The best way to manage lack of space or excessive items is through the use of self-storage units. Certain considerations have to be made however before finally deciding if you will benefit from using one. We have researched every aspect to ensure you make the right choice.
Climate-controlled self-storage units and heated units are the main types that provide a heating feature. These maintain a constant internal temperature designed or intended to protect your property from extreme conditions.
We'll mention several other factors that should come into consideration when choosing your self-storage unit. The following is a discussion that you should continue to determine the storage unit features best suited for your needs.
What are the general types of self-storage Units?
Traditional or Standard Storage Units
Traditional or standard units provide basic or regular storage facilities. They are the least expensive type since the internal conditions are not controlled. The stored items may be subjected to or affected by temperature and humidity changes.
Climate-controlled Storage Units
Climate-controlled units, as the name implies, regulate and maintain internal temperature. There are several types:
Climate-controlled Storage
This kind of facility, depending on external conditions such as climate, provides both heating and cooling features to maintain the desired temperature. They are usually available in areas that experience the four-season climate.
Air-cooled Storage
Air-cooled storages are usually in demand in warmer parts of the country where heating sources are not necessary, and so provides cooling services only. The average indoor temperature is 68 degrees Fahrenheit or lesser than the outside weather condition.
Heated Storage
Heated storage on the other hand is offered in areas with extreme cold or even freezing weather. They are designed mainly to prevent damage caused by low temperatures. One drawback of this kind of storage unit is that no air conditioner or any cooling system is provided during the summer season.
Humidity-controlled Storage
Humidity-controlled storage units function mainly to protect items from water vapor. They are the unit of choice when valuable or sensitive items are kept. They prevent moisture, mold, and humidity damage because they maintain the average moisture levels.
What are the main reasons people use storage units?
There are several reasons people find the need for storage units: house renovation, moving to a new home, change in job location, travel, and the like. Here is a list that aims to help you determine if you actually have to rent one.
House Construction or Renovation
During construction or renovations, you are required to move the items you own constantly. Construction workers or builders must move freely in order to complete the job faster and more efficiently.
Your belongings such as furniture and appliances may have the possibility of being damaged if you are not going to place them in a storage unit.
Relocation
When moving to a new home, certain complications or delays may cause problems with where to temporarily store your belongings. Taking advantage of a storage system will ensure the safety and security of your properties, keep them in one location until you finally settle into your new place.
Alternative or Transitional Accommodation
Certain events in life such as relationships or career changes may necessitate a transfer of residence or even locality. A storage unit is an ideal facility to accommodate your personal property while the change develops and eventually settles.
A Safe Place for Equipment, Appliances and Vehicles
Bulky or infrequently used items that may otherwise contribute to clutter and take up space in your home may be kept in storage units -camping gear, fishing equipment, and vehicles are examples. Note that fragile or valuable objects should not be placed in the same area.
Frequent Travel
If your work or general lifestyle entails frequent travel, it is usually difficult to find and maintain a common location to keep your belongings. It would be costly and impractical to rent and maintain several properties. A storage area will provide a more affordable way to keep the items you own safe in one place.
Storage for Business Products
If you own a small business, the products you intend to sell usually come in bulk. It is ideal to store the said merchandise in a storage unit for safekeeping, preservation, and easier organization.
The Need for Additional Space
Some households simply accumulate belongings and do not have enough storage capacity to accommodate them. Moving to a smaller home or apartment, or alternatively, a growing family (the need for a nursery), for instance, leads to this situation.
Again, a storage unit would address the issue. It is important to carefully categorize and sort which items to store and which to keep handy and available.
Which particular items should be kept in a storage unit?
The final and most important consideration in the acquisition of a unit is determining which items to store. The choice of the proper type of facility is directly related to this decision.
Furniture and Related Items
Furniture takes up the most space in any household. Getting new couches, beds, and dining sets would pose problems regarding where to store the old ones. Before deciding to keep them in storage, determine the material of the furnishings.
Wood
Wood tends to expand and shrink depending on the weather. It is best to store them in climate-controlled units to avoid damage and prolong their usage and life span.
Leather
Leather furniture is susceptible to mold and mildew, as well as hot weather. This kind of material tends to crack if exposed to high temperatures for prolonged periods.
Rare or Expensive Materials
Rugs and carpets fall into this category, silk, and other materials may be considered as well. Due to the fragile and costly nature of said items, it would be best to invest in a unit that features both temperature and humidity control.
Electronics and Appliances
Extreme humidity and temperature can affect the integrity of the wires, metal parts, and the connections of your electrical devices. It is ideal to choose a unit that features humidity and climate control.
Artwork and Collectibles
These items constitute what you would probably consider the most valued of your possessions such as paintings, antiques, stamp collection, and ceramic or clay figurines. Due to their nature, papers, painting mediums, and books are easily damaged. Climate Controlled storage units are the best choice.
Are there limits to things you can keep?
Storage unit companies regulate the use of their facilities in accordance with laws and guidelines. There are certain items you can and can't store in a storage unit.
Objects you cannot keep:
Firearms
Firearms are illegal to keep in storage. Potential liability issues and auction problems are the main reasons why keeping weapons are not allowed.
Hazardous Materials
Storing hazardous materials such as acid, compressed gas, fertilizer, fireworks, gasoline, narcotics, and paint are not allowed for security and protection purposes.
Money
Storage companies advise their clients to use a safety deposit box for storing their money. This prevents any lawful and unlawful issues.
Tires
Most companies do not allow tires to be placed inside their units because disposal fees are usually high. Tires are also more susceptible to fires and are terrible for the environment.
Dead or Alive Beings
Any living and non-living organisms are prohibited inside any storage units such as animals, plants, and ashes.
Food
Meat, poultry, fish, milk, eggs, fruits, and vegetables are forbidden to be kept inside your storage units because these it often attracts mildew, mold, and unwanted pests.
In Closing
Now that you have a general idea of whether or not to rent a storage unit, we hope that this article makes it easier for you to make the best decision. Keep in mind that they are simply an alternative. The items you store, and the type of storage unit are still the most vital things to consider.
