By Relocation.com
The possibilities are endless when it comes to reasons why people need storage. It's the best way to hang on to your belongings without having them clutter up your home. Storage offers a safe and secure solution for storing your items. The majority of storage facilities offer a climate controlled environment and superior pest control for sensitive goods such as furs, leather and wine.
What Can I Store?
Nearly any item can be stored for a period of time in the correct environment aside from perishable foods. The following list offers you suggestions of what goods may be stored in an acceptable environment with no negative affects:
- Computers
- Home furnishings
- Antiques
- Furs and leathers
- Linens
- Mattresses
It is advised to inquire about the accessibility of your goods while they are being stored. If you have full access, this will allow you to go and collect any items from storage as needed.
Nowadays, many families have more than one vehicle and possibly a boat that requires storage in the wintertime. Because of local laws, residential storage is usually not permitted leading you to resort to using a storage facility.
The majority of storage units are climate controlled with around-the-clock surveillance to provide you with superior service. Goods can be stored for as long as you need in any size facility. Since you are able to select a space that holds your items, you will not have to pay for any unused space. However, is it advisable to choose a unit somewhat bigger than you think you actually need in the event that your belongings require more space.
Important questions to ask yourself before deciding to spend money on storage
Do you really need all of the items you are packing or placing in storage? When considering this, think about other options available to you. You can have a garage sale or make a donation to eliminate the belongings you could live without. Remember that the more you dispose of, the less you have to pack, store or move. However, if you are having a hard time deciding if you will be using certain goods at a later date, ask yourself the following questions:
- Do I really need this item?
- Will I ever use this item again?
- When did I use it last?
- Does it have sentimental value?
- Does this item need repair? How much are the repair costs?
- Clothing items: Will I ever wear this again?
Throw away, Give away or Sell!
After answering the questions above, you may have decided that you could do without certain items. So what do you do with everything you don't need? You could throw them out, give them away to family or friends, donate to a charity or have a garage sale.
Possible charities include Red Cross or St. Vincent de Paul. Remember to keep track of all receipts for future tax deductions.
If you choose to hold a garage sale-to earn some extra cash on the side while eliminating the clutter in your home-price your items accordingly to ensure sales. The following is a list of steps to take when putting together your garage sale:
Five Easy Steps to Organizing a Garage Sale:
- Advertise. Buy a small ad in your local newspaper or post flyers around town to spread information about your garage sale including the time, date and address. If possible, it is also advisable to advertise a rain date in the event that the weather interferes.
- Spread the word. Beginning a day or two before, scatter signs on nearby streets to remind your neighbors when and where the sale is being held.
- Organize. Sort everything you want sold, by category, in one area of the garage so it is ready for the following day. Also guarantee you have a sufficient amount of tables and chairs; if necessary, borrow some from friends or neighbors.
- Set a price. To prevent chaos during the garage sale, mark every item with your desired price. Use bright color or neon tags so that your customers can immediately notice how much it is.
- Sell as much as possible. Remember, the more you sell the less you have to pack. Be willing to accept lower offers for those hard to sell items, especially if it is something that will end up collecting dust in your new home, too.