You have most likely considered leasing a small storage facility if your garage resembles a thrift store rather than a place for your car. Pack the overflow, shut the door, and then take back your living area; it sounds easy enough. But before you turn over the keys and start paying monthly fees, there are important facts most storage firms would prefer you learn the hard way. More hints!
First—use great care with the term “climate controlled.” Although ads and pamphlets may offer cherished collections or family antiques protected, controlled temperatures, not all climate control is the same. Some facilities only heat in the winter or chill things down in the hottest months, therefore exposing your items to humidity and abrupt temperature swings the rest of the year. For anything sensitive, including hardwood furniture, vintage pictures, or vinyl records—which may readily bend, crack, or grow mold in varying circumstances—that can cause problems. Ask for precise information always, and, if at all feasible, visit the unit personally before registering. Reversals of “climate control” assertions at face value are unacceptable.
Your friend right now is organization. Many times, people hide boxes within their apartment and believe they will remember what is inside each one. Six months later, every box appears exactly the same and you are dead on an archaeological excavation searching for your college diploma or Grandma’s crockery. Save yourself the stress by carefully labeling every box, maintaining a basic inventory, or creating a map in the notes app on your phone. Jot down a checklist or snap a picture. Your future self will appreciate you.
Furthermore less airtight than it seems could be security. Though late-night break-ins are less common than you may assume, large padlocks and conspicuous cameras can provide a sense of security. Never merely rely on cameras running on a loop; always inquire whether actual personnel are on site and whether there is 24/7 surveillance. Many policies do not assume that your renter or house insurance automatically includes off-site storage either. Think about getting additional coverage for your kept items for mental tranquility.
Another easily missed element are access hours. Despite what sales people imply, not every facility provides actual round-the-clock access. You can find yourself shut out, staring at a closed gate, needing something desperately after hours. Verify access hours yourself always to be sure they truly suit your demands.
Regarding cost—those appealing “special” monthly rates typically only endure a short period. After a few months, rent often rises; the fine print of the contract will contain buried hikes. If things sound ambiguous, ask for specific information about rate adjustments and leave.
One more point: little storage spaces can draw bugs. Insects and rodents find undisturbed areas appealing; cardboard boxes provide simple habitat for these creatures. Always pack carefully and keep your items in robust plastic containers to prevent unwanted surprises or damaged goods.
In essence, tiny storage can save your living area and sanity; but, let convenience fool you. Research, probe many questions, and be upfront in your treatment. A little extra care today will prevent problems and help you to keep your possessions safe going forward. There is stress-free storage; it just requires some clever design.