If you are looking at renting personal storage space, these are some tips to help ensure that you find a self-storage facility that is convenient, safe, secure and the right fit for your needs.

• Consider what you will be storing and how much room it takes up. If the things you are storing can be kept in boxes, you may not need as much space as you think because boxes can be easily stacked.
• Look for a storage facility that is close to your home or work. This will help you save time and money in traveling to the storage unit. You will also be able to stop by periodically and make sure your belongings are in good shape.
• Think about when you will want to access your storage unit. Make sure you will be able to get into and out of the facility and into your unit whenever you need to.
• If you are storing items that are fragile or sensitive to temperature changes, look for a climate-controlled unit. Possessions stored in climate-controlled storage units are kept safe from extremes in heat and cold.
• When you are checking out storage facilities, ask about specific measures the management takes to keep the storage units safe and secure. Ask about the facility’s security system and how easily your unit can be accessed.

Here are some packing tips as you prepare to move some items to personal storage:

• If you can, keep all of your things in boxes that are the same size. Containers that are the same size are easier to stack.
• Pack boxes as full as you can, but be sure to protect fragile items with crumpled newspaper, bubble wrap or other padding.
• Partially empty boxes collapse more easily than full boxes.
• Label each box with its contents.
• Disassemble large items, such as furniture, if possible.
• Protect furniture, art and other large items with padding.
• If you are storing metal items, coat them with a rust-preventing solution.
• If you are storing electronics, keep them toward the back of the unit away from the door.
• Do not place TV sets directly on a concrete floor.

If you have questions about packing and storing your personal items, please give us a call. We will be happy to help make your storage experience as stress free and as efficient as possible.