You have
two options: self-storage and pick up and
delivery storage.
1) Self-storage
Self-storage
(sometimes called Mini-storage) works best
for items that you are likely to retrieve,
but don't have available space at home.
A mini-storage unit is convenient and accessible,
and you provide your own lock and key for
added security. Individual units, in a variety
of sizes and shapes, are available to fit
your needs. You rent a unit on a monthly
basis under an "occupancy agreement."
Some companies may also bill you for electricity.
You may move your items into the unit yourself,
or if you have a couple of heavier items,
you can request a pickup. Many facilities
will provide free pickup if you agree to
keep your items in the unit for a certain
length of time. In these cases, when the
driver arrives with the truck, it will be
your responsibility to load your items.
The driver will accept no liability for
your items.
How to select
your self-storage unit
Before you
place your items into a storage space, it
is imperative that you inspect the facilities.
Your unit should have sufficient amount
of space for all of your items. Create an
inventory of all of the items that you wish
to place into storage, so that if you don't
know which size unit to select, you'll have
something to show to a facility worker.
You can use the moving.com Weight and Volume
Calculator to create this permanent inventory
sheet, calculate the approximate size of
the storage unit you need, and even email
the list to a facility or company. The storage
unit should be clean, and above all, secure.
Self-storage facilities offer many types
of security features, ranging from alarms,
motion detectors, video surveillance, nightly
inspections, and guards on duty. You will
have to provide your own lock and key, so
that only you and those you allow will have
access to the unit.
Insurance
for Your Items
You maintain
complete responsiblity for the items that
you place inside your storage unit. The
storage facility bears no responsibility
for your items. As such, Moving.com recommends
that you seek additional insurance from
the facility itself. Just inquire with the
company's representative. Some home owner's
and renter's policies cover theft off premisis,
and would cover what is in storage. To find
out if this applies to you, call your home
owners or renter's insurance provider. Take
a complete inventory and keep it current.
Moving.com recomends avoiding storing valuables
and antiques.
2) Pickup
& Delivery Services
Some self-storage
companies will deliver a container (or containers)
to your home. You will need to determine
the number of containers. To help decide,
we recommend creating an inventory of all
of the items that you wish to place into
storage. You can use the moving.com Weight
and Volume Calculator to create this permanent
inventory sheet, and calculate the approximate
size of the storage unit you need. If you
are still uncertain, you can show this list
to a facility worker (or even email the
list to a facility or company).
The driver
will provide you with instructions on how
you load your items and lock your container.
You'll provide your own lock and key and
have as much time as you need to load your
items into the container. When you're finished,
you call the facility for a pickup, they
'll then transport your filled container
to their facility. When you wish to retrieve
your items, you have the option of going
to the facilities or having the container
delivered to you. If you choose to goto
the facility, you'll need to call several
hours in advance.
