Storage Prats and Pitfalls

 Anyone have any tips or info on what pitfalls may lie in renting a
storage unit for some fairly non-valuable stuff but has sentimental
value? Anyone with experience in this industry either as a consumer
or operator that can fill me in? Thanks.

 
It's really pretty straight forward.  I've been renting storage
lockers from a Public Storage facility near my home off and on for
over twenty years.  Never had any problems.

a.  Make sure you pay your rent on time every month without fail.  I
pay in person at least two or three days early.  If I'm renting for
more than a month or two, and have the money, I pay the first few
months in advance.  Keep your receipts.  Don't get into a "the check
is in the mail" situation.  You'll lose that one every time.

b.  Inspect the unit BEFORE you sign the rental agreement.  Look for
evidence of water damage - leaks and/or flooding.  If you see any, ask
for another unit or find another facility.

c.  Buy a good quality key operated high security pad lock at a
hardware store.  Take it with you, and put it on your unit when you
sign the rental agreement, even if you don't plan on moving your stuff
in right away.

d.  Make sure the manager has your current address and phone number.
Keep it updated.

e.  Keep  a detailed inventory of what's stored there.

f.  Make sure someone else in your family knows where the locker is,
and where you store the key and inventory.  If you have to sign in at
the office to get to the locker you should have at least one other
authorized person listed.

g.  Inspect the locker and contents regularly.  I check mine when I
pay the rent.

h.  The storage facility IS NOT responsible for loss or damage (theft,
fire, flood, etc.) of the stuff you have stored there.  There will be
language to that effect in your rental agreement.  They may even have
you sign a separate document saying you understand that.  If want to
be covered for losses you'll have to add a rider to your home owners/
renters policy.  Expect your rates to go up.

i.  When you're done with it, make sure the locker is completely empty
on or before the last day of the rental period.

Good luck.

 On Fri, 28 Jan 2011 01:14:32 +0000 (UTC), mxzplix wrote:

Shrink-wrap it to protect it from moisture and insects.

Put it on pallets to protect it from minor flooding during heavy
rains.

If it's flammable but has high sentimental value, you might think
about fireproof boxes though obviously that will cost you.

--
Stan Brown, Oak Road Systems, Tompkins County, New York, USA
                                   http://OakRoadSystems.com
Shikata ga nai...

 On 29/01/2011 05:27, Stan Brown wrote:

If there are large ambient temp differences and high humidity be careful
with enclosing stuff in plastic. Condensation may form when temp drops.

 On Sat, 29 Jan 2011 09:25:47 -0800, g wrote:

Good point.  There are those dessicant packets, but I guess it also
makes sense to shrink-wrap it on a day when humidity is low.

--
Stan Brown, Oak Road Systems, Tompkins County, New York, USA
                                   http://OakRoadSystems.com
Shikata ga nai...