Congratulations! You completed one of the hardest parts of owning a storage unit. You chose your storage unit (if not, check out our blog on things to consider when renting a storage unit). You packed all of your items (if not, check out our tips to help you prepare your items for storage). You moved all of your belongings into storage. And now, you may take a deep breath.
How Much Do I Need to Tend to My Storage Unit?
There are a lot of variables that go into dictating the level of care necessary for a well-maintained storage unit. Below are a list of questions that will help guide you through this process.
- How long do you plan on renting your storage unit?
- What items are you storing in your unit?
- Is your storage unit indoors or outdoors?
- What climate will your belongings be stored away in?
- Will you require easy access to your storage unit?
How long do you plan on renting your storage unit?
The longer that you plan on renting your storage unit, the more you will likely need to invest in the maintenance of it. This is to ensure the safekeeping of your belongings. For shorter term rental agreements, whether it’s for a quick office move or a short venture away from the Boston area, you may not need to invest in much for maintenance, if any at all.
What items are you storing in your unit?
Different items require different levels of maintenance. Technical hardware such as computers, may require temperature controlled storage units for safekeeping. If you are storing wooden frames, linen or clothes, it is advised that you invest in some form of pest control. Of course, depending on the duration that you plan to store your belongings, dictates the level of pest control that you purchase. You may also be able to get away with purchasing durable plastic bins to keep pests away.
Is your storage unit indoors or outdoors?
Whether your storage unit is indoors or outdoors, influences the actions needed to ensure safekeeping of your belongings. Outdoor units are much more susceptible to issues such as temperature change, humidity, pest control and more, that will affect your general need for upkeep.
What climate will your belongings be stored away in?
Climate plays a major hand in dictating the level of maintenance for your storage unit. If you live in the Boston area where it is very hot and humid during the summer, and cold during the winter, you may want to invest in weatherproof bags for clothes and other items that may damage as a result. Heat, humidity and extreme cold all will affect the quality of your belongings during storage. Again, temperature controlled storage units would solve this issue, but if your storage unit is outside, there are other ways to mitigate damage to your belongings: vacuum sealed / weather proof bags, insulated containers for cold, dehumidifier, etc.
Will you require easy access to your Boston storage?
If you do not require easy access to your Boston storage unit, you may be able to organize your belongings in a manner in which specific belongings are protected. Easy access requires organizing your storage unit in a manner in which it is easy to locate certain items that you may need more frequently than others. If you are putting everything away for the long haul, you may be able to store all of your climate damageable, pest enticing belongings towards the center of your storage. That way the temperature change is not as drastic since these items are surrounded, and pests do not have an easy path to the items they want to consume.
If you are still considering your storage options in the Boston area, check out our website at OnDemandStorage.com to learn more!
