Maybe you are fulfilling your dream of a year-long, around-the-world adventure. Or perhaps you are touring with your band, or exploring the country by RV for an extended period. Whatever the reason you are traveling long-term, you've made the wise decision to store your belongings while you are away; this means all of your stuff will be secure and ready for you when you get home, and you don't have to worry about asking friends or family to stash your things for you. Here are a few tips to keep in mind for long-term storage:
Choose a Climate-Controlled Unit
A climate-controlled storage unit is worth the extra cost, especially when storing belongings long-term. In extreme weather, like the hottest days of summer and below-freezing winter temperatures, climate control will keep your belongings safe from damage. Instead of worrying that furniture, valuable collector items, and electronics could freeze or crack in the cold, or warp in the heat, you will know your storage unit is kept a comfortable temperature year-round.
Read Reviews Carefully
Most storage companies offer promotions to new customers, such as the first month being free. While deals are great, it's even more important to find a storage unit where your belongings will be safe. Read reviews from current and former customers and be sure to take a tour of the facility. Is it well-lit and secure? Is the staff helpful and friendly?
While even the best storage company will get the occasional bad review from an unreasonable customer, look out for storage companies with tons of negative reviews. It's worth it to pay slightly more for a storage facility with great reviews so you don't have to worry about your belongings at all while you're away.
Give Access to a Friend
What happens if you are in another state or country and realize you need access to an important document inside your storage unit? Most storage companies will allow you to add an authorized user for free, giving them permission to enter your storage unit when you're away if they need to. They will need a key to the unit as well as the key code for the facility. Be sure to choose someone you trust implicitly, and ideally someone who lives near the storage facility.
Choosing the right storage unit and following these tips will give you peace of mind about your belongings while you are off on your adventure.
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