Are you looking for a secure, enclosed storage place for your belongings? Some readymade solutions are available to you.
Life can be very unpredictable at times—a new home that’s not ready to be lived in, a long trip overseas, a cramped apartment, or perhaps a divorce. Such unforeseen circumstances can leave you with a number of extra boxes or pieces of furniture to put away somewhere. There are many possibilities for renting space where you can safely store your possessions for any period of time.
For some years now, many companies offer "mini-storage" services and self-serve warehousing options. There are many offers on the market, it is therefore important to ask the proper questions to insure that the storage services chosen really meet your needs and expectations.
The main criteria to check are:
- Access to the storage (not all companies offer 24/7 access to your locker)
- The length of the contract and all costs
- The dimensions of the locker and the width of the doors
- Access to a parking spot
- Heating, air conditioning and lighting
- Cleanliness of surroundings
- Access to a loading ramp or elevator
- Security services
Once you’ve chosen a storage facility, keep the following tips in mind in order to use the space efficiently.
1.Organize your storage space
First of all, decide how big a storage space you need and then be sure to store your possessions so that air circulates freely around them. Use the space to the maximum, packing upwards towards the ceiling, and position items that you might want to retrieve close to the door. Don’t forget to leave a passage through the middle so that you can access all your belongings.
2.Identify your boxes
Storage experts advise people to purchase boxes of similar sizes to facilitate stacking. Labels that clearly identify the contents and the room for which it is destined should be stuck on the top and one side of every box. Making a list of all the boxes will serve as a reference for you.
3.Fill your boxes
Heavy items should be stored in smaller boxes to facilitate handling. Reinforce the bottom and the top with rigid cardboard if necessary. Protect your fragile belongings by wrapping them in bubble wrap or balled up paper and place them at the top of a box. Remember to remove batteries from toys and other devices to prevent acid leakage.
Wrap your dishes individually, preferably not with newspaper, unless you want to rewash them upon unpacking. Fill empty pockets with crumpled paper. Identify these boxes with “fragile” labels, or write it with a marker, then use packing tape to seal each box.
4.Prepare your appliances
If necessary, defrost your refrigerator or freezer, then clean and dry it. Doors should be secured in a slightly open position to allow air to circulate. Stoves and other cooking devices should also be cleaned before putting them in storage. After all, you don’t want to attract pests, such as insects or rats.
5.Prepare your furniture
Take apart beds and tables, keeping the legs and the other components together. Protect your wooden or fragile furniture by covering it with blankets.
6.Lawn mowers and machines
Empty the fuel and oil tanks in order to reduce the risk of damage and fire.
Items not to be stored
Be warned: not all products are appropriate for self-storage units. These include illegal products, those that are inflammable or dangerous for the environment, perishable goods, food, paint, and explosive materials.
