Many storage facilities, such as Pods Storage, allow for long-term storage of items and it’s a service that you may want to avail of soon. You can, for example, store your personal belongings in a storage unit because of foreign deployment or vacation for a prolonged period. You may even want to put them in storage while you’re on a months-long European tour.
No matter your reason for choosing long-term storage, you will benefit from keeping these tips in mind.
Rent a Climate-controlled Unit
Of course, you can skip the climate-controlled unit if you’re hesitant about the higher storage fee and nobody will take it against you either. But if you want peace of mind about keeping your precious belongings in good condition, then a climate-controlled unit makes perfect sense.
Wood furniture, electronics and even foam furniture are best kept in a climate-controlled unit since the stable temperature and humidity will keep them in good condition. Extreme fluctuations in temperature can cause the wood to warp, the electronics to breakdown, and the foam to accumulate pathogens.
When you return to claim your personal belongings, you are more likely to find them in the condition you left them. This alone is sufficient reason to pay out more for the storage fee!
Get Storage Insurance
Yet another purchase that may initially seem unnecessary is storage insurance. But it’s also an investment with excellent returns when your stored items become damaged, stolen or subjected to other unforeseen circumstances. You will at least have the benefit of reimbursement, among other insurance benefits, instead of charging everything to experience, so to speak.
Many storage facilities provide storage insurance on certain items so be sure to check it out, too. Once you do and you’re still unsatisfied with the terms of coverage, you can ask your insurance provider about the matter. You may or may not avail of extra storage insurance but it’s still a good idea to consider your options.
Don’t just rely on the insurance coverage either. You may also want to ask a friend or relative to check in on your storage on your behalf, either as the need arises or on a regular basis. You will then have somebody who can take appropriate action, when needed.
Set Up Automatic Payments
Most important, you should always pay the storage fee on time and the best way to do so is to set up an automatic payment (i.e., auto-debit). You want to avoid your belongings to be auctioned off after non-payment of fees, as is the case in shows like Storage Wars.
Long-term storage has its benefits but be sure to keep your belongings safe and secure first.
