Copyright (c) 2010 Alison Withers
Have you ever found yourself inheriting a quantity of a much loved relative's possessions unexpectedly?
They may be valuable antique pieces of furniture that you don't have room for, or don't fit the style of your home.
They could be quantities of books with antique value or that you've always wanted to get around to reading.
They could even be "period-piece" clothes and ornaments that may appreciate in value and need to be protected and stored carefully and securely.
Whatever they are, they all come with perhaps happy memories or an emotional attachment to that person you loved and you really don't want to just get rid of them.
If you want to preserve them so they don't deteriorate you can't store them in a shed or garage.
It can be a real problem with modern houses often being so much smaller than older ones.
A useful and affordable solution could be renting self storage space.
I spoke to a Self Storage company to find out what you need to consider if you choose this option.
They can be summed up as where they are, how much access you have, cost and minimum rental period, how much space is needed, security and insurance.
MOst of us would feel more comfortable if we knew valuables were stored somewhere close to where we live or work so we can get to them quickly if needed.
With time at a premium these days you may want to be able to visit the storage facility at a time convenient to you, perhaps at a weekend or in the evening and not during working hours. 24 hour access and your own security code at a storage company would be ideal.
You'll want to be sure it's location is well lit, properly alarmed and not an easy target for burglars. You may want to make sure your property's stored in a secure locker or unit insite the storage building so that you alone have access to the contents.
If you can't work out how much space you need a flexible self storage facility should be able to advise you and to offer you a range spaces so you're not renting more than you need
200 cubic feet will take a small amount of furniture, say a roomful.
The contents of the average three-bedroom house would fit into larger units of around 100-150 sq ft.
It may be you only need a short term solution, perhaps to decorate a room, and usually the minimum period will be 7 days. On the other hand if you're going travelling on a year-plus career break or working abroad for a few years you might ask if there is a special rate or a discount.
Your household contents insurance might be one that can be extended to cover secure storage. If not you should ask the storage company whether they can advise on affordable cover. It might, in any case be sensible to compare costs between the two so you can get the best deal.
The staff at most self storage facilities are well used to tailoring services to individual needs and being able to look around the facility will help you get exactly what you need and the peace of mind of knowing your property's well cared for.
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