Studying abroad? Going after an exciting job opportunity? Reorganizing your living space? There could be many reasons why you may use long term storage services, but the key is to select the right facility and choose the best approach to moving. When trusting others to keep your personal belongings safe and secure, it’s important to pay attention to the details. Here’s everything you need to know about long term storage and how to prepare for your big move.
Long Term Storage
Long term storage is a form of self-storage that’s designed to keep personal belongings safe for an extended period of time. For example, a person studying abroad can keep their personal belongings in a long term storage unit until they return. Many people use long term storage with the knowledge that they won’t be interacting with certain items for at least 6 months.
Whether you own winter items that need to be stored away for the season or are pursuing a new career opportunity, long term storage can be very beneficial. With that in mind, there are plenty of things to consider when deciding on a long term storage unit. Between size, length of time, and security, it’s important to make sure your belongings are in good hands.
Long Term Storage vs. Short Term Storage
As their names suggest, the primary difference between long term storage and short term storage has to do with the length of time items are placed in storage. In most cases, people using short term storage don’t intend on using their unit for more than a few months. For example, a college student may temporarily store away their dorm items for the summer before their next term.
Long term storage is designed for prolonged periods of time, most likely due to travel or other related opportunities. Generally speaking, storage that lasts longer than 6 months would be considered long term. Some people use long term storage for seasonal items or organization. Regardless of the purpose, long term storage is a way to store away personal items in a safe and reliable location.
Selecting a Long-Term Storage Space
Facility Location
It may not seem like a major priority, but a central located storage facility can make moving items more convenient. When looking for storage locations, try to think about its proximity to your home, the exact distance, and the overall quality of the facility. You may be willing to travel farther for a better storage facility, but this can make the transfer process significantly inconvenient. Vice versa, you may find a closer facility only to be disappointed by its services. It’s best to look at all your options before selecting the best course of action.
Affordability
The price of a storage unit may make or break your decision to choose a specific facility. Depending on your financial situation, it’s important to pay attention to the details related to pricing and what it may look like in the future. Does the storage facility bill you weekly or monthly? Is it relatively reasonable for the size of the unit you’re renting? Do they offer a payment plan? These are all questions you need to consider before deciding on a long term storage unit.
Security Measures
One of the most important elements of a storage facility is security. Safety should always be top priority, especially when you plan on leaving personal belongings in a storage unit for a long stretch of time. While most storage facilities include basic security measures, these can vary in quality. One storage facility may offer 24 hour surveillance while another may set off a safety alarm in case of a burglary. Before signing a contract with any storage facility, make sure they include ample security measures.
Other Amenities
Amenities depend on personal preferences, but if you’d like something a little more than security cameras and drive-up access, there are other options to consider. For example, some people prefer climate controlled storage units for long term storage. Climate controlled facilities can protect your belongings from weather damage related to intense heat, cold, or humidity. Overall, amenities are very preferential and deeply depend on what makes you feel most comfortable.
Storage Accessibility
Your storage facility should be as convenient as possible, and that includes accessibility. Do they offer 24 hour access to your belongings? If they don’t, do they at least offer extended hours, including an on site employee for assistance? Every facility will be different, so it’s important to pay attention to their hours of operation. Make sure to pick a storage facility that accommodates your needs and offers complete convenience.
Reviews
Ratings and reviews can tell you a lot about a storage facility and the experiences other customers have had with their belongings. Pay attention to good and bad reviews, especially if the owner responds. This can give you an idea of how they respond to customers and their overall professionalism. Feel free to browse other review sites like Yelp for more information and ask mutual friends and family for personal recommendations.
Inventory
Take a look at what you plan to store and how long you’ll be gone. A car may not require a climate controlled space, but other belongings may need something more secure. Make sure to think about other considerations such as size, space, and security. You may not need a large storage unit for a small amount of boxes, especially if you’ll be gone for a long time. But, if you’re moving an entire house worth of personal belongings, a bigger storage space may work in your favor.
Long-Term Storage Tips
Take it Slow
Long term storage is different from short term storage, meaning you’ll have to approach it in a different way. With that said, don’t feel rushed to get everything done all at once. Try to plan ahead and get everything set up well before you need to store away your belongings. Pick your storage facility, pack your items, and begin the process of moving weeks in advance. This can allow you to take your time and feel less pressure to have everything in your storage unit all at once.
Choose the Correct Size
Before storing your personal items in a long term storage facility, make sure the unit is the correct size. You won’t need the same kind of storage unit for a small pile of boxes compared to a boat that needs to be stored away for the winter. It may seem silly to think about, but size can save money and reduce stress related to loading and unloading personal belongings.
Explore Other Amenities
As mentioned previously, amenities are very preferential and vary by storage facility. Even so, you may be interested in exploring other less common amenities that are unique to your storage unit. Examples of other convenient amenities include restricted access, auto pay, and 24 hour access. In general, storage facilities should always include basic security measures and good customer service.
Use Durable Boxes
As a general rule of thumb, it’s best to avoid cardboard moving boxes for long term storage. Boxes designed for temporary storage are fine for short term storage, but they may attract mold and/or mildew when exposed to the elements. Instead, consider using clear, durable bins and/or tubs, especially for more fragile items. This can also help you when it’s time to unload your items. That way, if you forget to label an item, you can see through the tub and grab what you need.
Use Good Packing Skills
Packing requires more skill than people are led to believe. This is especially true when packing away belongings for a long period of time. If you have fragile or treasured items that may be prone to damage, it’s important to take all the necessary precautions before moving. Make sure to properly wrap, clean, and insert objects in durable tubs or bins. These items could be in your storage units for several months, so it’s important to plan accordingly.
Keep Your Belongings Organized
Think of organizing your belongings as a real life game of Tetris. There’s a certain art to stacking, and this will definitely come in handy when it’s time to store away all your belongings. Granted, this greatly depends on how many items you have and the amount of space in your storage unit. For example, a small storage unit may require some more organizational skills than a large storage space with room to spare. Even so, when you know that it’s going to be a long time before visiting the unit again, it’s best to make use of all the space you have.
Benefits of Long-Term Storage
Decluttering
You may not have a specific reason to use long term storage other than a chance to reorganize your space and declutter anything that you don’t immediately need. Having a long term storage unit can be a great opportunity to go around your home and store away personal items you haven’t used or keep seasonal items safe. This can be especially useful if you have a lot of items with sentimental value that simply need another place to stay.
Convenience
Simply put, long term storage is convenient. When you’re in another country and need a safe place to store all your belongings, knowing your items are in a storage unit can give you peace of mind. Plus, if the storage facility offers pickup and delivery services, you can receive certain items as soon as you request them. Knowing that your items are in a safe, reliable, and centrally located facility makes it easy to focus on other important responsibilities.
Business Storage
Long term storage is great for business owners, too. Keep in mind that it may not offer the exact same amenities as warehousing or commercial storage. Thus, it’s important to take inventory of the items you plan to store and make sure it doesn’t need better management. With that said, long term storage units are perfect for unnecessary office supplies or miscellaneous paperwork that simply needs to be stored in a safe, centralized location.
Safety
One of the greatest benefits of long term storage is definitely the security that comes with it. Granted, it’s important to do a lot of research before selecting a storage facility, especially when security measures can vary. Even so, a good storage facility will leave you feeling secure knowing your belongings are in good hands. Overall, your storage facility should leave you content knowing your items are safe, not vulnerable to damage or insecurity.
OnDemand Storage
OnDemand Storage prides itself on being one of Boston’s most convenient storage and logistics services in the metro. We provide self-storage services and warehousing for businesses. With OnDemand long term storage, you can be assured that your belongings will be safe, climate controlled, and accessible. For your convenience, we also provide pickup, storage, and delivery services. Contact us today to learn more about our long term storage services!
