When making a decision about placing your belongings in storage, it's important to consider how long you plan to utilize the storage facility before choosing a location. The last thing you want to have to deal with is taking your items out of a unit only to find that they have gotten damaged during the time they were in storage. Some storage facilities are designed to store items securely for an extended period of time, but others are only appropriate for short term storage.

Different Types of Storage Units

There are many different types of storage facilities. For short term storage solutions, warehouse facilities may be very convenient and affordable. However, these types of facilities are not designed for long-term storage. They are often not climate controlled, and your belongings may share space with those belonging to other customers.

When seeking long-term storage, it's generally better to choose a private unit that you can lock with a padlock or that has key code access. Some private storage units are climate controlled and some are not. Climate controlled units are more expensive than facilities that are not heated and cooled, but if you want to keep your possessions safe for an extended period of time it is necessary keep them in a place that is not subject to extreme temperature fluctuations.

Many factors impact whether or not you need a climate controlled unit, including the time of year, level of humidity in your region, the length of time your goods will be in storage. Pictures, electronic equipment, musical instruments, and other delicate items are likely to be damaged if not kept in climate controlled storage.

Special Considerations for Storing Fabric

Climate controlled storage is a necessity for any type of fabric items. When cloth is exposed to high humidity levels, fabric is likely to mildew. In addition to choosing the right type of storage unit for your fabric items, it's also important to pack them properly.

When packing your clothes, drapery, bed linens, and other fabric items for storage, there are important steps you need to take to protect them from damage. First, it's important to be sure that all fabrics are clean before you place them in storage. If not, you may find that your cloth belongings get infested by insects while in storage.

Cloth items should be packed loosely in packaging that is dry and can be sealed from moisture. If the area where clothing is concerned may have high humidity, placing calcium chloride or silica gel packets inside the storage containers can help absorb moisture that can damage your belongings.

Security is a Prime Concern

Before you select a storage facility, make sure the facility meets basic safety and security requirements. Check out the storage facility's premises during day and evening hours. Look for proper lighting, secure locks that limit access to the facility, on-site management or security personnel, and other signs that steps are taken to ensure the security of the location. It's also important to verify that the facility has proper sprinkler and smoke alarm systems.