Considerations When Choosing Storage for Your House Move

If you're moving home, you might need a storage facility for some of your items. People often use storage when moving house, either to store their belongings until their new house is ready to move into or to store items they don't necessarily want to take with them right away.

Finding the right storage for household items is important, so you need to do your research and pick the right facility and unit for your specific needs.

While moving is an exciting prospect, once you start packing out all your belongings, the sheer weight of the task will dawn on you. Depending on how many years of possessions you have stockpiled, moving is about as fun as a root canal performed by a caffeinated monkey.

And choosing storage? That can be a master stroke in saving you stress and time.

Storage can be used as a stop-gap solution while you get yourself settled, or it can act as a screening process for items that might not be welcome in your new place.

Regardless of your need for storage, grab a cup of coffee (or something stronger), and let's dive into the wild world of storage solutions that won't leave you crying into a cardboard box.

Some Top Considerations to Help with Your Decision

There are a number of important factors to consider before you make your decision.

Some of the top ones are:

Location, Location, Location (It's Not Just for Real Estate)

Choosing a storage facility is like dating—location is key. Do you want something close to your new home, or are you okay with treating your belongings to a cross-town road trip every time you need something?

Consider proximity, but also think about:

• Accessibility (Can you get to your stuff at 2 AM when sudden nostalgia hits?)
• Neighbourhood safety (Will your grandmother's China be safer than a bank vault?)
• Traffic and ease of access: The transition will be much easier if you can find a spot close by or one with direct highway access.

Size of Unit

One important factor to look at is the size of the storage unit, as you can choose from a range of options. Make sure you have a full list of everything you want to put into storage so you can determine the right size for your needs.

This will make it much easier to choose the ideal unit size for your house move rather than wasting money on one that is too big or struggling with one that is too small for your belongings.

Length of Storage: Set a reasonable time frame

Another thing you should consider is how long you want to keep your items in storage once you move.

Some people only need storage for a short period until they are settled in the new home, while others might want to keep certain items in storage for a longer period until they need them.

So, work out how long you want to keep your things in storage so you can determine which providers can accommodate your needs and calculate the costs involved.

Climate Control: Because Your Stuff Has Feelings, Too

Newsflash: Your belongings are more sensitive than a reality TV contestant.

• Wooden furniture? Hates humidity.
• Vintage clothing? Runs from extreme temperatures.
• Electronics? Total drama queens about moisture.

A climate-controlled unit might cost a bit more, but it's cheaper than replacing everything you own because you thought your leather couch could survive a summer in an oven-like storage container.

Costs Involved: Let's not break the bank

You also need to consider the cost of storing your items. This will vary depending on the size and type of unit you choose, the facility you choose, and the length of time you want to keep your items in storage.

Look at your finances and work out how much you can afford to spend. This will enable you to focus on units that offer affordable pricing for your needs.

Insurance: Because Life Happens

Speaking of insurance, don't be that person who thinks, "It'll be fine", and then ends up crying over water-damaged photo albums or your prized collection of antiques grandmummy left you.

When you entrust your possessions to a third party, you have to accept that they might not value those items the same way you do. Having some contingency at an extra cost can put your mind at ease.

Check:

• Your current homeowner's or renter's insurance and if they'll cover a storage facility
• The storage facility's insurance options
• Additional coverage for high-value items

Suitability of Facility

It's also important to consider the suitability of the facility in addition to the unit itself. This means looking at things such as location and convenience, service levels and customer reviews, and the level of security offered.

You can then make a more informed decision regarding the storage facility you choose.

Security: More Than Just a Padlock and Hopes and Prayers

When it comes to security, you want more protection than a celebrity with a restraining order.

Look for:

• 24/7 surveillance (Cameras that actually work, not the blurry kind from 1990; potato-quality footage is not going to help you or law enforcement)
• Secure entry systems
• On-site staff
• Individual unit alarms

Storage with Peace of Mind

Choosing storage is part science, part art, and part pure luck. Do your homework, trust your gut, and remember: this is temporary. By choosing the right storage facility and unit for your belongings, you can look forward to greater peace of mind when moving home.

You can ensure your items are kept safe and secure yet easily accessible whenever you need them. Once you're ready to deal with unpacking without a set time limit, you can venture into the vault and wonder why you kept that inflatable dinosaur costume from Halloween 2015.

Happy moving, storage warriors!

May your boxes be labelled, your memories be intact, and your sanity remains relatively unscathed.

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Tags: Storage, Self Storage, Guest Post