Have you ever had the epiphany that your garage is more akin to a flea market than a parking spot for your vehicle? Indeed, everyone has been there. Things accumulate. The plan: get rid of clutter by renting a climate controlled mini storage. Simple, huh? On occasion, yes.
The first thing we need to do is address the most taboo subject. That small tag that says “climate controlled”? You can’t trust it. There is a wide variety of “climate control” methods. On occasion, apartments are just cooled in the summer or heated in the winter. Volatility in temperature is real. Some things, like vinyl records, vintage photographs, and wooden furniture, are fragile and will eventually warp or shatter. Penetration by mold is possible. Wishing you a fondness for plush sofas!
Do you know what it’s like to try to recall an item from a sea of identical boxes? You believe you will recall it. Not you. Make sure everything is labeled. A “treasure map” can be even more useful. It’s similar to the game Tetris, however instead of removing lines, you end up misplacing Grandma’s china.
Okay, let’s discuss safety. Although the large locks on the doors provide a sense of security, bolt cutters are not picky. The rumors of break-ins that occur in the middle of the night carry on. See whether there are any surveillance cameras or a manager on staff. To inquire about insurance, please. Most likely, your belongings aren’t automatically protected.
Is midnight going to be your storage unit visit? Around the clock service is available in some locations but not at others. Surprise yourself if you get locked out after hours. If you don’t like to curse your luck while shaking gates in the dark, you might want to double-check those access timings.
An unspoken reality: Your current monthly rate may be temporary. Some businesses gradually increase their prices after the initial few months. Your wallet will beg for mercy. Never ignore the little print. If you’re not sure, go on.
One more thing—don’t just pack everything you own and go. Critters are attracted to stuff. Pests like mice and bugs are, at their core, unwanted visitors. When you open a package, the first thing you’ll see is that your roommates have moved in. Think about switching out the cardboard boxes for plastic ones. That cockroach condo isn’t for you.
A sanity-saving option is a mini storage unit. Remember these realities, even if they aren’t immediately obvious. After you’ve moved three times in a year, your future self will appreciate your thrifty storage practices. Storage: access is simple, egress more difficult.