Relocation might turn out to be a very smooth process, or there might be some hitches in between. Everything depends on how well you plan and organize things. Now, it is possible that your new residence is smaller in size than your present one; then you would require a storage facility to house some of your household goods. Then again, you might have to move out too soon and be unable to shift into your new house because it is not yet ready for occupation. Here also, you will have to hunt for a storage company.
Nowadays, there are plenty of storage companies coming up. Before you opt for anyone, conduct some investigation beforehand. How reliable is this company? Have your friends or relatives ever heard of it? What about testimonials from previous customers? Does the company allow short-term as well as long-term storage? Take a detailed tour of the place and get all your questions answered before you sign on the dotted line.
Now, there are two kinds of storage options available—self-storage and container storage.
If your intention is to keep your stuff in storage for a short duration only, then you better opt for self-storage or mini-storage. Of course, this is available on a long-term basis too. In the case that you need access to your items quite frequently, you could go in for this facility. The frequency of access solely rests on the company—many organizations specify certain visiting hours. The space allotted depends upon your belongings—there are varied sizes available. It is a general rule that you load and unload your goods yourself, as well as pack them into the storage unit. The lock is your own; safety and privacy are assured since no outsider can touch your space without your specific permission. The company charges a monthly rental fee. Do peruse the document thoroughly before you affix your signature—are security, electricity, heat, ventilation, etc. included in this rent, or do you pay separately for these services?
It is not that you have to do everything by yourself. For some additional fees, your storage company will even assist you in delivering, and packing your household things into the storage unit. A few companies are generous enough to offer free moving service as part of the agreement!
Some of you might wish to have the storage facility for a longer duration or for a certain time period; then go in for container storage. As mentioned above, you might have to move out too soon but delay moving in! Also, if you are off on long-distance travel before you settle into your new residence, this is again a good option.
Before the company representative sets foot into your house, ensure that you have a complete inventory of your household goods. It will be easier for him/her then to figure out the number of containers required. The containers will be brought over to your house, but you will have to do the packing yourself. Of course, a complete set of instructions will be provided before you begin! Once the containers are packed, they are moved to the storage facility. The company handles this part. The snag here is that you are not allowed as frequent access to your stuff as you want. In fact, some companies deny any kind of access whatsoever!
Whether you opt for do-it-yourself or container storage, remember to ensure your belongings; the home insurance people or the storage company representative will advise you. After all, you do not want anything of yours to be damaged!
