Storing Your Possessions

Source: Realtor website, June 2004 

Here's what to consider when you stash your stuff

Storage can be used for many different reasons. If you're trying to sell your home you may want to free closets and rooms of extra clutter so that the place shows better. Maybe you have too much furniture for your new home; the kids have moved out but you can't part with all their childhood memorabilia; you want to store items for different reasons; you have stacks of documents that you need to keep but don't want them to take up living space.

Here are some of the details to check on when you select a unit: what size storage is available, rental cost, access hours, safety from water and heat damage, risk of insect infestation, secure, adequate room for parking, and distance from your car/truck to the unit.

Once you've located a storage facility, it's important to plan how best to place your items. Follow these tips to make your storage experience hassle-free.

• Create aisles with box labels facing out.
• Don't stack boxes too high so that getting what you need becomes dangerous or overly time consuming.
• Make sure that the secure lock on your storage is sturdy.
• Get a contact name at the storage facility. The storage manager may also be helpful in giving you instructions on how to unload your belongings.
• Read your agreement for termination and payment regulations.
• Ask if they have any access charges.
• If you're using a professional mover and have some items dropped off at your storage facility directly, make sure boxes are clearly marked to avoid confusion.
• If you use a professional storage facility (where your things are packed tightly in a crate and loaded in a warehouse) remember that they hold a maximum of 1,100 pounds and often have an access charge.