Self-storage has been around for quite a while but has really exploded within the last 20 or so years. Since 1984, more than 44,000 self-storage facilities have begun operations with thousands more opening each year. Some of these facilities have been converted from other companies, such as warehouses, but overall the best self-storage units are the ones that were built solely for the purpose of self-storage. Although the most common reason people rent self-storage containers is that their moving, self-storage units can also be helpful when decluttering your home. By storing items in a self-storage container, either until you can sell them, hand them down or move into a larger residence, you can create the spacious, airy environment that is so sought after in homes.

Self-storage units, unlike warehouse rentals, come in a wide variety of sizes and allow more liberal access of the owner. Whether you are decluttering your file cabinet or your entire house, you will be able to find a self-storage unit to suit your needs. Since many facilities allow owners 24-hour access, if you should find yourself in desperate need of an item in storage, you`ll be able to go and get it out of storage quite easily. Since you are in control of when you move your items into the storage, you are not pressured by having to store your items according to a mover`s schedule or in a certain amount of time.

You`ll find the storage fees reasonable as well. 100 square feet of space can be rented for approximately $110 a month. Additionally, many facilities offer special discounts for the first month. The trick is to shop around and make sure you get the best deal available in your area. Consider, also, how long you will be storing your items. If you are only storing them until you can sell your stuff at a garage sale, a couple of weeks may be all you need. In this case, you look for a facility that rents by the week, or offers the first month for a very low rate. If you may be keeping your items in storage for a long time, you`ll want to look for the conditions you need (high security, climate control) at the lowest price possible. Sometimes businesses will give you a deal on the rates if you sign up for long-term storage.

Decluttering tasks can range from clearing out an old file cabinet to cleaning out whole rooms of unwanted possessions. . Depending on the value of the contents, you will want to ensure adequate security and protection against moisture and pests. Remember that it is likely that you will have to supply your own lock. Many places sell locks to their customers and some facilities actually require you to use locks sold by their company.

When cleaning a small area, such as a closet or file cabinet, you will only need to rent a locker sized storage facility. Contents inside a self-storage locker can be held in a file box or several folders depending on how big the locker is. Most facilities offer two differently sized locker, or closet, type storage areas. The smallest is less than 20 square feet in area, while a slightly larger one offers 25 sq. ft. for holding possessions. The good thing about a small storage container is that you will not need to rent a truck to carry your items to the facility.

When you are decluttering an entire room or small areas of several rooms, you will most likely be able to get away with renting a 5X10 unit that can hold several boxes as well as a few minor pieces of furniture. You have the option of renting a small moving van or simply making a couple of trips in your own vehicle. Again this shows the clear advantage to self-storage, you can store items at your convenience. Still, some facilities do have specific operating hours during which renters are allowed to access the storage units, be sure to find out ahead of time when you are allowed inside your self-storage container.

If you are feeling particularly ambitious and decide to do a complete decluttering of your home, self-storage containers can still provide a large enough space for all your storage needs. Units up to 400 square feet are available for rent and are capable of storing the contents of an entire 5-bedroom home. Surely this would be enough space for your unwanted items? While it may be possible to slowly fill up your storage unit with many small trips in the family car, it is better to rent a truck and take everything in one or two loads. The reason behind this thinking is that it allows you to set up the contents in the most beneficial way for you. Possibly you will need an item or two from the container, by strategically placing those contents in the front of the unit, you can make it easily to later on pick up the item you need without having to disturb the entire unit.

Also is a better idea to fill the container at one time so you can make sure nothing is packed in a way likely to cause damages, or attract pests. Clothing, books, stuffed furniture should not be placed directly on the floor or left uncovered. Such items are irresistible to rodents and insects.

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