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10 tips: Know the rules before you store your stuff

Maybe you're moving, or downsizing or traveling for an extended period. You may be thinking about putting your belongings in storage. These tips can help you choose a storage unit wisely and reflect on items' value:

By Laura T. Coffey, Times Correspondent
Published September 2, 2007

Maybe you're moving, or downsizing or traveling for an extended period. You may be thinking about putting your belongings in storage. These tips can help you choose a storage unit wisely and reflect on items' value:

1 Count the costs. The price of renting a self-storage unit can add up - especially over time. Make sure you're clear on all the fees. These may include a monthly rental fee, fees for storage preparation and transportation, and fees for additional services such as pest control, electricity or insurance.

2 Inspect the facilities. Before you give your business to a storage company, make sure your unit is large enough, clean and secure. Does it have alarms, motion detectors, video surveillance, nightly inspections or guards on duty? Are there any weight or storage restrictions?

3 Reflect on the climate. If you don't opt for an air-conditioned unit, all of your stuff might get ruined. Photos, video tapes, albums and wood furniture could be the first to go without the benefit of AC.

4 Ask about access. Important questions include: When will you be able to access your unit? Will fees apply if you need to enter the unit at off-peak times? How convenient will it be for you to transport your belongings between a vehicle and the storage unit?

5 Think about safety. Invest in a strong, heavy-duty lock. Also, be aware that some storage businesses allow people to drive back to their units in areas that may be dark and unmonitored - so consider how safe it is to visit your unit alone.

6 Consider insurance. Be aware that you are responsible for your belongings. See if your homeowners or renter's policy covers theft off premises, which would include your storage unit. Otherwise, consider buying insurance through the storage facility.

7 Think ahead. Make an inventory of the items you plan to put in storage. It will help you remember what you've stored. When filling the unit, leave a center aisle for easy access and store the items you're likely to need most at the front of the unit. Label boxes clearly and don't overfill them.

8 Hang on to your written agreement. You might end up storing your belongings longer than expected, so it's important not to lose track of your rental contract. This way you'll never face confusion over the type of unit you chose, the insurance coverage you might be paying for, your payment terms and rules for ending your rental agreement.

9 Understand the consequences of not paying your rent. Your belongings might end up auctioned off by the storage business if you fail to stay current with your payments. You'd likely get a phone call and a certified letter warning you about this first, but the auction can begin relatively quickly after your account becomes delinquent. And if the auction doesn't fully recover the amount due, you can still owe money.

10 Maybe it's time to move on? It never hurts to stop and ask yourself whether all that stuff in your storage unit is worth the money you're paying to store it. It can be all too easy to spend far too much cash storing items that could be thrown out or given away.

Laura T. Coffey laura@tentips.org

Sources: Moving.com; Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org); U-Haul (www.uhaul.com/tips/storage.aspx)

[Last modified August 31, 2007, 11:46:02]