Getting A Storage Unit
Okay youve purged and De-cluttered, and you still have stuff that wont fit in your house
. That baby bassinet that has been passed down for a couple of generations and you want to preserve it for a future grandchild. Equipment for your recreational pastimes, (snowmobile, boat, RV, skis, snowboards, camping gear, horse tack, etc.). Maybe a collection of fine wines, art, pianos, or vintage antiques that require special climate-controlled storage. Archived business records that must be kept for seven years for tax purposes.
Additionally, recent trends in the construction industry have been to reduce the square footage in houses to make them more affordable. Many newer homes do not include basements, garages, attics, or other traditional home storage areas. Whats a person to do?
Could the logical answer be a storage unit? Storage facilities are certainly plentiful across Montana, and they range from the no-frills 5x 5self-storage, to huge 40x 50 warehouses, to climate-controlled units. How to choose?
The first thing to consider is the location, said Clarice Peeler of Windmill Storage. Youll want to find a facility that is close to where you live or work for easy access. Make sure the business hours are convenient and that the units are easy to get in and out of. (Are the doors big enough? Are the driveways wide enough, or do you have to jockey the pickup fifteen times in a tight corner to back it in?) Is there adequate security? Do they offer pest control? Resident managers, camera surveillance, fire detectors, and customer service are also important, said Peeler.
Keeping in mind the old adage that your stuff expands to the space available in which to put it . . . make sure you initially get a unit that is large enough. You dont want to continually move to a larger unit every year or so. The manager of the facility can help you determine the size you need if you give them an idea of what kinds of things you will be storing. Climate-controlled facilities are available for items that are sensitive to heat, freezing, or moisture. Outdoor covered storage is available to securely store your boat, RV, vehicle, or utility trailer.
Of course, price is also a factor, but it shouldnt be the main factor in deciding on a facility. Prices vary at different facilities, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $10/month for the smallest size, to $65 for the more popular 10x20 unit, up to $300-$400 for a large warehouse style unit. Be sure to ask about long-term discounts, and/or new customer offers. Also, make sure that you have adequate insurance coverage for your stored possessions. Some homeowners policies will cover items stored off-premises, but check with your agent to see if you need to obtain a separate policy. Many facilities offer even a low-cost policy for their customers.
Most importantly, make sure that you are storing stuff that you really may need again someday. It doesnt make sense to pay someone to store a mismatched set of Corelle dishes, an old TV, or a box of outgrown baby clothes unless they have some kind of strong sentimental value. Purge your possessions as much a possible before you move them into a storage facility.
My customers always have the BEST ideas for organizing! Please email your questions or ideas. If your idea is used in a future column, you will receive a gift certificate for free products. If youd like to host or attend a free organizing workshop, call today! Fall is a great time to host a workshop and earn free storage and home decor products!
by: Charlene Jackson
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