subject: Choosing The Right Storage Option [print this page] There are many reasons you might need to store your belongings. You might be moving. You might be leaving the country for several months. Or you might have inherited half of your grandmother's possessions and have no room for them in your apartment. Whatever the reason, there are a variety of storage options that can meet your needs. The most common are self-storage units, container storage, and warehouse storing.
Self-storage units are great for short-term storage. They are also ideal for long-term storage when you have items that you need to access frequently. Self-storage, or mini-storage, is usually charged by the month and comes in a range of sizes. You lock the door with your own lock, guaranteeing no one else has access to your belongings. Typically, you bring the items to the storage unit yourself. In some cases, the storage company may move the items for you for an extra fee.
Container storage is best for long-term storage of items that do not need to be accessed for a period of time. If you are traveling, for example, and don't have a permanent home (i.e. a house) you can keep your things in a storage container rather than paying rent for a vacant apartment. This is also a good option if you are moving and won't be able to immediately transport your belongings to the new place. The storage company will bring the container (or containers, depending on how much space you need) to your home, and you will pack it yourself. The company will then move the container to a storage facility. Usually, you will not be able to gain access to the container while it is there.
Before you decide which type of storage to use and sign an agreement with a company, you need to determine whether or not you'll need to get to your belongings while they are in storage. You also need to think about how long you'll be gone. To choose the size of the storage unit or container, do an inventory of your home to determine how much you have. At this time, you should also make copies of important documents and take photographs of valuable objects--this will help you verify that nothing is missing or broken (and provide back-up as well as proof if something is). Research and visit the storage company and read its terms of use carefully before you sign. You might also want to purchase storage or mover's insurance.
