Self storage differs from warehouses in a way that the leaseholder has full access and control of the contents and the rented space. The operators of self storage facilities never take care, possession, custody, and control of the storage contents, unless provided by in a contract or in accordance with the governing state law. In terms of security, operators are required to provide an ample security system to the facility such as security cameras and personnel.

Self storage industry is booming these recent years driven by the unprecedented growth of the economy. In the United States alone, there are more than 10,000 companies operating about 60,000 facilities for self storage. Based on a survey, one out of ten U.S. households have rented a self storage space.

Deciding a Self-Storage Facility

With many self storage companies available, scouring for the perfect one that suits your need is very hard. Here are the basic factors that should be considered in choosing the right facility.

• Consider the location. Since you need to shift your goods to the storage facility, and you may want to visit frequently, location should be a factor to consider. Aim for a nearby storage facility if this is the case.
• Consider the space you need. Self storage can come on different sizes and price tags. Large spaces entail higher prices, so choose just enough space for your goods.
• Consider security. Security is of foremost importance and should be checked well before choosing a self-storage facility to use. Make sure the storage is safe, reliable locks are provided, security system is installed, and security policy is amenable to you.
• Climate controlled storage. When your goods are valuable and sensitive to climate changes, you might need a special unit for storage. Some goods may be affected or damaged by humidity, temperature, and light and there are available storage units, which offered a restricted and controlled environment.

Packing and Storing Tips

Storage facility only offers spaces for storage. However, to protect your goods from damage and to utilize the storage space, an effective packing and storing method is needed. Here are some tips when storing goods.

• Use boxes in storing goods. Boxes of same sizes are easy to stack and arrange. Make sure that boxes are strong enough or fasten with tapes to hold its contents. It is common sense to put the heavy boxes on the bottom while light boxes on top.
• Be sure to leave some space for navigation between piles of goods. It is advisable to have these pathways for easy retrieval of certain items without moving and rearranging the piles.
• Provide additional security. Although operators may provide ample security to storage facilities, it is clever to take precautions against theft and add security measures of your own. Putting valuable items at the bottom or back of the piles or adding reliable locks may help in this regard.
• Use plastic sheets, wooden pallets or platforms on the floor before putting your goods; this will help prevent damage to goods caused by moist floors and humidity. Putting cloth covers on items may also help to protect your goods from dust.
• Metallic items or items with metallic components must be treated with anti-rust solutions before storing. Similarly, wooden items must be treated against wood termites and other wood-eating insects.
• Avoid storing highly flammable substances like petroleum products and combustible gasses on tanks. This is highly dangerous and a fir hazard.
• Label stored items. It is helpful in easy retrieval of goods if you can immediately identify the contents of boxes and sacks in the storage.
• It is highly recommended to visit stored items at least on a monthly basis. During a visit, you can have an inventory to know the state of stored items.
• Insure items. If the stored items are worth storing it is, likewise, worth insuring.