Are you moving into a new home with less space than your old place?  Do you have to live in an apartment temporarily?  If so, you probably won’t have room for all of your stuff, and if you can’t store it at your friend’s or parents’ house, then you’ll need to find a public storage facility.

But what should you look for in a self-storage unit? It’s just a big locker, right? Well, sort of. A 10 x 10 space with a concrete floor might look the same in San Francisco as it does in Southampton, but there are factors to consider besides the unit itself.

Questions to ask yourself

Do I Need Ground Access?  Some public storage places have all ground-level units to which you can drive right up and unload, but in densely packed urban areas, many storage facilities are in multi-story buildings with units that you have to get to in a freight elevator. If the convenience of drive-up access is important to you, make sure you look for a ground-level unit with car access.

Do I need a moving truck?  Some facilities have moving trucks and vans available for rent. A few will even lend you their truck for free.  If you have to bring your own truck, make sure it will fit through the facility’s gate.

Am I worried about the elements damaging my things?  Many facilities offer climate-controlled units to protect your stuff from, well, the climate.  If your storage unit is in an area that’s prone to high humidity or extreme temperatures, or if you’re storing delicate things like photographs or electronics, you might want to consider climate control.

Picking the Right Storage Facility

Prices – When comparing prices, be sure to pay attention to the deals that are available from each company. Many will offer a free month’s rent or free carry-in assistance (which could turn into savings if you were thinking about hiring movers for the job) when you sign up.

Do a background check – Take the time to do your homework before settling on a storage facility.  Read online reviews to see if other customers were satisfied with their experience.  Also, don’t be afraid to visit the facility and ask to take a look at a few of the units yourself.

Tips for loading up your storage space

Don’t just start piling stuff into your storage pod or garage, unless you want to have a terrible time getting it out.  To make your life easier in a few months, you should have an plan for organizing your possessions.  Here are some tips:

• Break down large pieces of furniture to save on space. Be sure to keep all hardware taped to the piece in a resealable plastic bag. Label the bag (e.g. “hardware for dining room table”) in case of accidental separation.

• Wrap furniture in moving blankets to prevent nicks and dents when shuffling items around.

• Label all of your boxes and be as detailed as you can. You may think you’ll remember where you put everything, but six months later when you’re rifling through every box in search of a power cord, you’ll wish you had labeled.

• Leave a walkway down the middle of your unit to maximize access to things stored in the back.

Storing a Vehicle

Cars, motorcycles, and boats require special storage facilities – Search specifically for vehicle storage when you need a place to put up your car. If you want to protect your car from the elements and be sure that it’s safe from vandalism and theft, chose a facility that specializes in indoor vehicle storage. These places generally offer greater security than outdoor parking lots, as well as an electrical hookup in case your battery needs a charge when you return.

Next Step: Getting Rid of Unwanted Stuff

Related Articles
Getting Moving Supplies
Finding Self-Storage
Figure Out Type of Move