So a move is in store? Congratulations! There are so many items that you need to consider when you are getting ready to move that it is difficult to keep track of everything. It’s a great idea to purchase a small planner or move-planning sheet that will help you organize all the tasks that are ahead of you.
For many of those tasks, a self storage unit will be an invaluable asset.
Sometimes called mini storage – particularly at businesses that offer only smaller target=”_blank” href=”http://selfstorage.simplyss.com/unit/” title=”storage units”>storage units – a self storage unit is extra storage space, away from your home or business, that offers you a space to store any items you need to pack away for a period of time.
This kind of storage unit is perfect for short or long term storage, since they are typically monitored 24/7 and provide you with extra security, such as computer-controlled entry, electric gates, and personal locks of whatever strength you wish to utilize.
Preparing for a Home Sale
When you prepare to sell a home, one of the first things a real estate agent will do is walk you through your own home and help you see the home as it will be viewed by potential buyers.
The agent will point out not only dated carpets and curtains, but also the clutter and mess that accumulates through normal life and fails to appeal to potential buyers. The agent will likely suggest that you remove any clutter.
Many times, removing clutter means eliminating extra furniture from living space, cleaning closets and thinning out the clothing and shoes in the closets, and winnowing out children’s toys. If you have an extra car in the garage or an RV or boat in the driveway, the agent will likely recommend removing these vehicles to increase the curb appeal of the home.
You’ll be told to remove any storage boxes business records, tax records, receipts, old magazines or books, college papers, the kids’ artwork from grade school; it should all be removed from the home to add to the visual appeal and roominess.
Some people transfer these items to the garage and fill it so much that the cars can’t fit into it. This defeats the purpose of de-cluttering the home, makes it look like the garage is very small, and creates the feel that the home isn’t large enough to handle all of a person’s belongings.
After a sale, there are many situations that may demand self storage. If the buyer needs to move in before you can transfer to your new home, you’ll need somewhere to stash your belongings. If you are moving to a new location but do not yet have a home, this also presents a difficulty.
The answer to these dilemmas is a storage rental.
What to Rent
First look at how much you need to store. The easiest way to look at this is by boxes or by pickup loads. For example, a 5′ x 5′ storage unit will hold about 1 pickup load of material or about 50 standard file boxes. A 5′ x 5′ unit is 25 square feet (relatively small), so you can figure the larger units based on this standard.
A 10′ x 10′ unit, then, is 100 square feet, or four times as large as the 5′ x 5′, therefore it can hold 4 pickup loads or 200 boxes.
Climate Control Storage
Decide if you need climate control storage. Storage units with climate control are in a self-contained building with heating and cooling units to maintain a steady temperature and humidity.
If your items are valuable, sensitive to temperature changes, or irreplaceable, then you may want to consider climate control. You may have a small unit featuring climate controlled storage for photographs, electronic equipment and important tax records, and a larger, less expensive unit for the clothing, books, and toys.
Long Term Storage
If the market is bad or you’re not sure how long it will be before you find a new home, you may want to make arrangements for long-term storage in a unit. This generally means you have limited access to your items, but often at a lower price.
This is an option many people use after they arrive in a new area and still need to find, close, or build a home in the new area.
