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| Select a storage facility: |
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When planning a move, it may be a good idea to deposit some of your belongings at a storage facility. Whether you need to store your goods for a few days or for several months, there are certain things to consider when selecting a facility.
- Visit several storage facilities, and choose one that is spacious, clean, and well maintained.
- If you plan on shifting your items around on a regular basis, find a facility nearby.
- Reserve the storage unit well in advance of your move.
- If making a long-distance move, find a storage facility closer to your new destination.
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| Security: |
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Make sure that the facility is fully secured with appropriate safety measures, such as surveillance systems and round-the-clock staff. You should also consider your insurance requirements and options. While many facilities offer insurance policies, your home insurance policy may cover items placed in storage. Contact your home insurer to see if your stored items are covered so you don’t end up paying for unnecessary insurance.
Additionally, review the facility’s contract for any clauses and to find out which items are prohibited. |
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| Protect Your Belongings: |
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To minimize damage as you move your items to and from the storage unit, make sure to pack them the right way. The distance to be covered during the move and climactic conditions should also be kept in mind while packing. |
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| Pack items Properly: |
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By packing your belongings properly, you can avoid scratches, cracks, and chips. To do this, stuff some newspaper, plastic sheets, or blankets in between items. Carefully wrap the legs of sofas, chairs, and tables so they won’t break during transportation. Take special care with electronic items, as even the slightest damage may leave equipment unusable. |
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| Reduce Space: |
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Being creative in your packing can help you save space. For instance, put smaller items inside bigger ones, with some cushioning material in between. You can stack chairs and place lighter items above heavier ones. Also, try to dismantle items that can be taken apart, and tie the pieces together. Collect the nuts and bolts in a plastic bag and tape to the rest of the parts. |
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| Preserve: |
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Different materials require varying kinds of protection when they go into storage. Wooden furniture needs to be waxed, metallic items should be painted with rust-resistant paint, and leather items should be conditioned prior to storing. Organic items should be given proper airflow to prevent desiccation and mold. |
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| Clothing: |
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Use the boxes and covers provided by the moving company for carrying your clothing. When you reopen the boxes later on, your clothes will be fresh and neat. The boxes will help you avoid creases and wrinkles that normally occur with moving. |
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| Label: |
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Labeling your items will help you position them appropriately in the storage unit and prevent you from placing a heavy object above a lighter item. Be sure to label boxes containing delicate items as “Fragile.” This way, you know to be extra careful when handling such boxes. |
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| Items not to be stored: |
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Storing poisonous, flammable, and hazardous materials is illegal and dangerous. Perishable food items are also prohibited, as they can attract rodents and insects. Check out this site for a comprehensive list of all prohibited items. |
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| Auto storage: |
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Many storage companies have auto-storage facilities for those who need to store a vehicle. Whether you need to store it for a day or two or several months, a storage facility can provide a safe and highly secure location for your car. |
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