Three FAQs When It Comes To Self-Storage
Posted on: 5 May 2018
Are your home and garage overflowing with stuff that you don't currently use, but you don't want to get rid of it? If so, you can do what nearly 11 million other Americans are doing in this type of situation, which is taking advantage of self-storage services. Before you go ahead and sign a rental agreement, though, there are some things you should know.
Here are the answers to three frequently asked questions when it comes to self-storage.
1. What Kind of Storage Containers Should I Use?
While you might be tempted to use cardboard boxes that you have just sitting around, you might want to consider using plastic storage containers instead. This is especially true if you need long-term self-storage for things like clothes, books, and other belongings. Some other advantages of using plastic containers over cardboard include:
- They come in different sizes and colors making them easy to organize
- They usually come with airtight lids and are easy to stack and transport
- They keep your belongings free from dust, moisture, and pests
Some plastic containers also come with the ability to lock the lid with a padlock for added protection.
2. Should I Get My Belongings Insured?
You may want to ask your insurance agent what type of coverage your homeowner's insurance policy provides for items in self-storage. There will most likely be restrictions on expensive items, such as jewelry, artwork, antiques, and collector's items.
If your belongings are damaged as a result of a fire, flood, earthquake, mold, or mildew, a standard insurance policy probably won't cover that, either. To best protect your property while it's in self-storage, you should get additional insurance.
3. Are There Certain Things I Can't Put In Self-Storage?
Just because you are the one renting the self-storage space, doesn't mean you are allowed to store anything you want to. For example, nearly all self-storage companies prohibit you from storing things like perishable foods, firearms, hazardous materials, and unregistered vehicles.
Other things that can't be put into self-storage include:
- Live animals
- Plants
- Stolen items
- Drugs and drug-related paraphernalia
It's also probably not a good idea to store scented items. This is due to the fact that something with a strong scent might attract unwanted guests into your storage unit, such as rodents, insects, and other pests. You will also not want to store any damp items as doing so will promote the growth of mold and mildew, which could end up damaging your belongings.
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