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!

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.

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.