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How to choose the best storage for your valuables

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a stack of old photos in an old suitcase

Each item you possess probably has a form of value to you. In that manner, each item you relocate is valuable. However, there are items with extended value, that are mostly sentimental. Granted, most of them can have financial value. These items require special care and conditions when being moved. So, if you are moving with professional movers, like Number 1 Van Lines, or by yourself, we help you choose the best storage for your valuables. As we were saying, most of these items have a higher sentimental value than a financial one. Although one does not exclude the other. Storage units have many different advantages and providing adequate conditions for various items is one of them. When moving, you want to ensure that each of your items is safe. Sometimes this might seem overwhelming and renting a storage unit for those items can be quite useful.

What to think about when you have to choose the best storage for your valuables

Before starting to search for the storage unit, you have to know what you are looking for. Furthermore, to know what to look for, you have to understand the conditions your items will require when in storage. Although storage units are just a relatively small space you rent, they play a vital role in the longevity of your items.

a small wodden box containing old photograph and other sentimental valuables
Old family photos, jewelry, and other heirlooms will always require special conditions and, most importantly, a safe place for storing

Now, valuables is a relatively broad term. It could range from old family photos, heirlooms, antiquities to the items you collect for fun or for a hobby. Therefore, regardless of the financial value of the item, they can all be quite valuable. Moreover, renting storage in Canada is as easy as contacting your local moving company or storage facility. However, we are going to help you pick the right storage unit and the right conditions for the items you plan on storing.

First, you need to make a list of items you want to store

The first step on this journey would be to create a list of all the items that you plan on storing inside the unit. This list will give you much-needed insight into what type of items you need to store and how many of them are there. Furthermore, it will allow you to segment each item type into separate groups. We recommend that these groups represent the type of materials these items are made out of. For instance, if you have wooden figurines or furniture, you would want to get a climate-control storage unit to preserve the items.  On the other hand, if you are moving during the winter you will want to ensure that there is no moisture or excess water near the unit. These are all the things that can damage the items inside.

The size of the unit

Another important factor will be the size of the unit you rent. However, the size you need will most likely depend on the number of items you have to move. To learn how much space you actually need, we advise placing these items (packed) in a square and taping the square. This way, you can create a visualization of the space the items will require.

an interior of a storage facility to represent what it would look like when you choose the best storage for your valuables
The size of the unit you choose is very important not only for the current items but for other items you might plan on storing

Logically, you do not want to rent a unit that will barely squeeze in all of the items. Instead, you should opt for the unit that will provide you with enough room to organize it properly, maneuver through it, and allow you to store more items if needed. Ensuring you have enough room is essential when you choose the best storage for your valuables. Once you find the right size unit, it is time to move to the next step.

Choose the best storage for your valuables by knowing the access time or availability of the facility

Do you think you will have to visit your unit frequently? If the answer is no, you need to correct it. If the answer is yes, you need to ask more questions when searching for a unit. Firstly, visiting your unit on a regular basis is a good way to maintain the longevity of the items inside. Granted, the unit will take care of that, but you should always devote at least one day in a month to visit your unit. Secondly, one of the mistakes to avoid when moving or just looking for storage is not being able to access the unit. This can pose a real issue when you need the items the most. So, make sure you check with the storage facility about their access time or availability. Some facilities offer 24/7 visits, others do not.

Look for good security in a storage facility

There are facilities that do not offer much security other than a fence around them. Other facilities have facility guards, security cameras, alarms, etc. Logically, you would want to look for those that will ensure your items are safe inside the unit. Namely, security is something you want to think about, especially because you are placing your valued items inside a storage unit. In a way, that is the reason why you are placing them there, right?

a security personnel standing at the door
If you plan on storing items that have a high value to you, financial or sentimental, make sure the facility has strong security options

So, if you are thinking of renting a unit you found, make sure to check what their security is like. Reliable facilities and companies will always openly answer your questions and offer viable solutions or options. Do not overlook this factor, as it can play a vital role in the safety of your items.

Other things you should take into consideration

When you look to choose the best storage for your valuables you want to find the best solution for your price range. If this is your first time renting a storage unit, we advise you to consult this guide for beginner tips and help. Aside from that, here are other things you should take into consideration:

  • Pest control, as a great way to ensure your items, do not suffer damage
  • Climate control provides perfect conditions for wooden items or antiquities
  • The distance of the facility is often not a contributing factor but can be
  • When starting, always start from the most reliable companies you have in your area
  • Feel free to take recommendations from someone with experience