Let's face it, there are some of us who just can't throw anything away. Maybe its that old bedroom furniture we are going to restore, mom and dad's collection of 'junk' the're sure you are going to want or maybe its that old Harley you just havn't had time to restore. We all have stuff we just don't know what to do with.



And so the mini-storage rental units were born. Storage Rental Units can be agreat benefit to us junk collectors. Here we will look at some steps to make this experience as painless as possible.

1) Check your local area for storage rental units. (I find The Internet Can Be A Great Source) Once you have located these mini-storage facilities it time to do a litle investigating.

2) The mini-storage business is like any other business, they are competing for your business. Since this is is the case, many storage facilities are offering deals to entice you to do business with them. Many of them will offer you 1 or 2 months free when you sign up, usally requiring you to commit to at least 3 month. I have even heard of some of the larger franchises offering you a moving truck for free to move you in. This can be a great benefit for those of us who don't own a truck.

3) Once you decide on which facility suits you its time to sign up. With this process and paperwork, it will give you the feel of buying a home. If you have a choice, pick a unit that is readily accessable, where you will not constantly be in the way of other tenets.

4) The size of the unit you will need will depend on the amout of the items you need to store. Take some though in making this decision. You might re-think some of the items you are considering storing to see if there is anything you might want to toss out.

5) Storing your items proeprly is essential to getting the most out of mini-storage. Remember, they call it mini-storage for a reason. most of the standard units are 10' X10' and 10' X 20' so what appears to be a pretty good sized unit can disaper if you have not planned properly.

6) Next you should plan carefully how you will pack your unit. Take the most expensive items or the items you deam most precious to you and pack them in the back. This way if someone manages to get into your unit it will make it more difficul for them to get to those items that are important to you. Make sure you box or bag your items carefully as dust and dirt will collect in these units in a hurry. if it all possible you can but big tupperware style bins that will seal your your valuable and protect them from not only dust and dirt but also rats and mice.

7) Finally security should be a consideration, not only of yourself but you valuables as well. Try to pick a unit that is not only accessable but well lit and as cloe to the office as possible. Most storage unit facilities do not provide insurance for your unit. This means if your unit is vandalized or broken into and items are taken they will not be covered by your Rental facilites insurance. Most Storage Rental Companies will provide you with and outside insurance source that will provide you insurance needs. As Far as lockng your unit, most storage facilities provide locks at a minimul charge and I have found these locks to be the best for these units.

So get yourself organized and stow away those unsightly items.