It is not uncommon for people to rent a short-term storage solution for their move nowadays. Many things can happen during relocation, either local or long-distance, and these storage solutions are an excellent option for when you do not know what to do with all of your belongings. However, choosing short-term storage is not as easy as you may think. You cannot just walk into the storage facility and rent one. You have to consider tons of things if you want to find a storage unit that perfectly suits your needs and budget. But, do not worry – that is why we are here. So let us give you some advice on choosing the best short-term storage option for your move.
How Much Space Do You Need?
As previously stated, there are many advantages of renting a storage unit when moving. However, the prices and types of storage units vary. They vary depending on the size of the storage unit you want to rent. So, the first question you should ask yourself is how much space you actually need. That is, what will you be storing in the unit? Once you know the answer to these two questions, you will also learn how big or small your storage unit needs to be.
Take into consideration all the boxes and all the furniture. Get your tape measure out if necessary! Also, keep in mind that many storage companies have an online storage size calculator that can help you answer these questions. Or, simply, talk to the storage facility staff – they will definitely be able to help you find the type (and the size) of the storage unit that best suits your needs.
Are Location and Access Important?
Another thing you should consider when choosing a short-term storage option for your move is the location of the actual storage unit. Will you choose one close to your current home or one close to your future home? There are storage facilities throughout most cities, so explore your options.
Moreover, think about accessibility! Do you need to access your storage unit often? If you do, placing your items in a storage facility may not be a good option. Instead, you should think about renting a portable storage unit, one that will ‘sit’ in your yard until you are ready to unpack. Again, knowing the answers to these questions will help you choose the best short-term storage option for your move.
How Much Can You Afford?
Nobody likes to talk about money, but nothing in life is free. The same applies to storage units. The good news is that there are plenty of ways you can save money on them and make sure you do not break your budget. One of those ways is to measure everything you plan on storing and rent a storage unit accordingly. Many people skip this step and rent a unit that is either too big or too small – both end up costing a lot more than they have to.
Another way you can save money on storage is finding a company that specializes in short-term storage solutions, that is, in temporary storage. These companies’ prices are formulated with short-term agreements in mind and are, because of that, a lot cheaper than regular companies. Thus, do your research before you sign any papers! And, do not wait until the last minute – booking in advance will get you plenty of discounts too!
Do You Need Storage-in-Transit Option?
If you are moving locally, you are probably looking for reliable help in the area. That is, you are looking for movers who can help you move all of your items from one part of the city to the other. However, if you are between moves and do not have a place for all of your belongings, you might want to consider the storage-in-transit option. This means movers coming to your current home, packing up your items, storing them in a storage unit for an agreed amount of time, and then off-loading them to your new home when everything is ready. Of course, this option is more expensive than all others, but that is because professionals throughout the whole move handle your belongings.
What Will You Be Storing?
The type of storage unit you should choose ultimately depends on what you will be storing in there. If you plan on storing just furniture pieces and boxes with household items, you can rent pretty much any storage unit out there. However, suppose you have some things that are really expensive and valuable. In that case, we strongly advise you to go for storage facilities with higher security levels – those with security cameras, digital locks, and security guards.
Moreover, if you have some items that are sensitive to heat and humidity, like antique furniture, art pieces, important paperwork, plants, etc., you should also consider getting a climate-controlled storage unit. This will protect your items from weather changes, and of course, from all possible pests. Finally, be sure to check what you can and cannot store in a particular storage unit, too – different companies have different policies! You must take everything into consideration if you want to choose the best short-term storage option for your move.