Are you thinking about storage for some of your personal items? Some people don't want to sell or give away their excess property when they move into a smaller living space. For a brief time, some people need a place to keep their stuff while they do not have a permanent home, and are in the search for one. In a smaller place, certain items may not fit, especially seasonal items such as golf clubs, or skis during the off season. Whatever the reason, you're entrusting your valuable goods with a storage company.
When a problem arises, how is it dealt with?
Does your personal property at a storage company fall under your home insurance plan? There is a limited amount of coverage for stored belongings, and about a month is the typical maximum time allotted. For a higher fee, one can usually get partial coverage under what is called a "storage rider".
Be sure to inquire with your provider about how your insurance policy affects items that are stored outside the home at a storage company. Check the duration of coverage that is available, and what specifically is included for loss or damages.
Tips for Using Storage
Professionals who work in the industry have these crucial pieces of advice in this area:
The most obvious consideration is location. The front of the locker should have belongings that may be wanted soon. Other items that have no immediate usage should be kept near the rear. Try to create an aisle down the middle for better access. Put more valuable items at the back (harder for thieves to get to!).
For better air flow around your property, using pallets on the floor will accomplish this nicely. When there is flowing air, the area stays dry. Walls can develop condensation so try to leave some room between your items and the walls.
There is limited space, so use it wisely. Sofas can be stored on one end, legs can be removed from furniture like tables. Fill empty spaces in furniture and appliances with small items.
It's much easier to move heavy books around if they are in a smaller sized box. Books should be packed flat in order to prevent spine damage. It is a good idea to wrap some of your more important papers and books in plastic, and then to put into a box. Because of this, the damage from moisture will be prevented.
Cover furniture with protective wrap, covers, or pads to eliminate scratching. Dust can collect in boxes, so to stop this, use packing tape to seal them up. Make sure your boxes are packed properly, not filled too much or too little, so they don't get crushed or tip over. Photographs and artwork can curl, so to make sure this doesn't happen, you could put them between pieces of cardboard and tape them tightly.
Stand mattresses on end, on something such as a pallet to allow air flow. Cover with a mattress bag or cloth bag . If using plastic, leave the top open for air.
Use original boxes for electronics and computers, but if these are not available, use some crumpled paper and bubble wrap to secure them. Damage from breaking down styrofoam can be a problem with electronic items, so it's best not to use it.
For belongings that could break easily such as electronics, make sure you write "Fragile" on them, and be careful to not put anything heavy over it.
Make sure any locks you purchase for your unit are high quality. And don't forget to lock up when you leave.
When a problem arises, how is it dealt with?
Does your personal property at a storage company fall under your home insurance plan? There is a limited amount of coverage for stored belongings, and about a month is the typical maximum time allotted. For a higher fee, one can usually get partial coverage under what is called a "storage rider".
Be sure to inquire with your provider about how your insurance policy affects items that are stored outside the home at a storage company. Check the duration of coverage that is available, and what specifically is included for loss or damages.
Tips for Using Storage
Professionals who work in the industry have these crucial pieces of advice in this area:
The most obvious consideration is location. The front of the locker should have belongings that may be wanted soon. Other items that have no immediate usage should be kept near the rear. Try to create an aisle down the middle for better access. Put more valuable items at the back (harder for thieves to get to!).
For better air flow around your property, using pallets on the floor will accomplish this nicely. When there is flowing air, the area stays dry. Walls can develop condensation so try to leave some room between your items and the walls.
There is limited space, so use it wisely. Sofas can be stored on one end, legs can be removed from furniture like tables. Fill empty spaces in furniture and appliances with small items.
It's much easier to move heavy books around if they are in a smaller sized box. Books should be packed flat in order to prevent spine damage. It is a good idea to wrap some of your more important papers and books in plastic, and then to put into a box. Because of this, the damage from moisture will be prevented.
Cover furniture with protective wrap, covers, or pads to eliminate scratching. Dust can collect in boxes, so to stop this, use packing tape to seal them up. Make sure your boxes are packed properly, not filled too much or too little, so they don't get crushed or tip over. Photographs and artwork can curl, so to make sure this doesn't happen, you could put them between pieces of cardboard and tape them tightly.
Stand mattresses on end, on something such as a pallet to allow air flow. Cover with a mattress bag or cloth bag . If using plastic, leave the top open for air.
Use original boxes for electronics and computers, but if these are not available, use some crumpled paper and bubble wrap to secure them. Damage from breaking down styrofoam can be a problem with electronic items, so it's best not to use it.
For belongings that could break easily such as electronics, make sure you write "Fragile" on them, and be careful to not put anything heavy over it.
Make sure any locks you purchase for your unit are high quality. And don't forget to lock up when you leave.
About the Author:
If you want to know more about Canada home insurance, or if you're renting visit insurance for your Alberta condo.
PLEASE HELP US SHARE THIS ARTICLE
About the Author
0Awesome Comments!