Self-storage facilities generally don't have that great of a reputation, whether they deserve it or not. Generally, you get what you pay for. If you use the cheapest storage unit you can find, in the seediest part of town, with the scummiest employees imaginable, you might be putting your precious snow globe collection at risk. On the other hand, you might shell out a small fortune for the best climate controlled, 24-hour attended storage unit you can find, and have an accident or theft still occur. Nothing is failure-proof.
If you are storing things like expensive furniture, collections, your best china, imported rugs or anything else that has a lot of value, you might consider purchasing self-storage insurance. Some self-storage units do offer some type of insurance. Before you go out and spend money on an insurance policy, you should be sure you're not buying coverage you already have.
However, the vast majority of self-storage units have very strict disclaimers that keep them immune from any theft, loss or damage to your property. When you are dealing with a self-storage company, be sure to read the entirety of every single document you sign. You want to be fully aware of the policies that may affect your possessions.
If you don't feel like your possessions are adequately protected from a disaster or unfortunate event by the self-storage contract, self-storage insurance is a good idea.
Generally, self-storage covers damages or lost property that happens due to burglary, lightning, windstorm, hail, fire, smoke, earthquake, building collapse, explosion, vandalism, riot and water damage.
When you are purchasing your self-storage insurance policy, you will want to read it very carefully. Many insurance policies don't cover losses due to floods, especially after the massive loss the industry took after the hurricane Katrina disaster.
If you are concerned about flood or tidal wave coverage and your self-storage policy doesn't provide it, you can contact the U.S. Government and the National Food Program, which does offer flood insurance. If you are storing your things in a sensitive coastal area, this might be a very good idea.
As you navigate the insurance system and choose an appropriate self-storage insurance policy, you will also want to be very aware of what types of possessions are not covered.
For example, one very popular self-storage insurance policy that many friends of mine have used excludes deeds, bills, currency, evidence of debt, securities, money, notes, jewelry, watches, precious stones, furs, boats, vehicles and some business inventory from coverage. That's a lot of valuable stuff!
If you are storing things such as the items I just mentioned, I recommend not putting them in a storage unit. Luckily, things like the family heirloom jewelry and deeds, bonds and securities are small enough to put in a bank safe deposit box.
Hopefully after reading this, you feel better informed about self-storage insurance. Remember, read anything before you sign it!
Packing Tips When Using a Professional Service
For some people, the task of moving and storage is better left to professional movers; especially for cross country moves and tight schedules. Here are few tips to make the moving and storage easier.
1. Have it packed by the time the movers arrive. 2. Take care of anything you are leaving behind. 3. Make sure the driver has the proper directions to the new location. 4. Keep the pets and kids out of the way.
General Tips for Both Moving and Storage
While both moving and storage have their respective issues, there are some common rules which apply to both.
1. Place smaller items on top of larger items 2. Do not lay appliances on their sides. 3. Do not lay refrigerators or freezers on their backs 4. Use blankets to cover large furniture or glass 5. Pack tightly to avoid possible slipping or weight shifting. 6. Mark all boxes and containers 7. Properly wrapping breakable items will ensure their use later. 8. Anything needed quickly should be packed into the truck or storage last such as bedding, clothing, dishes, or important papers. 9. Do not pack liquids or food items with other items. 10. Disassemble bed frames and mirrors for more room and safety.
Moving Tips
If you are using a professional moving company, you won't have to do the driving, just the packing. If you are doing the moving and storage yourself, then these quick tips might be of use.
- Load the larger and bulky items first. - Distribute the weight to minimize potential problems - Pack the truck from the bottom up, and front to back. - Avoid over-packing so that nothing falls out when you open the door. - Keep pillows and blankets available if you need them.
Storage Tips
Much of the hassle of moving and storage for people is in the storage. Planning your storage needs and packing can be easier if using these tips.
1. Pack the least used items to the rear. 2. Rent a unit one size smaller than estimated and pack to the roof to save money. 3. Spend the extra cash for proper storage of valuables and paintings. 4. Rent a moveable container if you are only storing for a few days. 5. If you can put it in storage, you can probably sell it and replace it later.
While moving and storage are two different tasks, they are often combined. Successful moving and storage of your personal belongings can be accomplished with proper planning and strategy. This ensures that what left point A in one piece, arrives at point B and sometimes C, in the same condition.
Both Amy Nutt & Laura Buckley are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Amy Nutt has sinced written about articles on various topics from Culture and Society, Recreation and Sports and Women. For all your personal storage and requirements, we offer 7 day a week access that is both private and secure from our 3. Amy Nutt's top article generates over 368000 views. to your Favourites.