5 August 2018
 Categories: , Blog

Is your new home not ready to move into just yet? Do you feel the need to declutter without disposing of things? For whatever reason you need to rent a storage unit, you're going to want to ensure that your possessions remain safe and undamaged for however long they'll be in there. How can you do your best to make sure that this will be the case?

Some Basic Points 

There are a few basic points to consider before deciding on the best storage facility.

• Is there an exterior fence or can someone easily back a car up to the units?
• Is there adequate lighting?
• Are there security cameras?
• How many hours a day is a staff member on the premises to keep watch?

Beyond these basics, your best choice for a storage facility depends on what you're actually storing.

Types of Storage Unit

Maybe the most familiar type of storage unit is one that resembles a suburban garage, and more about these later. When you don't have bulky items to store, you might want to consider an internal unit. It's basically a lockable, windowless room within a larger building. There is no danger of damage from the elements, and a person would need to enter the main building and travel through numerous corridors to reach the unit, which can add another layer of security.

With larger, bulky items, the standard garage-like unit will be more appropriate. They're weather resistant, though not necessarily weatherproof. In order to prevent any water seepage under the door in heavy rain damaging your items, you'll need to position them inside the unit adequately. This is simple as ensuring they're not directly on the ground, so place a shelf or table inside the unit and place the items on this surface. Wooden pallets can also do the trick.

Protection While in Storage

Obtaining insurance for your possessions is largely a matter of personal choice. You might not think it's necessary when it's simply old furniture that's not going to problematic to replace in the highly unlikely event that it was damaged. But if you would feel more comfortable with some coverage, check with the storage facility. They might be able to offer a policy that will be added to your storage fees. Check which insurance provider underwrites the policy, and as with any form of insurance, be sure to read the contract in its entirety, making note of any exclusions.

Self-storage units are a secure place for your possessions, but you'll want to make sure that the level of security suits your needs.