see that there are some key reasons why people would use a self storage facility, mainly surrounding the security and privacy aspect, but most people would choose a self storage facility mainly because it offers a convenient way of storing things that you do not require immediate access to.

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Top Reasons For Using A Self Storage Facility

Below, we take a look at some of the more common reasons why people will use a self storage facility and the rationale behind the decision.

Relocation - If you have made the decision to leave the area and move far away, then it is not always possible to find a house with the same amount of room or move everything in one go. Therefore, self storage can come in really useful for people that simply do not have the resources or time to move everything with them and just need somewhere to store the extra things for a period of time.

Business / Commercial Needs - Storage is not always just for personal or household reasons, as you would be surprised how many businesses use self storage as an extra space in which to store things. Often, self storage can work out cheaper than expanding the business or shop, and quite often it is not possible to carry out expansions in our already built up areas.

Expansions - If you are planning to expand your home or business, then you sometimes need to move things out of the way to protect them from the damage that might occur. It is always better to move things out of the way rather than work around them, so by putting your things into self storage you can protect your possessions during your expansion.

Traveling - Everyone gets the urge to up sticks and travel around the world and some of us even do it, which is where self storage could be a brilliant alternative to just selling all of your things at a loss and then regretting it when you eventually come back. Whether you are a family going around the globe or just a couple going abroad for a year, self storage is an excellent way of keeping your things but not having to worry about spreading them out amongst family members and friends.

Long Term Requirements - Not all self storage rentals are for a couple of months, with many customers using the facility for a year or more as some people do require long term self storage for certain reasons.

Vehicle Storage - Some self storage facilities offer storage for motor homes and caravans, as generally people need to store these vehicles for many months of the year when they are not needed or in use and often do not have the space to do so.

House Clearance - It is a fact of life that people will pass away and if you are left needing to clear the house or home quickly but do not have the time or space to sort through the possessions in detail, then self storage is the ideal option, because it gives you the chance to take your time and make the right decisions rather than rushed ones.

Stock Movement - As a business, there are often times when you have more stock than you need or you are looking to rotate the stock due to seasonal or promotional offerings. If you can rent a medium to long term storage facility then you can use this as an extra stock facility without the need to expand your shop or business.

Although there are other reasons why people use a self storage facility, we believe that these are some of the top reasons why customers would look at using self storage for their immediate storage requirements.

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10 Ways That Self Storage Units Are Valuable

We all have a tendency to accumulate too much stuff. If that's you, there's no need to feel guilty about it - especially when there's a perfect solution that doesn't involve getting rid of your prized possessions. Maybe you just need to find somewhere else to keep the things that are special, but don't need to be on display. A self storage unit is the perfect way to make your life less stressful. Here are 10 ways that self storage units can be valuable:

1. You can use a self storage unit to keep that extra furniture that you just can't bear to part with. You never know when you or someone else might need it and you know how expensive it will be to buy more. Maybe you've downsized your home and you don't need so many beds, tables and chairs. A self storage unit is a great place to keep your spare furniture until you are ready to decide what to do with it.

2. If you're lucky to be going overseas on a long-term holiday, you don't want to sell everything and have to start again when you return. It's much more sensible to rent a self storage unit for the duration of your time away. When you return, you'll be able to set up house and get back to normal more quickly than you expected.

3. Perhaps your kids have left home but they haven't taken all their worldly possessions. You want the house to yourself at last, but you don't want to get rid of their stuff. It's hard to know what they'll need and what they'll be happy to part with - and it's hard to pin your kids down to make a decision. Instead of fretting about all that, a self storage unit is a great value for money way of solving the problem. The kids' gear will be there when they need it and you'll have the house to yourself. Perfect!

4. If you are a sports lover, your garage is probably full to the brim with sporting equipment. If it means you can't fit the car in the garage, you might need to have a rethink. A self storage unit is a great solution. Your sports equipment will be safe, secure and kept at the right temperature. You can even set the unit up so it's all stacked and shelved to make life really easy. Just drive in, pick up the gear and off you go.

5. Maybe you have a hobby that needs its own space. It might be fixing an old car, making model airplanes or any number of other activities. If that's you, then you know what it's like when other people move your stuff. To make sure everything is left exactly the way you want it, rent a self storage unit for your hobby gear and you'll never have to worry about it again.

6. Life can generate a lot of excess paperwork and a lot of it can't just be thrown away. If you feel like you're fighting a losing battle with paper, documents and archived records, consider a self storage unit. It will make a big difference to your stress levels and keep your documents safe.

7. Sometimes you need a workshop or a studio to potter about in at the weekends and there's just nowhere suitable at home. A self storage unit is the ideal answer. You can get away by yourself, get creative and then get back to reality when you're ready. And you know that all your workshop materials will be in one place when you need them again.

8. If you've sold the house and haven't found a replacement, you might be thinking of a temporary solution. But what do you do with all your gear? A self storage unit is the answer. They come in several sizes, including a size that's just right to hold a houseful of possessions.

9. When you're trying to sell your home, the best thing to do is to go for the minimalist look! That means decluttering big time. But what do you do with all the extra stuff? A self storage unit is just the right answer. Your prospective buyers will be amazed at the look of your home and be much more likely to put in an offer - which means you'll be able to move to your dream home much more quickly.

10. If you have some really valuable possessions that don't look right in your home, it's hard to know what to do with them. One option is to store them in a self storage unit. You know they'll be safe and secure and - who knows - they might even increase in value!

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Determining Self Storage Unit Size

Very few people can estimate the size of the storage unit they require just by looking at the items they need to store. Many people tend to overestimate the size of storage they need. A great majority overlook the vertical height of the storage unit and only consider the horizontal measurements. However, with a little help one may accurately determine the size of a storage unit required.

The foremost thing to consider is the quantity of items you need to put in storage. This will determine the size of storage you need to rent. Therefore, take a pen and paper and begin listing them down. Making a list will provide a mental picture of probable storage space required. Go around the house and select the items you need. Double-check the list to ensure you have listed down everything.

The size of the storage units is also determined by other factors such as the frequency with which you need to access those items. For instance, if the items stored will not be required immediately, then pack them more firmly together and thus use up less space. However, where access is required from time to time, then loose storage is necessary to allow for space to access items.

The type of items to be stored will also determine the size of the storage required. If the items to be stored are not worth worrying about, then such items may be placed on top of each other, thereby requiring little space. On the other hand, for delicate items or sensitive equipment, more space will be required for safety of the items. Squeezing them together may damage such the items. Such delicate and sensitive equipment may also require climate controlled storage units to prevent damage from extreme weather conditions. When transferring large sized items such as cabinets and lounge chairs, take physical measurements of the size of the area they occupy at home. This will provide an accurate view of the storage space required.

The Internet has also become a source of information for many such clients. Many sites provide information on room size requirements for any number of items. All one needs is to provide a description of items to transfer to the store and online space calculators are able to give the size of storage required. Online sites also provide guidelines on the storage space required for certain types of furniture. Further, these sites also provide price comparison services. The customer has the advantage of selecting the most appropriate store size at a reasonable cost.

The staff at the self storage facility can assist people who are unsure of their space requirements. All they require is the list of items you will take to the storage unit. Their significant experience in the business enables them to give a reasonable estimate of the space required. They also visit homes and offices to look at the items to be stored and then provide an estimate of size of space required at the storage units.

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10 Reasons Why Self Storage is Smart Idea

There are many reasons why you may consider self storage. First and foremost there is moving which means a lot of thought about what to do with things you cannot take with you and are too precious to be given away. Traditionally people left such things in their own house if they owned it. Or, requested family or friends to store the things for them. This meant obligations and favors and if you ever wanted to retrieve anything you would have to go at a convenient time and so on. The other seasons are an expanding family or business, office needs, collectibles, and so on.

Self storage units are a great idea and extremely convenient. They can be found in residential and office districts as well as along highways.

Storage is an intelligent choice because:

1. You can store the things close to where you plan to live.

2. Rent only as much space as you need, and have free access 24/7.

3. Not worry about safety as most units have great security arrangements and take care of things like weather proofing and security. Many units are climate controlled so that you can store antiques and art without worry about damp or cold. In cold regions the units are heated.

4. The units are cost effective and you can choose size as well as time-frame.

5. If you have a self storage unit you can store valuables there while repairing or painting your home.

6. In case you run a business out of your home or apartment the self storage unit could be a repository for office supplies and goods.

7. The self storage unit could help you de-clutter your home by storing all excess furniture, books, and decorative items.

8. If you are selling your home before relocating the storage unit could be an ideal place to store your things. It will give you time to sell your old home, choose a new one, and to make all the arrangements necessary.

9. If you have a hobby say like collecting art, kites, or carved boxes, then a self storage unit would create a place for you to safely store your treasures. Your hobby will not be an annoyance to other members of your family.

10. If you are an athlete and play different sports during different seasons then you will over time gather a great deal of equipment which will clutter up your home, apartment, or garage. If you use a self storage unit you can store all unused equipment safely.

Surf the World Web and weigh your options. Through the net you can locate units near where you plan to reside and do a comparison of the rental rates as well as facilities provided by different self storage companies. Today almost 6% of Americans opt for self storage.

Self storage grants independence and a peace of mind. You can still have possessions and not trip over them at home or in the office.

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Tips For Selecting And Preparing For Self Storage

Are you are in between moves? Maybe you have downsized your living arrangements and no longer have the storage space you once had? Perhaps you have business files or materials that you would like to archive off-site? Maybe it's just seasonal storage or storage of a boat, car or recreational vehicle? All of these are good reasons to utilize self storage.

The Two Options For Self Storage

If you are in the market for storage of personal property or business inventory most self storage facilities have two options available, cold storage and heated storage. The type of storage best suited for your needs really depends on what you intend to store. If you are storing something that is sensitive to fluctuations in temperature and/or humidity levels (i.e. leather furnishings, pharmaceutical samples, etc...) then heated storage is probably the best alternative. Heated storage can run as much as twice the going rate for cold storage so budget may be a consideration as well.

Always Visit The Storage Facility Before Renting

As a best practice, while some storage companies offer you the ability to rent online, it is recommended that you show up in person to rent a unit. This allows you to inspect the facility at which you will be renting, visually compare unit sizes so you do not rent more space than needed and read thoroughly the rental agreement you will be asked to sign. Most reputable self storage facilities will provide you with a clean environment, friendly customer service and will not require any long term contracts so you are not locked into anything longer than needed. They will have gated facilities with pass code only access and may have security cameras as well as daily lock checks to ensure that your items are staying safe and secure. They may also have packing supplies and truck rentals available at a discount for your convenience.

Preparing

Prior to storing, make an inventory of the items you store. Remove furniture legs to save space. Fill boxes to capacity to prevent tipping and collapse. Use a quality lock to secure your storage space. Use drop cloths, furniture and mattress covers for protection. Seal boxes with tape. Label boxes for easy reference. Never store any food, toxic or combustible items. Always advise the facility manager on your intent to vacate when you have decided that you no longer have a need to store.

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Here Are Lesser Known Benefits Of Self Storage

Most people are already aware of the benefits of self storage. For starters, it allows you to store belongings that you don't really need. Since it's a self storage option, you can access your belongings anytime you need to.

These benefits are more than enough reasons why more and more people are taking advantage of it. Judging from the popularity of these units, it seems that people are now recognizing the importance of renting a storage unit.

Lesser Known Benefits

Just in case you're not yet sold on the whole idea of using such a unit, here are lesser known benefits that users are getting out of using one:

• It makes the process of selling a home easier.

Selling a home that's packed with junk can be very hard. You want the prospective buyer to visualize your home as their new home. You'd want the prospective buyer to easily visualize what they can do to your home to make it their own and it's hard to do that with all the junk lying around.

As an added bonus, you're going to make your home look more spacious. With all that extra space, you can easily sell your home because your home will give this impression that it's bigger than it really is.

• It makes moving easier.

If you're moving homes or offices, it's a good idea to do it in batches. This is especially true since there are a lot of things in your present home or office that you wouldn't need in your new place. You can simply place these things in a self storage unit and just move them whenever needed.

• It makes renovation easier.

This is one of the benefits of self storage that you should know. It's pretty hard to renovate if there are a lot of appliances, furniture and other stuff lying around you home. You'd have to move them regularly which will take a lot of time and effort. In addition, you can easily damage your things with all the renovations that you're going to do.

This is why it's a good idea to just place your stuff in a self storage unit. This way, those doing the renovations will have an easier time doing so and you can prevent accidents to your belongings that can prove to be very costly.

How about the Cost?

Of course, you need to pay in order to take advantage of these benefits of self storage. The question is - is it worth it?

The cost is a very small price to pay if you're going to consider all the benefits that you're going to get. If you're selling your home, you can easily recoup your investment in a unit once you've sold your home. If you're moving or renovating, the efficiency that you'll get will help you save a lot of time, effort and money.

The most important thing is you choose a company wisely. Make sure that you do your research well and choose the best unit for your needs.

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How to Effectively Utilize Boxes for Self Storage

The use of self storage is growing worldwide these days. Not surprising as people continue to accumulate personal items and not letting go of many of the things they no longer use. As they need space to keep their belongings, the self storage facilities prove very useful.

An important material that anybody utilizing self storage should definitely use is the box. The box is where you should put all the personal possessions you're keeping at the unit.

Why boxes? It's because they make organizing your things easier and they keep your items dry and protected from dust and dirt. They're preferred by most self storage users so investing in sturdy and quality boxes is a must.

In choosing boxes, you may want to buy those with similar sizes. In this way, you will find it easy to stack them in a secure way inside your self storage unit. It will also save you space.

If possible, put all your items in a box. Fill each box to capacity to avoid damage on your things.

Just remember to not put all heavy items in a single box. For example, don't put all books in one box because it will make your box too heavy to carry. It would a good idea to distribute the books to several boxes by putting them on the bottom part and filling the top part with lighter items. If you have numerous books to store, you can purchase small boxes meant for books from self storage facilities that sell them.

When putting books in the boxes, it's ideal to pack them flat and not in an upright position. In this way, you prevent the spines from damaging.

For clothes, there are boxes means for wardrobe and clothing. They will keep your clothes in good shape even after storage. Avoid using bin liners because moisture can build up inside.

Fragile and breakable items such as plates, glasses and dishes should be properly wrapped before putting them in the box. Use bubble wrap to protect them and fill any gaps with filler or paper. Remember to avoid putting any box, particularly if it's heavy, on top of the container of your breakables.

Appliances and furniture need to be disassembled before putting them in boxes. Wrap their parts and label properly so you won't get confused when the time comes to put them back together. Remove the wires from electronic appliances and put them in their original boxes if you still have them. Again, label each properly for proper identification.

Now when all your personal belongings have been put in their proper boxes, the most important step that you should not forget is to label each of them. Label all sides of the boxes to make it easy for you to know their contents.

When organizing your boxes inside the self storage unit, make sure that you put the heavy ones at the bottom. Put those that are only half or partly filled on the top. Placing them on the bottom will only cause the heavier boxes on top to tip over or the boxes at the bottom to collapse.

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When Do You Need a Self Storage Unit?

All of us need more space than what we currently have. With all the things that gets piled up at home or in our office, we need to find enough space to keep them away from the house without losing them forever. This is one of the reasons why self storage facilities are now becoming very in demand.

Self storage units are very convenient to have, especially when you have plenty of things you need to safely tuck away. Thankfully, storage facilities are located in convenient places; thus, they can be accessed easily. The services offered by these facilities are not only limited to homeowners who need more space at home. They also cater to the needs of business establishments by serving as a warehouse or inventory storage facility. Other reasons for getting a storage unit may include any of the following.

A Storage Space For Hoarders

There are individuals who have a hard time letting go of things, even when those things have become useless and broken over time. This condition is known as hoarding. Hoarding is basically the fear of throwing something away because the individual feels that they might need it someday. Failing to address this condition will only cause problems in the family home because the things hoarded can take up too much space in the house.

Getting a self storage unit can help hoarders in clearing some space in the home but still be able to keep the things they need and want. Self storage units can be rented for as short or as long as the client wants.

Selling A House

Storage units are also beneficial when you are selling your home. The fact is that a house becomes more attractive, especially to potential homebuyers, when there is less clutter. Homebuyers are also looking into houses that have enough space; thus, clearing out the clutter and unnecessary things at home will make the house more spacious. With that said, it is recommended to first de-clutter your house before putting it on the market.

This means that you have to pack away some unnecessary items, such as old lounges, ornamental pieces, and other pieces of furniture that are not essential at home. Since storage units come in various sizes, you can choose the right storage space you need for your items. Additionally, storage facilities can also provide you with a quote to assess the space you will need, and even help you move the items.

Space For Your Hobbies

Storage units can also provide the space you need if you have an elaborate hobby that needs space. For instance, storage units can come in handy if you collect and read books, magazines, or comics, or you need to store the things you've built, such as trains and tracks. You can even access the items whenever you want. The right unit will be able to provide you with the extra space you've always wanted.

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