Planning on an adventure in the near future? These days, long-term travel is becoming a feasible option for many more people.
With the rise of working online meaning people no longer need to be tied to one particular location, many people are embracing the major benefits remote working has to offer – with the ability to work from anywhere in the world being just one.
Alternatively, you might be a student embarking on a year or more abroad as part of your degree, you could be setting off for a backpacking adventure before really diving head-first into your career, or you could just fancy a major change of scenery!
Whatever your reasons for travelling overseas long term, one of the main things you need to consider is what you’re going to do with all of your possessions whilst you are gone. Paying rent for months or even years on a property would prove a very expensive way of housing your stuff – but do you have a friend or family member who could help you out without the nagging thought of them one day saying that they need the space and need your belongings gone?
One solution to both of these problems is using the services of a self-storage facility. This is one of the safest and most cost-effective options available, and a good solution if you have possessions you will want to return to and use one day in the future. You can choose the type of storage unit that best fits your needs, size, location and climate control are all things to bear in mind, especially when storing your delicate items.
Before you take the plunge and sign up with your chosen self storage facility, there are a few things you need to consider.
Declutter first
Lots of people struggle when it comes to throwing things away but do you really need all your stuff and do you really need to store it all? Unused items of course can be stored, but it would be much more economical if you decluttered beforehand.
Look at each of your items that you are thinking of storing and decide whether you are actually going to use it or need it when it comes out of your storage facility. Some things just never come back into fashion and if you aren’t sure then you could always sell it or give it away to a charity.
Get the right storage containers
Getting the right boxes and storage containers is one of the most important things to do when you are storing your belongings. It’s all very well storing your things in bags and old boxes but it’s better to get sturdy, strong, watertight boxes to protect your belongings, especially if they are going to be in storage for some time.
Brand new plastic storage boxes or even corrugated cardboard storage boxes are not only cost-effective but are designed so they are good for the majority of your belongings, especially the ones with good strong lids as these are easier to stack, are much more durable and would hopefully also keep your belongings safe from moisture.
Storage boxes come in an array of sizes, each one fit for a certain purpose. You can also get special boxes for things such as crockery, glasswear, clothes and even mirrors.
Your storage space will soon fill up if you don’t use it wisely. Stack your boxes where possible, dismantle furniture to save space and remember that white goods such as your fridge freezer should always be stored standing upright.
Check security levels
Not all self-storage facilities meet the security standards you might expect to keep your belongings safe and secure while stored there. Indeed, accidents can always happen, and you’ll want the peace of mind that the facility you’re using is well-equipped to deal with any potential threats to your items.
A general example of a secure facility could include:
- A well-maintained sprinkler system
- Fire and smoke detectors throughout the facility
- CCTV and a fenced perimeter
- Manned security
- Temperature controlled units for more fragile items
Get insurance for peace of mind
Self-storage insurance is a mandatory requirement for many reputable self-storage providers. Your insurance will cover the replacement value of your items from incidents such as natural disasters, fire, theft, and vandalism. Indeed, you could be storing your belongings with the most secure facility in your local area, but accidents can happen and having insurance in place will at least cover the financial value of those possessions should something happen to them.
It’s vital that you get a self-storage insurance policy that covers the items you are storing and to the correct value. Our quote tool takes you step-by-step through this process to ensure you have the correct cover in place from day one.