Six things you should know before renting a self storage unit

Renting space for your property, whether it be personal or business can be a big decision. When looking for and renting extra space to store, here a a few tips to get the best out of a storage experience.

Not all storage facilities are the same

Just like children, no two facilities are the same, even within the same company.  Check for security measures (including pin-access, individual unit alarm control, gates, CCTV and lighting), customer service, cleanliness, help to move and packing materials.  Having a checklist of what your top priorities in a storage facility can really help you to make your final decision.

Theft - what will your storage facilities do to avoid this?

Security gates, padlocks and gate access don't always stop an opportune burglar.    To avoid this always rent off facilities that have ;

• individually alarmed storage units - to deactivate the alarm, the customer must have the pin code, if un-authorised access occurs the alarm with sound with an immediate identification of which unit has been accessed
• CCTV - there will be security cameras covering the whole facility inside and out
• for your own piece of mind use a disc lock which have no ability to be cut by bolt cutters

Lastly ask a lot of questions about how the facility maintains their commitment to security.  If they can't or don't want to answer, go elsewhere.

Beware of "MOVE-IN DISCOUNTS"

Many storage companies offer sporadic and well timed move-in discounts or 'a months rent free', to get you to move in at a low rate only to raise the rent very soon afterwards (which will be in the fine print of your contract).  Before you rent, ask the manager how often your rent will be raised and how long they can guarantee your rent will not change.  If you are happy with their answers, ask for the guarantees in writing.  If they are not willing to do this, go elsewhere.

Plan Carefully

We see it time and time again in the industry, people rent far more space than they actually need.  Use the planning calculators on websites when moving, ask for advice from the store manager and if you find yourself moved in with excess space, don't be afraid to request a smaller unit at a smaller price!  

• Packing the unit properly  will also save you valuable space, again follow a checklist to save you money and space

Moving Day

If you do not have easy access to a large trailer or truck you will probably have to rent one. Some storage facilities will offer a free trailer to their customers (for a limited time period), some will offer a trailer or truck at a cost - do try and negotiate the fee, or the best storage facilities will offer a free truck and driver.  The cost of moving can often be more than the first few months rent on your unit, so it is worth checking out which facilities offer these services.

Insurance

Insurance is the responsibility of the customer.  Storage facilities are not insured for the contents of customers units, because it is a rented space, much like a house rental, you will need to insure the goods you intend to store.  Your house and contents cover will generally not cover you for goods in storage and it is often cheaper to purchase insurance direct from your storage facility.  Your store manager will have full details on this.

And then, enjoy the freedom of all your space you have created!

Which is the best lock to use when securing my self storage unit?

You have done the research, the storage facility is chosen, you looked for all the things that mattered to keep your property safe and secure - individually alarmed units, CCTV security, fencing and swipe or pin card access gates - now it comes down to the last item on your security list, the lock.  

There are so many different locks available for purchase and you may be tempted just to bring the one lying around idle at home but keep in mind that it is the last barrier between your property and potential theft no matter how secure your facility.

 All locks have pro's and con's and we look at a few options so you can find the lock best suited to you.  

Disc Lock 

For durability and ease, for me this comes out top every time!

Pros:  

• They cannot be be removed using bolt cutters
• They are highly durable
• You will need the key to open and close your lock meaning you cannot leave your key locked inside your storage unit!

Cons:

• More expensive than other locks (but less expensive than replacing property)
• It may not fit on the door (always check with your facility first what size the doors will take)

Standard Combination Locks

These are my least favourite, the most easily removed.

Pros:

• No key required
• You can easily give others access to your unit if needed
• Cheap

Cons:

• Easily cut with bolt cutters
• You can forget the code
• Shoulder surfing, someone may see the code as you are opening the lock and break in later

Standard Padlock

Pros:

• Easily re-keyed
• You can easily give others access to your unit if needed
• Cheap

Cons:

• Easily cut with bolt cutters
• You can lose your keys
• Easily picked

Other things to consider:

• The size of the lock, make sure it fits - but bear in mind, the larger the lock the more secure your belongings.
• If you have a storage unit outdoors, make sure you choose a lock designed specifically for outdoor use.  
• Always choose brass or steel keys, they are far less likely to break than aluminium.

And remember, above all, always insure and choose your facility wisely, its better to be safe than sorry.

Keeping your antiques and art safe in self storage

Whether you antiques and art are retained for precious memories or they are collectibles, when storing and transporting, you need to use extra caution to protect from damage and theft.

How to keep your antiques safe when packing

• Aquire a valuation for any good going into storage, you will be required by your storage company to purchase insurance while storing and may need to list some of these specific items on your insurance.
• Clean and dry thoroughly, this prevents airborne dust particles and mildew from staining and damaging your antiques whilst in storage.
• Treat each piece before storage e.g. for wooden antiques use a proper wood conditioner before storing to protect the integrity of the piece.
• Remove any loose or fragile parts to be wrapped separately and tape mirrors and glass.
• Only use acid-free paper when wrapping antique items
• Use layers of acid-free paper between layers of clothing and linen and where possible do not fold.
• Roll silverware individually in soft cotton clothes to protect from tarnishing.
• Cover or wrap furniture in a  protective layer and store each item separately.
• After items have been wrapped put extra fragile items into crates for extra protection.
• Remember you cannot go overboard with use of corrugated cardboard, bubble wrap or polystyrene peanuts to keep fragile items safe.
• Label everything and indicate correct orientation (this way up arrows).

How to properly pack art pieces

• Wrap every piece of art in acid-free polyester plastic specifically designed to store artwork.  
• Avoid using bubble wrap as the first layer as it may leave marks on your artwork.  
• Where possible use acid-free boxes specifically designed to store artwork. For expensive and fragile artwork it is worth the investment of custom built crates.
• Label all items correctly and indicate orientation, this is critical as framed painting may otherwise become dislodged and damaged.

Extra safety and security measures

• Choose a self storage facility that has individually alarmed units and pin code entry on security gates.
• Spend the money on purchasing a heavy duty lock.
• Ensure your insurance will fully cover your antiques and art while in insurance against theft, fire and flood damage.
• If unsure how to look after any antique or art items pop into a local dealer such as Antique Alley where they will be able to advise you on storage of each individual item. 

Lastly ... rest easy knowing you have done everything you can to keep your memories safe for future generations.

Vehicle storage - keeping your car safe and secure in storage

Trains, Planes and Automobiles .. The quarter acre dream has passed, garages are often non-existent and you have run out of room for your polished piece of joy.  What to do?  Store it!  

What are your options?

Some self-storage and vehicle storage facilities will provide outdoor parking only, while others will provide covered space or fully enclosed units.  Look for additional facilities available for vehicles either on premise or close including wash-bays and petrol stations.  

Before you put your vehicle into storage:

Measure - I always measure my car (plus me - so I can get in and out) before I drive it into a self storage space.  A unit can often look bigger than it is, so it does pay to check that you can easily drive in and out without causing damage to your car or the unit.  

Air Conditioning - Set the air conditioning to 're-circulate'.  This will shut the ventilation system off to the outside and prevent little nasties from entering.  If you are storing in an area when this is a worries seal off the air intake and tail pipes as well, rubber gloves are great for this.  

Spic and Span - Clean both the interior and exterior thoroughly, whether stored inside or out this will help protect your first love from mildew, rust and rodents.  Silica or moisture absorbers are also great inside the car to protect from moisture and odour buildups.  A good storage facility will take measures to protect against rodents, but do make sure to check as rodents will often chew electrical wiring and anything else they deem edible inside stored vehicles.  

Fuel Systems - When storing for a long time replace all fluids including transmission fluid, oil, antifreeze, power steering and brake fluid.  A fresh tank of fuel and a fuel stabiliser are also recommended to prevent corrosion in the fuel lines.  

Battery - Either disconnect the battery or complete remove from the car (this prevents leakage).

Tyres - Ensure tyres are at there full pressure, this will avoid flat spots on a car not being driven for a long period of time.

Brakes - Dis-engage parking brakes and leave manual cars in neutral.   Use vehicle blocks to stop movement.  This will protect your brake drums from sticking.  

COVER COVER COVER - If you are storing outdoors, cover your vehicle to protect from moisture (rust prevention) and other elements.  Even if indoors a cover will also help to protect from dust and any other damage if you have other items stored in your unit.  Choose your cover carefully, it is worth spending extra money on a cover that won't trap moisture or scratch an expensive paint job.

When in storage what will be required of me?

Insurance - Your storage facility will not be covered for theft or damage to your vehicle while in storageCheck with your insurance company whether your car is covered while in storage, you may need to take out additional or different insurance during this period.  Your storage facility may also be able to provide insurance options.

Current WOF and Registration - You will be required to show a current warrant and registration (or exemption paperwork).

Your car will be required by a storage facility to be in working order and you will need to show identification and proof of insurance.

Most self storage facilities will not allow vehicles to be worked on in storage, check with your storage facility first if that is your intention.

Last but not least

Take your baby for a drive, show it some love and let it know you are coming back!

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Protecting your precious items in storage

It is moving day! Your stuff is packed, your boxes are labelled beautifully and of course colour coded and the storage unit has been rented.  Then the little devil on your shoulder puts the golli-wobblies up you and the panic sets in - will my stuff be safe in storage?

The Good News :)

If you have picked a great self storage facility you are 90% of the way there.  The best storage facilities will have the following features (make sure you ask when you call).

• Individually alarmed units
• CCTV
• Security Gates
• Pin Code Access
• Great lighting

... the other great news is that storage theft is very rare.  However good facilities will insist that you are carrying separate storage insurance.  Your household contents cover does not usually cover goods in storage and although can may be able to get policy extension it is usually cheaper and easier to get insurance through the Storage facility you are renting from.  Be aware that the facilities insurance will not cover your goods for theft, fire or flooding damage.  

To ensure you are fully protected make a list of what is in your storage unit and ask your facility to keep this on record for you.  A good facility will do this as a matter of course.

Locks

A great lock is a must, most storage facilities sell these or you can bring your own. A tip that has been useful to me was to ensure I had two sets of keys and/or a combination I wouldn't forget.  

That extra protection 

• Wrap everything with appropriate packing materials
• Store fragile items appropriately 
• Pack clothes and linen with anti-moth inhibitors
• Pack books flat
• Thoroughly clean everything, especially food storage items such as refrigerators to protect from rodents

And for peace of mind

Periodically check your storage unit and the lock, or get a trusted friend or family member to, take insurance out and remember only you have access to your storage unit so staff will not have access and will not be able to check inside.