There are many different kinds of
storage units available for rent on the market today. Virtually no matter what your storage needs may be you can find an applicable storage unit to rent. When you are renting a storage unit for awhile, no matter how long, there are some basic guidelines that you should follow.
Be sure to keep rental fees current and paid in full. This is one of the most common ways that people lose their belongings, which is by forgetting to pay for their storage unit on time. Most storage unit facilities will have a short grace period of a few days or perhaps a week. If you have not paid your entire balance in full by that time, your items are removed from the storage unit and placed on the curb without further notice. Some storage unit facilities even have auctions to sell your possessions so that they can recoup some of their losses in rental fees.
Over a long term of storage, you will want to routinely inspect your unit to ensure that the safety has not been compromised. If you have to provide your own lock, makes sure that it is not broke and hasn't been tampered with. If the facility proves locked access on the door, make sure it is secure when you leave and return. If you believe your storage unit has been compromised in any way, you should get the storage unit manager or owner to witness you entering the unit just in case your things have been damaged. If you have been vandalized, don't touch anything, call the police and if you have a cell phone camera, take pictures.
When you are going to be storing things over a long period of time, it makes good sense to arrange things in a logical order. Place large items such as furniture and appliances in the rear where they will not be stumbled over nor damaged when moving other items around them. Things that are going to be used on a regular basis should be stored near the front in logical fashion, with aisles that allow for easy movement around the unit as well as taking things out that may be midway back in the unit.
Renting a long term storage unit may be more economical if you have the option of paying for several months at a time. Although rental fees are the way these facilities make their money, it is still possible to find specials on costs such as move ins and, in the case of long term rentals, because it provides them with a higher amount up front, they may offer you a discount if you pay for 6 months or more of your rental fees in advance. Such discounts may not be publicized so you may have to ask the manager when you are preparing your rental contract.
Long term storage is different than putting a few things away for a few months and then taking them back out again. When you are storing items for a long period of time, it is important to clean your storage unit with the change of seasons. This affords you the opportunity to move seasonal items to the front that will be needed and to place out of season items to the back of the unit. Likewise, even with coverings over furniture and appliances, there is still a tendency when things sit for them to collect dust. Also, certain insects such as ants, flies and spiders seem to manage to find their way into enclosed places when winter comes to stay warm. But they don't manage to stay alive all winter due to lack of food and dead bugs in your storage unit are most unwanted.
Although you will probably be provided with some type of insurance that covers your unit the entire time you are renting it, the insurance may only cover basic replacement of things at an estimated value that is less than what your belongings are worth. If such is the case, make sure that you maintain your own insurance separate from what the storage facility offers to ensure that your valuables are protected for their entire worth so that if something should happen to them, you will be able to replace them
Following the recommendations above can save you trouble and keep your long term storage agreement in good shape as well as continued protection.
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