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How to Store Belongings for Your Temporary Move

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If you must move temporarily for work, home renovations, or family obligations, you may need short-term storage for some of your belongings-especially if you will be selling your home or terminating your lease. Read on to find out what you should store, what you should look for in a storage unit, and how to effectively protect your possessions.

Decide what should stay

When temporarily relocating, there are certain items you won't need to take with you, especially if your short-term housing is furnished. Before you even begin to pack, find out exactly what is provided in your temporary home to determine what you should bring and what will be stored. Most likely, you will be storing your furniture, appliances, some clothing, knickknacks, and other items unnecessary to your daily routine. Now you can easily calculate the size unit you will need to accommodate your belongings.

Downsize

To keep the items you are storing to a minimum, it's a good idea to purge the junk before the packing process. If you are only bringing a small shipment to your temporary home, you may be leaving a lot behind. Storage costs can add up, especially for a larger unit. If you can live without it, do you really want to pay rent to stow it away for months? Gather your old clothes, toys, knickknacks, books, movies or other items you haven't used in the recent past. Anything in good condition can be sold at yard sale or online to make a little extra money for your moving budget. Donate whatever remains to your favorite charity.

Get short-term storage

Depending on how long you will be away, you will likely require a short-term storage unit. This allows you to have a flexible month-to-month lease, so you will only pay for as long as you need the storage. If your excursion is unexpectedly cut short, you won't be bound to a longer, restrictive contract. Most storage facilities offer short-term leases, so be sure to discuss the guidelines of the agreement before signing.

Make sure the facility is secure

The safety of your belongings is essential, so you will want to ensure the facility stowing your items is secure. Restricted entry, multiple security cameras, 24-hour surveillance, and alarm systems are all important safety features to protect your possessions. You may have to provide your own lock for your private unit-be sure it is a sturdy cylinder-type lock without an exposed hasp. Padlocks can easily be broken into with bolt cutters.

Do you need climate-controlled?

Are you storing leather furniture, antiques, artwork, wood, or furs? It is unlikely you will be packing your leather sofa or antique armoire for a temporary move. Certain valuable or delicate materials cannot be exposed to extreme heat or moisture typical of a storage unit. Climate-controlled storage options provide optimal conditions for these sensitive items. While you will pay a higher premium, you will prevent damage caused by mold, pest infestation, rust, corrosion, or warping and cracking from intense heat.

Get insurance

Even if your storage facility appears to be a fortress, break-ins happen. To protect your goods in case of theft, make sure to purchase insurance. Most facilities will offer insurance plans for your belongings, but the restrictions and extent of the coverage will vary. Ask the company detailed questions about the available insurance options-you may require higher coverage if you will be storing any valuables.

Ask your movers about storage options

If you are using a moving company for your temporary move, you may be able to enlist storage services from the same company. Many movers have storage facilities at their warehouses, and you may save money by stowing your goods with them. To begin comparing quotes from moving companies in your area today, simply fill out our fast and easy quote form. You will receive up to seven FREE, no-obligation moving quotes from reliable movers near you!

Nicole La Capria  Posted by Nicole La Capria on March 5, 2014

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