Long-term storage is commonly used by people travelling or working abroad. It’s easy enough to put your goods in a storage unit and forget about them until you come back, but a few simple hacks can save money and make your life easier.
1. Have a plan for storing your furniture
It’s helpful to have an idea of how long you are going to be storing goods. You may be able to get a discount from your storage company if you pay for six months or a year of storage in one go. It will also allow you to work out whether it might be cheaper to get rid of some goods and buy new or second-hand ones on your return. Of course, you can’t put a price on sentiment, and there will always be some things you just don’t want to part with. But that Ikea wardrobe? It’s probably cheaper to get rid of it. The Furniture Donation Network could help you with that.
2. Pick the right facility
Not all storage facilities are the same. You tend to pay extra for storage companies located nearer the centre of towns, and for 24-hour access. If you are storing long-term, you might not need these features. Shop around until you find the right storage unit.
3. Clean your goods before you store
It would be heartbreaking to come back to a storage unit full of items ruined by mould – but that’s a risk if you store things that are wet or dirty. Clean and dry white goods thoroughly. Check our post on storing appliances for more details.
4. Pack smart
Packing is another area where you can save money, by recycling materials or using the original boxes that items came in.
By placing your items strategically you can make best use of your storage space, and make it easier to unpack your unit, too.
An inventory will help you when you return, as it will tell you what items you need to buy and what you already have. Even after a few months it can be hard to remember what you own.
5. Check in from time to time
It’s a good idea to inspect stored goods every so often. Of course this isn’t possible if you’re abroad. You could ask a friend or relative to do it for you or ask if your relocation service will do it.
6. Pay on time
Don’t forget to pay your storage bills. If you fail to pay on time you could find your goods auctioned off. And delinquent storage units can leave a black mark on your credit record, too. By the way, some storage facilities check credit ratings, particularly if you are planning to store long-term. But most won’t do this. You can always ask if this is a concern for you.
7. Insure your goods
Most storage companies will require you to insure your stored goods as part of your contract with them. As with most insurances it pays to shop around, particularly if you are storing long-term so get a quote from Store and Insure.
