As exciting as summer vacation can be, there are some issues that students worry about as it approaches. One of the issues is how to store dorm or apartment belongings. For students that live very far from the school, it is never an option to travel back home with their possessions. Even individuals whose homes are not too far from the school are not advised to haul their belongings home every summer as that will be expensive and inconvenient. A local storage facility may be the ideal option.
Furthermore, a local storage facility offers a great way to handle the challenge of summer vacation storage. There are several of these storage facilities in university environments. Hence, finding a suitable storage facility shouldn’t be an issue for anyone. In this post, we will briefly discuss why you need to use such facility as well as how to use it the right way:
Why You Need a Local Storage Facility
One of the major reasons you should consider using a local storage facility for summer vacation is that it is a cost-effective approach to keeping your belongings safe until the next academic session. This is especially true if your home is somewhere outside the state you school. Packing and shipping your belongings home every summer will be very expensive and there is absolutely no reason why you should choose that option.
Another reason why it is not advisable to take your belongings home is the fact that it will be very stressful. Whether you live far or nearby, sending your belongings home and coming back with them at the end of the summer vacation is not convenient at all. This is especially true if you have furniture. The best thing to do is to find a good local storage facility to keep your belongings and pick them up when you resume.
How to Choose the Right Local Storage Facility
We have already established that it is beneficial to use local storage facilities than to take your belongings home during the summer. You will not enjoy all the benefits of this option if you choose the wrong facility. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:
Location
Location is one of the most important things when it comes to choosing a local storage facility for summer vacation. It will be a lot more convenient if the facility you choose is closer to your place of resident. This will make it easy to move your things to the facility at a minimal cost.
Also, it will be a lot more convenient to move your things back to your dorm or apartment after the vacation. The location of the facility should also be accessible. The property should be in such a way that your car or truck can easily enter to drop your belongings or to pick them up at the appropriate time.
Security
You need a local storage facility that is secure. Though the management of a storage facility can take responsibility for any loss you incur while your property is in their possession, you don’t want to be involved in such incidences in the first place. The right thing to do, therefore, is to ensure that the security in place is adequate before choosing to keep your belongings in a particular storage facility.
Some of the specific things to consider are the appearance of the gate (strong gate), video surveillance and security lightening. A good local storage facility will have adequate security measures in place to keep all items in its custody safe.
Maintenance
It is also important that you consider how the facility is maintained before choosing it. You can easily tell a properly maintained facility from one that is not well-kept by looking around during your first visit. While your belongings will be safe in a well-kept environment, the risk of rodents and insect attacks is high in a poorly kept facility. A facility in despair is also prone to flooding and other natural disasters. Pay close attention and choose only a facility you know is well-maintained and pleasant.
How to Use Your Chosen Local Storage Facility
Finding a good facility is not the only thing that will ensure that you get all the applicable benefits. Here are some tips on how best to use the local storage facility:
Choose the Right Type and Size
There are actually different types of storage spaces including standard, climate controlled, and outdoor storage. For most students, a standard storage space is ideal to keep their dorm items. It is also essential that you choose the right size of storage space. There are small, medium, and large storage units in most local storage facilities. You need to consider the size of the things you need to store and choose the appropriate size of storage unit to accommodate them. Choosing the right type and size of storage unit will give you best value.
Know What Is Acceptable and What Is Not
In every storage facility, there are things that are acceptable and others that are not. Basically, most things you use in your indoor space are acceptable including furniture, sports equipment, clothing and linens. There are some things that are restricted in a storage facility, however. Such things as flammables, toxic materials, perishable goods, explosives/firearms/ammunitions, fuels/chemicals, as well as plants and animals will not be accepted in most local storage facilities.
Store Your Belongings the Right Way
The way you keep your possessions in the storage facility matters too. If you are going to be visiting to pick some of them during the summer vacation, you will need to create enough space for an aisle. You also need to arrange such items along the aisle for easy access. It is also advisable that you create some space to encourage ventilation in your storage unit. You will also need to make an inventory of all the items you intend to store in the facility for reference purposes.
Using a local storage facility during summer vacation is a cost-effective way to keep your belongings safe during the summer vacation. It is also a convenient approach that will give you peace of mind. With the few tips above, you should be able to derive the best value from using a local storage facility for summer vacation.
Do you need a local storage facility? Contact us today at Moving Squad of South Florida LLC to get a quote for your storage needs. We offer you short term storage and long term storage options at the most affordable pricing. We guarantee you excellent services.
