How-To Guide For Choosing
Self Storage, Packing And Moving

People put their belongings in self storage thousands of times a day all around the world.  It’s a relatively simple process, but there are things you should consider to make your self storage experience a positive one.

The Self Storage Facility You Choose

Let’s start with the self storage facility you choose.

• Security.  You’ll want to make sure the things you store are well protected, so you should choose a facility that offers things like:
  
  --  Perimeter fencing
  --  Controlled access
  --  Video monitoring
  --  Adequate lighting
  
   
• Convenience.  People often need to get access to things they have in self storage and that process should be as easy as possible.  Key questions:
  
  --  How far will you have to drive and what are the traffic conditions?
  --  Can you access your storage unit any time 7/24/365?
  --  Are the storage facility roadways  broad enough for easy car and truck access?
  
   
• Storage Units.
  
  --  Does the self storage facility offer the size  unit you need?  Does it offer    climate-controlled units (heat and air conditioning -- for storing such things as  office documents, antiques, art, and electronics)?  Some popular sizes of units and some of the typical storage capacities:
  
              --  5 x 10 – about the size of a walk-in closet or bathroom.  Studio or small
                 bedroom furnishings.
  
              --  5 x 15 – similar to a large walk-in closet.  Furnishings of a 1 bedroom
                 apartment without major appliances.
  
              --  10 x 10 – approximately the size of an average bedroom.  Furnishings
                  of a 1 – 2 bedroom apartment without major appliances.
  
              --  10 x 15 -- similar to a large bedroom.  Furnishings of a 2 bedroom
                  apartment with major appliances.
  
              --  10 x 20 –  the size of an average garage.  Furnishings and major
                  appliances from a moderate size house.
  
              (NOTE:  Rough estimates, only.  Your storage requirements may vary.)
  
   
• On-site management.  This is important because, even though you might have unlimited access to your storage unit, there are times when you need the help of on-site management – when you can’t find the key or lose the combination to the lock on your unit.
  
   
• Cleanliness.  Are the grounds of the storage facility clean?  Are the storage units themselves clean? 
  
   
• On-site supplies and equipment.  It’s always handy to have the supplies you need for self storage right on-site at the storage facility – things like available hand trucks, packing boxes, tape, etc.
  
   
• Moving truck rentals.  Whether you are moving your things into a self storage facility or taking them out, the availability of rental trucks at the facility or nearby for rental or drop off is a big plus.
  
   
• Rental terms.  The terms for renting a storage unit vary among different storage facilities.  Questions to ask:  Is a security deposit required?  Are there application fees or other hidden fees?  Are long-term contracts required or is month to month rental available.  Are rental fees stable for a guaranteed length of time or are they subject to change at any time?
  
   
• References.  Your self storage property is important to you or you wouldn’t be storing it.  It’s important to choose an established self storage facility with a good reputation among current renters.  Ask the management if they are willing to provide you with references.
  
   

Packing Your Storage Items

 

• Gather supplies.  Get all the boxes, tape, box cutters, gloves, straps, rope and other supplies you’ll need and put them together in one place before you start packing to move.
  
   
• Keep things together.  As much as possible, keep things from the same rooms together.  This will make it easier to access the contents.
  
   
• Keep an inventory.  You should have a written list of each box and its contents for easy reference when you’re trying to remember where you put individual items.
  
   
• Disassemble, but package screws, bolts.  If you have to disassemble furniture for storage, put all the screws and bolts for each piece in a bag and tape it to the furniture.
  
   
• Covers.  To protect your furniture and larger items, use things like sofa covers, mattress covers and general dust covers.
  
   
• Bubble wrap.  Use this to protect breakable items or things you want to protect from scratches or bumps.
  
   
• Sturdy boxes.  Make sure you have plenty of sturdy boxes on hand.  Don’t use standard garbage bags, which easily rip and tear.  If you want to pack clothes or linens in garbage bags, get the thicker heavy ones.
  
   
• Heavy items on bottom.  Pack your heaviest items on the bottom of the box, but try not to pack your boxes with more than 50 pounds – to avoid making them too heavy to easily lift and move.
  
   
• Small items in a large box.  Pack your small, loose items in bags or small boxes and then place them all in a larger box.
  
   
• Don’t over-pack.  Don’t try to stuff too much into a box, so it doesn’t close all the way.  This can cause damage to contents when other boxes are stacked on top.
  
   
• Label, label.  Clearly label each box to identify its contents.  It helps to label them on all sides and the top so you can see the label without having to move the box.

Renting A Moving Truck

If you plan to do the moving yourself, you’ll probably need to rent a truck, whether you will be moving across town or across the country.  Some things to think about in advance:

• Where to rent your truck.  If you can find a rental agency close to your starting point or your destination that will be a significant convenience for you in either picking up or dropping off your truck.
  
   
• Your destination.  All rental agencies will be happy to rent you a truck locally that you return to their agency.  If you are moving a long distance, it will probably be a one-way trip, so inquire in advance about this and any associated extra costs.
  
   
• Truck size.  A 26 foot truck can usually handle the contents of a house, while a 10 foot mini mover can probably accommodate the contents of a small apartment. It’s a good idea to rent a larger truck than to cram the contents into one too small.
  
   
• Dollies and pads.  You might well need to have a hand truck, a dolly or pads to move and protect your stored contents.  Ask your rental agency whether they offer these things.
  
   
• Insurance.  Most rental agencies will offer insurance coverage, which could be a good investment, but check with your credit card company, because some companies offer built-in protection to credit card holders.

Still Have Questions?  Give Us A Call.

At Store Your Stuff, we make it our business to know about storing, packing and moving your things – and we will be very happy to answer any questions you might have.  Just give us a call at 315-638-5353 or E-mail us at stuff@cnymail.com.  Also, be sure to check out our website at http://www.gostoreyourstuff.com

Store Your Stuff CARES for your stuff. 

Let  us store it for you.

Store Your Stuff is located at 7443 Van Buren Road, Baldwinsville, NY 13027 (right off I-690).  Phone 315-638-5353; E-mail stuff@cnymail.com.