Many people store items (furniture, boxed clothes, decorative items) in their basement or garage, but this can prove problematic. Temperature and humidity fluctuations can wreak havoc on your possessions, causing furniture to warp and fabric items to become mouldy.
External storage facilities are popular year-round. Need a place to store your precious antique convertible? Or is there no room in the garage or the garden shed to store your beautiful garden furniture through the winter months? Do you own a boat? Have the kids left home but somehow their “stuff” hasn’t gone with them? The list is endless….
But it is during the process of moving home that storage facilities really come into their own. As you prepare the home for sale, every stager and realtor will advise you to declutter as much as possible. You are going to need a place to store items you do not wish to part with. Sometimes, realtors will advise you to “refresh” your home décor and use more modern furniture and accessories to make a positive first impression on buyers. You will need a secure place to store your own furniture during the sale process.
Of course, once the sale happens, your moving company may offer to store your furniture in the event that the move-out date does not correspond with the possession date of your new home. But what if your new home needs a fresh coat of paint or a more extensive renovation before you move in? It may be more convenient to store your possessions in a secure facility where you have access rather than at the moving company where you will not be able to access it.
Lastly, downsizing is not easy. There are many people at this stage of life who don’t quite succeed in parting with all their precious possessions before they move, and need a semi-permanent place to store items that they still “need” occasionally.
It is no surprise then that the storage facility business is booming. There is a wide range of facilities to choose from, with different rates and features. How do you choose which one is right for you?
When choosing a storage facility, Babette Buck of UltraStor in Burlington recommends checking contracts for hidden administration fees and their minimum rental period (usually four weeks/one month). She also suggests that, before you sign a contract, be sure to take a tour of the facility with a checklist. Here are some key items to consider:
- The facility is well lit and clean
- Each unit has an individual alarm
- There is a robust security system
- The facility is gated and locked
- Each unit is temperature-controlled if indoors
- The facility has a comprehensive pest control plan
- Hours of operation -A 24-hour facility allows access at any time
- Ask about promotions or discounts
- The facility provides insurance coverage (your items will
not be covered under your homeowner insurance) - The facility has a retail store with packing and moving supplies
- You are provided with a high-quality padlock and key
- The facility has a policy to not store prohibited items such as propane tanks, toxic chemicals or food
- Check online reviews for 4- and 5-star ratings
With answers to these questions, you will be in a better position to compare the options available to you, and select a storage facility that suits your needs and budget.
Written by: Julie Achtermeier
