Self Storage Review

Moving and storage go hand in hand. If you are moving, you might end up putting some of your belongings in a storage unit. Unless you plan on paying a moving company to use their storage unit; you’re going to have to search for a decent storage place on your own.

The thought of a storage unit might bring up pictures of those boxy, mini-garage buildings that line miles of the highway. Getting a storage unit might seem like an open and shut job: you simply open the door to your self-storage unit, put your things away, and you shut the door.

But a storage unit isn’t that cut and dry. Your belongings may just be sitting there, but there are several different things that could happen in the unit. Which is why it’s important to pick the right self-storage facility and to pack it correctly.

Before you move, check out these tips:

When Selecting a Self-Storage Facility

Think about the location. Are you going to need to access your storage building frequently? If so, aim for someplace close to your new location.

Consider how much space you really need. Self-storage facilities rent units in all different sizes. It’s best to opt for a smaller storage unit and pack it to the ceiling rather than pay for space you’re not using. If even the smallest storage units are too much, look into mini-storage facilities: self-storage facilities that specialize in small loads.

Be sure to ask facility representatives how and when you can access your unit. Most self-storage and mini-storage facilities allow for free access 24 hours a day, but some facilities have restrictions and others charge fees for access.

Ask about security. Some indoor facilities offer 24-hour security or have video cameras. If you’re storing valuable items, this is something to consider.

Also ask about climate controlled units. If you’re storing anything valuable or delicate, like antique furniture or important documents that could be warped by being stored in space that’s too hot, too cold, or too humid. For an extra cost, most public storage facilities can set you up with a unit where temperature and humidity are restricted.

Consider the weather in your area. If there’s frequent rainfall or flooding, you need a unit that’s off the ground or indoors.

When Packing Up Your Self-Storage Unit

Try to use boxes that are uniform in size since they’re easier to stack (remember; keep the heavy ones on the bottom and the light ones on top).

Leave small walkways between the boxes and furniture in your storage unit so you can easily get to the items you want without having to move anything around.

If you’re storing a lot of packing boxes in your unit, try to fill them to the top, even if it’s just with padding and crumpled newspapers. Boxes that are only half-filled tend to collapse if anything’s placed on them.

If you’re putting any metal objects into storage – like lawnmowers or file cabinets – it’s best to treat them with rust protector first, or at least wipe them down with an oily rag.

Most public storage facilities have ample security. However, it’s still wise to take a few precautions of your own against theft. Pack your storage unit so that your most valuable items are at the back, and purchase a high quality padlock to put on the door.

The humidity in your self-storage unit can cause your furniture to warp and your appliances to mildew. Leaving a space between your stuff and the unit’s wall allows for air to circulate within the unit. Laying plastic sheeting on the floor and stacking boxes on top of wooden pallets can prevent condensation damage. So can using old linens or other fabrics, instead of plastic, to protect your stuff from dust.

If you’re storing a refrigerator in your unit leave the door ajar. This will prevent mold from growing inside.

Under no circumstances should you keep anything flammable or combustible in your storage building. This means no gasoline, oil, cleaning fluids or paint thinner. If you’re storing any machinery that runs on gas, drain the tank before you store it.

Moving to a new home can be stressful. Before you start packing, proper advanced planning can save you time, money and stress! Waiting until the last minute can be stressful and risky if you have moving deadlines that you need to meet. Below is a checklist to reference when preparing to move.

Countdown: One Month

The one month mark is a good opportunity to start getting organized. There’s definitely a lot to do, but don’t worry. By giving yourself plenty of time, you are ensuring an easier move. Activities at the one month point typically fall into three categories: administrative, collecting and sorting. If applicable, make sure to give your landlord notice of your move (some leases require 60 days or more). Begin to coordinate with utility providers. This means contacting the telephone and cable company to set up services. Also, inform your gas (oil if applicable) and electric provides that you will be the contact at your new property. A final administrative function is to tell work that you’ll need time off for the move.

At the one month mark you’ll want to start sorting your items into three piles: keep, toss and store. The amount of sorting you do will also dictate how much packing material you need. This is also a good time to start collecting packing materials.

Countdown: Two Weeks

It is the two week point and hopefully you’ve done a thorough job sorting your stuff. This is a great opportunity to start packing the items you won’t need until you’re in your new place. At this point there are more administrative items to handle:

- Notify people about your change of address and arrange for the post office to forward your mail.
- Cancel monthly recurring household services such as newspaper delivery.
- Book a moving company, rental truck or self storage facility.
- If applicable, arrange moving transit insurance.
- If applicable, ask someone to look after your kids and pets.

Countdown: One Week

During this time there is probably an excitement in the air over which room in the new home will be used for different functions. Within the last week until the move you’ll probably be busy working on packing and cleaning. During this time it is important to remember there are still some administrative things that need to occur. At this point you should be arranging for final bills to be paid (including having meters read) in addition, arrangements should be confirmed with utility companies.

There are also some administrative tasks and tactical issues that need to be addressed. You’ll want to exchange keys during this time. Make sure to collect yours as soon as possible. Also, make a map of the new property for the moving company. Prior to the move make sure to have old blankets prepared to put down in the new home to protect the floors and carpets. Ask yourself, will your new home have enough storage space? If you answer “no,” then you may want to consider making arrangements with a self storage company and also learn more about self storage units.

Countdown: One Day

Tomorrow’s the big day! With one day remaining you’ll want to start by sealing and labeling all moving boxes with the contents of the box and what room it needs to go to. If possible, consider staging these boxes towards the location of the moving truck–in a garage for example. You’ll want to make sure you pack a container with essential emergency supplies until you are fully unpacked. Finally now is the time to finish cleaning your home. This includes defrosting the refrigerator and freezer.

Countdown: Day of Move

On the day of the move remember to focus around security and safety. Make sure you disconnect any remaining electrical appliances and ensure all lights are turned off. Before you lock the door one last time, make sure to account for all items at your new location.

Who has not dreamed of a vacation to Key West, a small dot on the United States map that promises an experience like no other? Of course, the savvy repeat traveler to Key West does not waste time with copious packing and unpacking. She or he will not need to rent a pricey motor scooter to get around or find that bike rental agency everyone raves about. Furthermore, the repeat traveler in the know will have an arrangement with a Key West renter or home owner who, in exchange for a generous but still affordable compensation package, will hand over the keys to their home each year during specified times and make themselves scarce. Why bother with hotel prices and lodging if the private rental market is not only cheaper but also much more convenient?

If it is not immediately what self storage in Florida has to do with a successful Key West getaway, consider the convenience that Storage facility offers. No stranger to the state of Florida - there are locations in Dania Beach, Hialeah, Big Coppitt, Miramar, Miami, and Pompano Beach in addition to Key West - this self storage facility offers self storage solutions to the repeat traveler who likes to keep toys, gadgets, and clothes at hand. Imagine being able to hop on a plane with just a small bag of carry on luggage instead of two huge suitcases that need to be checked, retrieved after a seemingly endless wait at the carousel, and then repacked before you leave. Demanding your arrival at the airport hours before departure time, these bags slow you down, weigh you down, and are more hassle than they are worth!

Ah, but the savvy Key West traveler who already has a place ready and waiting who also has the key to self storage in Florida knows that traveling light has its advantages. Imagine renting a 10×20 garage sized storage space. You can keep a car ready and waiting, perhaps a scooter and bike, and also clothes, and other items you enjoy having around. A great way to travel light and save on theexpensive rental fees, you arrive in Key West ready to enjoy yourself immediately. Not too tired from hauling suitcases, not frustrated from dealing with the car rental agency that has lost your reservation and could do nothing better than outfit you and your family of five with a car that makes a clown car look spacious, you will be ready to hit the water, the club scene, or the solitude of a secluded walking trail within minutes of your arrival - all thanks to self storage. In Florida - just any other state - the tourism industry is an important one, and this very fact has helped to keep self storage rates down so that even the year round rental of a unit is affordable, especially when compared to the comparable prices of equipment rentals and the amount of money your time is worth.