There are several reasons why people need to store belongings away for a period of time to be used at a later date. Today people like as little clutter as possible in their homes. The best way to remove this clutter and still hold on to your valued possessions is self storage. Self storage offers a safe, secure and clean environment to store your belongings. Generally 24 hour access to your belongings and site security with many offering CCTV is fast becoming the norm in this highly competitive industry. Most storage warehouses offer climate control to store environmentally sensitive items such as books and fur coats. Books and paper products are highly sensitive to high humidity and furs generally need to be stored in the cold to prevent fur degradation. Combine all of this with sound pest control programs and you are talking about the standard service storage facilities offer today.

What can I store?

Almost anything can be stored for a certain period of time in the correct environment excluding perishable foods. The following list gives you an idea of what items can be stored in the correct environment with no negative effects.

Computers

Home furnishings

Antiques

Furs– You may want to store summer garments in winter and vice versa

Linens

Mattresses

Electronic equipment

Pianos and musical instruments

With real estate prices increasing all the time many people are downsizing and putting extra furnishings in to storage. You may just need to store items you cannot have in your home due to space constraints and public storage can be an excellent option in situations like this

Often when people move, their household belongings may need to be stored temporarily. Maybe they have not located a permanent home in the new city or town or they may be doing some remodeling before moving in to the new home. Sometimes people will decide to build a completely new home and if they decide to take this route you will need to have your furnishings out of the way while this is going on and storage is an obvious choice. Check with your moving company to determine if they have a temporary storage service available and what the cost would be. An advantage to storing belongings with your moving company is that the company can then deliver your belongings when you are ready for them. You should also ask if it’s possible to collect any items from storage at any time and if you need to give notice to do this. This may be especially important to businesses where important business records are being stored. The truck your business or household belongings is transported in may be another storage option especially if you only need your belongings stored for a few days. It is wise to back the trailer up to a wall so nobody can break in and park in a safe area.

Families today frequently have more than one vehicle and may also have a boat that needs to be stored during winter months. You may not be allowed to store your boat on your property. In some cities the local ordinance does not allow boats to be stored in residential neighborhoods.

Many storage units are climate controlled, have 24 hours security and pest control programs that are the best in the industry, in order to provide safe secure storage for your belongings. Belongings can be stored for as long or as short a period of time as you need and spaces very in size so you can choose a space that will hold all your belongings and not have to pay for unused space. If you use storage often it is advisable to get a space a little bigger than you actually need as you may need the extra space at a later time.

Many storage facilities offer a multitude of other services including truck rental or even a free truck for a period of time in order to get your business. Many companies have workers who will come to your home and pack your belongings professionally, load the truck and drive it to the storage unit. They will then unload your belongings and pack them in to the storage space efficiently. Keep in mind these people are professionals and can do the job more effectively and efficiently than you may be able to. Of course this convenience may come with a fee however it may be worth it for the peace of mind.

Important Questions to ask yourself before deciding to spend money on storage

At the time when you are making a decision on whether to store or not to store your belongings, think about the other options that may be available to you. Do you really need to keep all the items you are planning to put in to storage? Can you donate any without regrets? Remember if you are moving everything you donate now is something you won’t have to move yourself or pay to have moved. Ask yourself these questions before deciding if you want to store particular items or not.

Do I need the item?

Will I ever use this item again?

 When did I use it last?

Has it got sentimental value?

 If any of the items need repair will the repairs be made?

 If you have not worn certain clothing pieces will you really ever wear them again?

Discard, Donate or Sell!

You may decide after answering the above questions that you do not need some of the items. The next big question is what to do with the items no longer needed. There are several options available to you. You could discard the items, give them to a charity or have a garage sale.

Household items could go to charity organizations and any unused books could go to a local library or school. Remember to get a receipt for tax purposes.

If you decide to have a garage sale be sure to price the items so they will sell. Here are some important points to remember as you plan your garage sale.

Some towns require that you obtain a permit before having a garage sale.

 Have the sale on the weekend when you will get the most traffic.

Put up signs near the neighborhood a few days before to let people know when and where the sale is.

 If someone makes an offer less than the advertised price barter to bring the price up

Remember to tell neighbors relative and friends about the sale