Extended Trip Storage Tips

Many of us have dreams of going on an extended vacation somewhere. Traveling the world can be a once in a lifetime experience that will create lifelong memories, but the stress of figuring out what to do with our beloved belongings can be overwhelming. Paying rent for a home or apartment while not actually living there can be very costly. Renting a storage unit is a more affordable option. Before making the decision to utilize self storage there are a few things that should be considered.

Here are some helpful tips for transitioning from your home to self storage:

• ORGANIZATION IS KEY WHEN STORING ITEMS. NOW IS THE TIME TO SELL, GIVE AWAY OR DISPOSE OF UNNECESSARY THINGS. STORE ONLY WHAT IS NECESSARY.

• MAKE A LIST OF WHAT IS BEING STORED.

• LABEL BOXES AND CONTAINERS TO LOCATE THINGS EASILY WHEN YOU RETURN FROM YOUR TRIP.

• STORAGE UNITS VARY IN SIZE TO FIT YOUR NEEDS. THE SMALLER THE UNIT THE LOWER THE MONTHLY RENTAL COST WILL BE.

• LOCATION OF THE STORAGE FACILITY IS ANOTHER ITEM THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED. SHOULD A PERSON STORE IN THEIR HOME TOWN OR CLOSER TO A FRIEND OR RELATIVE?
  STORING CLOSE TO A TRUSTED PERSON IS A WISE DECISION. THEY CAN CHECK ON THE STORAGE OR RETRIEVE NEEDED ITEMS DURING YOUR ABSENCE.

• PROTECT YOUR ITEMS WITH INSURANCE. INSURING YOUR STORAGE WHILE YOU ARE ON YOUR TRIP WILL ELIMINATE THE STRESS OF REPLACING ITEMS IF THEY BECOME DAMAGED WHILE YOU ARE AWAY. CHECK WITH THE STORAGE FACILITY TO SEE IF THEY OFFER INSURANCE COVERAGE. YOU CAN ALSO CHECK WITH YOUR HOMEOWNERS POLICY AS WELL TO SEE
  IF STORAGE IS COVERED.

• To make the best decision for your things, visit several storage facilities. Some things to consider:
  • How is the security at the facility? Are there gated entrances? Video cameras? 24/7 access?
  • Is the facility neat and clean? Ask to see the inside of the unit before signing the contract to make sure there are no leaks and it is free of trash.
  • Ask the facility manager about payment options. Payments can be automatically withdrawn from a checking account or debited from a credit card at most locations.

Storing items in self storage allows a person to bring only what is needed for the trip and not worry about items that are not needed for
traveling.

* Content courtesy of SSRMA (Self Storage Risk Management Association)