Moving can be an exciting, yet stressful event in your life. Preparation is key when making the move. Sometimes, it is necessary to keep some of your items in a storage unit for a temporary or long-term time. For some people, they may be downsizing. And for other people- they might just not know how everything is going to fit in their new space. Whatever your reason may be, it is good to know some tips and best practices for choosing the right storage unit for you.

Storage Units Overview

When you are moving into a new place, it can be hard to determine whether or not all of your belongings are going to have space there. Once you unpack more of your essentials, you might have a better idea of other items you can make space for. For this reason, storage units are an option that many people choose to store their belongings.

There are a few options to consider when choosing a storage unit. Some units are temperature controlled while others are not. Some units are for long-term storage, while others only allow you to store items month-to-month. It is a good idea to determine your needs before moving so that you can do your research and be better prepared to select a storage unit.

Whether belongings are being stored long-term or short-term, it is not uncommon that most people will end up having to use them in their lifetime. Since storage units are such a commonality, they are abundant and should be available in the area you are relocating to. In some cases, some complexes may even offer on-site storage units. You can find out by doing a little research on what is around the area.

Long-Term Vs. Short-Term Storage

Depending on your needs, you may have to decide whether or not you are going to be storing your belongings for a long or short period of time. Once you determine this, it will be easier to narrow down a place to contact to rent a storage unit.

Short-term storage is considered to be anything less than three months. When searching for a storage unit, you will need to clarify with the business what type of storage options they offer. Some places specialize in one thing rather than the other. If it is short-term storage, it probably has a quick turnover and may be a little more expensive.

If you are wondering if you should choose short-term storage, ask yourself these questions:

Can I find space for these items after three months?
Do I need these items, or can I live without them and downsize?
Am I willing to potentially pay extra for short-term storage?

Long-term storage is considered to be storage that is left for over three months. People who go with this option are most likely downsizing or using it for a business venture. Another reason some may consider long-term storage if they are in the process of selling or renovating your home. You may want to consider asking yourself these questions before choosing long-term storage:

Am I okay with paying a flat rate for a longer period of time?
Am I downsizing and can I shed any of these items?
Do I need to store these items for more than three months?

Other Considerations

There are other factors to consider when choosing storage options before you move. For example, not all storage units offer 24/7 access. In fact, some units you may not be able to access for long periods of time, depending on the place. It is important to do your research before choosing a unit. Being prepared also helps you alleviate overall stress, as moving can be stressful in general.

Some more factors to consider are if the storage unit is temperature-controlled or not. Not all storage units are controlled, so it is important to double check before renting. You may be surprised at some of the common household items that are recommended to be stored in temperature-controlled units. Some of these items include:

Wooden and leather furniture
Clothing
Photos
Artwork
Electronics
Appliances

Conclusion

Since about 43 million people move each year, it is important to do your research ahead of time if you think you want to utilize a storage unit. Storage units are not one size fits all, so it is a good idea to establish your needs before renting anything.

Choosing The Right Storage Unit For Your Move