When you think about it, moving seems simple. Storing your things should be even easier, right? That's what we all think, until we get around to actually doing the packing, moving, and storing. Then things can get a bit overwhelming. To help simplify the process, below you'll find a valuable list of self storage tips.
How to choose the right self-storage facility
Rule #1, check out each storage facility on your list in person before you choose one, you can even use this self storage St Charles IL facility as a benchmark. The things you are looking to see are:
- Security: You want your things to be there when you're ready to retrieve them. Assess whether the company has sufficiently secured the building by putting in place suitable security measures.
- Access: It's important that you are able to get to your items when you want to. Be sure to ask about access times.
- Climate Control: Will you be storing any items that might be damaged by severe heat or cold? Items that are sensitive to extreme weather conditions include computers, electronic equipment, leather and wood furniture, photography, books and paper items, some clothing, and art. If you live in an area where the weather can be extreme, you should look for a unit that is climate controlled. It will minimize the risk of your valuables warping, rusting, freezing, yellowing, and molding. For more climate controlled storage Elgin IL go here.
- Pest control: While this generally isn't an issue, you may just want to politely inquire as to the type of pest control protocol the facility employs.
- Location and outside space: Determine whether there is adequate space outside for a large moving truck if you need it. Make sure that you're going to be comfortable enough in the area to leave your vehicle (and sometimes things) unattended while you are moving items to your unit.
The best way to pack for self-storage
If you want to be able to easily access your things while they are still in storage, packing planning is key. Use these self storage tips for more effecting packing:
- Insurance: Take a photo and document any high value items you will be storing for insurance. Also, determine what the replacement cost of each item would be if your things were to get damaged.
- Packing materials: Good quality packing materials are a must. Boxes are often available in a package with many different sizes but buying boxes in similar sizes will make stacking easier.
- Fill every box whenever possible but do not make the box too heavy to lift. You can use old newspapers, paper towels, or foam peanuts to fill empty space. Keep the bottom most boxes the sturdiest; they need to be able to handle the weight of the top-level boxes. Those that are only partially filled can give way easily.
- Label everything: This seems obvious but if you are in a hurry you may think this activity is unnecessary. I assure you, it is necessary. It's also helpful to mark fragile items as such, and to group boxes by room.
- Store very heavy items, such as books, in smaller boxes. This will make them easy to move.
- To give furniture extra protection, use wood and leather furniture spray before storing. This will help preserve everything nicely.
- Be sure to drain the tanks of lawn mowers and grills. Fuel should not be stored in your unit.
How to choose the right self-storage facility
Rule #1, check out each storage facility on your list in person before you choose one, you can even use this self storage St Charles IL facility as a benchmark. The things you are looking to see are:
- Security: You want your things to be there when you're ready to retrieve them. Assess whether the company has sufficiently secured the building by putting in place suitable security measures.
- Access: It's important that you are able to get to your items when you want to. Be sure to ask about access times.
- Climate Control: Will you be storing any items that might be damaged by severe heat or cold? Items that are sensitive to extreme weather conditions include computers, electronic equipment, leather and wood furniture, photography, books and paper items, some clothing, and art. If you live in an area where the weather can be extreme, you should look for a unit that is climate controlled. It will minimize the risk of your valuables warping, rusting, freezing, yellowing, and molding. For more climate controlled storage Elgin IL go here.
- Pest control: While this generally isn't an issue, you may just want to politely inquire as to the type of pest control protocol the facility employs.
- Location and outside space: Determine whether there is adequate space outside for a large moving truck if you need it. Make sure that you're going to be comfortable enough in the area to leave your vehicle (and sometimes things) unattended while you are moving items to your unit.
The best way to pack for self-storage
If you want to be able to easily access your things while they are still in storage, packing planning is key. Use these self storage tips for more effecting packing:
- Insurance: Take a photo and document any high value items you will be storing for insurance. Also, determine what the replacement cost of each item would be if your things were to get damaged.
- Packing materials: Good quality packing materials are a must. Boxes are often available in a package with many different sizes but buying boxes in similar sizes will make stacking easier.
- Fill every box whenever possible but do not make the box too heavy to lift. You can use old newspapers, paper towels, or foam peanuts to fill empty space. Keep the bottom most boxes the sturdiest; they need to be able to handle the weight of the top-level boxes. Those that are only partially filled can give way easily.
- Label everything: This seems obvious but if you are in a hurry you may think this activity is unnecessary. I assure you, it is necessary. It's also helpful to mark fragile items as such, and to group boxes by room.
- Store very heavy items, such as books, in smaller boxes. This will make them easy to move.
- To give furniture extra protection, use wood and leather furniture spray before storing. This will help preserve everything nicely.
- Be sure to drain the tanks of lawn mowers and grills. Fuel should not be stored in your unit.
