5 Warm Weather Tips for Self-Storage
Every year, approximately 40 million people in the U.S. relocate, with more than 50 percent moving during the summer months. Those contemplating a big move while the days are longer and the kids are out of school may have a need to put some of their personal property in storage. Here are five “good-to-know” tips for utilizing a self-storage unit in warm weather during the hot summer months.
- Protect items that are susceptible to harm in extreme heat. Items such as photographs, artwork, leather furniture, and many others are more vulnerable to damage when the weather is hot and humid. Consider renting a climate-controlled unit or storing these and other types of heat-sensitive property with friends or family.
- Don’t wait until the last minute. Because the summertime is peak storage season, it may not be easy to find a storage unit. Waiting too long could result in settling for a unit in a less desirable location as well as paying higher prices during the high-demand summer season.
- Take inventory. Storage units that aren’t climate controlled can get very hot. Establish an inventory of the stored items with notes about where in the unit things are located. This can make it easier and quicker to find what you’re looking for inside the unit. Another tip is to keep frequently accessed items in well-marked boxes stacked around the perimeter of the unit for quick and easy retrieval and removal.
- Pay for the unit in advance. Moves are often stressful, making it easy to let certain things fall by the wayside. You may find it more convenient to pre-pay for a unit to avoid a lapse in the lease and eliminate one task from your to-do list. As a bonus, the self-storage facility may offer a discount for pre-payment.
- Protect collectibles and high-value items with specialty insurance. Even under the best circumstances and with careful planning, damage to personal property can occur. When storing high-value items or collectibles, consider purchasing a stand-alone specialty collectibles insurance policy. For example, MiniCo Collectibles Insurance covers hundreds of categories of collections from fine art to sports memorabilia with no deductible.
When it comes to relocating, there are many situations when having a self-storage unit can be a big help. Following these warm-weather storage tips can help improve safety, reduce stress, and better protect your stored property when the mercury climbs.
