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You
should consider placing items you will retrieve often in a
mini-storage unit. They are more convenient and accessible
than warehouse storage. Not only will you have greater
access to your unit, but you also provide your own lock and
key for added security.
Individual units are
available to fit your needs. You rent a unit on a monthly
basis under an "occupancy agreement." You may also
be billed for electricity. You may move your items into the
unit by yourself, or if you have a couple of heavier items,
you can request a pickup. Many facilities will provide free
pickup if you agree to keep your items in the unit for a
certain length of time. In these cases, when the driver
arrives with the truck, it will be your responsibility to
load your items. The driver will accept no liability for
your items.
Pickup &
Delivery Services
Some mini-storage companies
offer a pickup and delivery service. They will deliver a
container or containers to your home. The driver will
provide you with instructions on how to load your items and
how to lock your container.
You will have as much time as
you need to load your items into the container by yourself.
You provide your own lock and key. When you are finished,
you can call the facility for a pickup. From there they will
transport your filled container to their facility. When you
wish to retrieve your items, you should call the facilities
several hours in advance. You have the option of visiting
the facilities or having the container delivered to you.
How to select
your self-storage unit
Before you place your items
into a storage space, it is imperative that you inspect the
facilities. Your unit should have sufficient amount of space
for all of your items. Create an inventory of all of the
items that you wish to place into storage, so that if you
don't know which size unit to select, you'll have something
to show to a facility worker.
The storage unit should be
clean, and above all, secure. Self-storage facilities offer
many types of security features, ranging from alarms, motion
detectors, video surveillance, nightly inspections, and
guards on duty. You will have to provide your own lock and
key, so that only you and your authorized personnel will
have access to the unit.
Insurance for
Your Items
You will be completely
responsible for the items that you place inside your storage
unit. The storage facilities do not know what you have
inside of your unit. They have no ownership in the items.
Seek
outside insurance. Take a complete inventory. Avoid storing
valuables and antiques. |
