Five tips for your next road trip

Just when it was seeming like the never ending winter, I peered out the window this morning and saw the first bloom of my spring bulbs out.  That means summer is on the way and it will soon be the perfect opportunity for a road trip.

Some of the most precious memories I have are of new sights, discovering hidden gems and endless laughs in the car while on trips taken on whim.  To make your road trip even better than you thought possible use these tips to help you on you way.

Make a plan ... but keep it flexible

Plan where you are going to end up at the end of each day but be ready to stop along the way, poke into places that aren't on the tourist map and spend longer in places that take your fancy.  A plan can be great, but a rigid one doesn't allow for any freedoms.

Pack to a minimum, it gives you room to collect

We always take so much more than what we need anyway, so this time, try something different, only take half of what you think you will need and you will have more room to bring back the discoveries in tiny antique shops and crafts from the local markets that you otherwise may not have had room for.  You may need to hire a storage unit when you get back, but those are the breaks!

Do pack the 'just in case' bottle of wine

For that unexpected sunset on the little beach you stayed too long at or the mountain range that would be perfect if only you had remembered the picnic, be good scout and be prepared.

Take loads of pictures

One of my favourite road trip albums is not from where we stopped but a long trip in the car on the back roads of Sri Lanka where to alleviate the boredom I began taking photos to amuse myself and the kids (the driver thought I was mad) of the oncoming trucks and cars of Sri Lanka that always swerved at the last minute.  Not only did it keep the kids and I amused but the album created lasting memories.

On-board Entertainment

If you have packed really light, you may need to let your inner child loose in the car and make some games up.  If not have pre-loaded music playlists ready, books, magnetic board games and create trip trivia games with kids in the car.

Above all, have fun, explore new places and try new things.

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!