Pick a storage unit, any storage unit? Not if you want to see your $1,000 teak monarch outdoor armchair set in its nascent glory again. According to the CDC, mold grows on paper products, ceiling tiles, dust, paints, wood products, upholstery, fabric and cardboard, and carpets. And unless your storage unit is proofed accordingly, that could mean that you may have to rely on lounge chairs for your summer al fresco dining.
The bottom line is, if your belongings matter, your storage unit matters. And it’s more than mold that you need to think about. There’s security, affordability, accessibility, flexibility, and reliability – not to mention picking the right service plan. If renting a storage unit is beginning to sound like a complicated solution, we at Colonial Van Lines are more than happy to break it down for you.
Storage Units
The which, the where, the what, and the how big, how long, and how much. Here’s all you need to know about storage unit rental.
What are the Two Types of Storage Options?
DIY or MODIFY (make others do it for you?) Read on to find out about self-storage vs. full-service storage: what they entail, the advantages, and the disadvantages.
Full Service: A full-service moving company will pick your belongings and deliver them to your storage unit. Many of these companies allow the customers to make pick-up and return requests from their cell phones. A good number of them will also document and photograph your belongings, providing you with a handy on-line inventory list.
Self-Storage: For those who prefer a more interactive approach, there is the self-storage option. The more popular of the two options, self-storage provides a safe, secure, and affordable way to store belongings, and can even be used for larger items, such as boats. With this option, pick-ups and deliveries are DIY, and the customer is responsible for keeping track of the inventory.
Which One Should I Choose?
Most people choose self-storage; it’s cheaper and more accessible. Customers can pick up their items whenever they need them, without going through the formalities of requesting pick-up and delivery. So, as long as you’ve got a car, and not too many items to store, self-storage is the way to go.
On the other hand, if you’re living in a large city -where there are elevators, parking issues, and high rises (oh my!) – you may want to opt for the door-to-door service. It will save you time and effort in the long run.
What Size Storage Unit Should I Rent?
To put it simply, as much as you need. Most facilities offer at least 5 sizes: 5×5, 5×10, 10×10, 10×15, and 10×20; some go larger than that. Note, however, that the price and square will be based on the number of bins or boxes you request.
How Much Will It Cost?
Your cost will depend on the size of the unit you choose to rent and how long you choose to rent it. Most self-storage facilities rent units on a monthly basis, which gives customers the option of storing either long-term or short-term. Full-service companies vary by contract. Some offer month-to-month rentals while others stipulate a three-month minimum.
Should I Look for a Climate Controlled Unit?
Unless your storing Twinkies, the answer to that would be a resounding, “yes.” Happily, most storage facilities do offer climate-controlled units to protect your items from mildew, mold, and other nasty conditions that run rampant in non-climate-controlled storage units.
What Can I Store in My Storage Unit, Aside from Household Goods?
Larger storage units may accommodate boats, RVs, cars, motorcycles, oversized furniture, and appliances. If you need to store anything larger, you might consider renting the item its own apartment.
Should I Insure My Storage Items?
Applying the “better safe than sorry” doctrine, yes, it is always a good idea to ensure your storage items. You may benefit from knowing that some storage facilities protect against the damage or loss of items free of charge. Other facilities offer their own affordable insurance options.
Colonial Van Lines: The Three “S” Storage Warehouse
At Colonial Van Lines, we pride ourselves on our three ‘S’ Storage Warehouse, guaranteeing that our facility is:
Secure: When you rent your unit from CVL, you can rest assured that all your treasured items will be stored in a high-quality unit. We document our units for easy identification and access.
Spacious: Bring on the oversized furniture, office equipment, trampolines, etc.! Our facility can accommodate a wide range of larger-sized items.
State of the Art: Our climate-controlled units are designed to preserve your belongings. Our warehouse is pest and dust resistant and built to minimize the risk of mold and mildew.
But Colonial Van Lines is not just another well-built, high-quality, climate-controlled warehouse, equipped with safety monitoring; we’re also a moving company. Our storage unit services are only one of the many we offer our customers in providing a stress-free moving experience. Call us today and ask about our free rate quotes. As a long-distance full-service moving company, we have the proven ability to get your belongings to their destination safely, affordably, and efficiently.