When to Use Climate Controlled Self Storage

If you haven't had to purchase additional storage before, then you might be wondering when to use climate controlled self storage. In most cases, this option is more expensive than a regular storage unit and in some cases, you don't really need it. On the other hand, it could be exactly what you need to keep your items safe and secure. If money is not an issue, then choosing climate controlled self storage would always be preferential because these units tend to be better maintained. If you are still on the fence and don't know which option is right for you, then understanding when to use climate controlled self storage is essential. Here is a closer look at some of the variables that you need to consider before making your final decision.

1. What Are You Storing
The first thing that you need to consider is what you will actually be storing. In most cases, climate controlled storage units are particularly helpful if you are storing items that do not enjoy extreme temperature changes or varying levels of moisture/humidity. For example, if you are storing a couch, then you don't want it getting moist in a regular storage unit because it may never dry out. This not only leads to a wet couch, but is also a breeding ground for mold. On the other hand, if you are only storing plastic kids toys and lawn equipment, controlling the climate is probably much less important. If you only have a handful of items that need to be in a climate controlled storage unit, consider getting two small units (one with climate control and one without) to save money.

2. How Are You Storing It
Along with thinking about what you are storing, you also need to think about how it is being stored. If everything is being stored in air-tight plastic containers, then they will make sure that moisture is not a problem. In this case, a climate controlled self storage unit may not be necessary. However, if you are storing everything in cardboard boxes or boxes without lids, then the risk of damage from moisture or temperature changes is much more likely. There is nothing worse than getting ready to clean out your storage unit, only to find out the bottom of your cardboard boxes have become brittle from the moisture.

3. Overall Value
Another thing to consider is the overall value of what you are storing. If your storage unit is a simple catch-all, then you may not have anything of great value in it. On the other hand, if it has furniture, antiques, or more valuable items, then the additional expense of getting a climate controlled self storage unit would normally be considered a wise investment. Not only will this keep them safer in general, but self storage companies tend to carry higher insurance to cover any problems that would arise if their equipment malfunctioned and stopped controlling the climate, even for a very short amount of time.

In the end, deciding when to use climate controlled self storage is all about assessing risk. If you are storing items that are at little risk of damage, regardless of the temperature or moisture level, then a climate controlled unit is much less important. On the other hand, if your items can be easily damaged then shelling out a few extra bucks for climate control is a very smart investment.

The Pros and Cons of Using a Moving Company

If you are about to move, there are more options available today than ever before. You can do it yourself, use a moving company, use a moving/storage container, and much more. With so many different options available, hiring a traditional moving company is still the most common option, however it may not fit every situation. Here is a closer look at the pros and cons of using a moving company.

Pros of Using a Moving Company

Time
A moving company can get everything loaded and unloaded much faster than you can. Not only do you get several people to help you move, but they move items all of the time, which makes them extremely efficient. This will not only make it easier to move in a single day, but can also save money by limiting how long you have to rent a moving truck.

Coverage
Another benefit of using a moving company is that your items are covered in the event that they are damaged. Professional moving services will replace or fix any damage that they cause. The only exception is that if they tell you that an item is not packaged properly. They will then give you the option to repackage it or have them move it anyways.

Stress
If there is one thing that moving does for everyone, it raises the stress level. Hiring a moving company is a great way to eliminate one of the largest stressors of the entire relocation process. Depending on what level of service you purchase, you can even have them pack and unpack all of your items for you.

Cons of Using a Moving Company

Personal Space
Some people simply don't like other people touching their stuff. If you fall into this category, then there is a chance that hiring a moving company will actually cause more stress than doing it yourself.

Risk
One potential drawback is that there is always some risk that you will hire a moving company that isn't professional. Fortunately, there are hundreds of online reviews that will let you know how they treated other people. While this doesn't eliminate the risk entirely, does minimize it greatly.

Schedule
Another potential drawback is scheduling. If you move things yourself or use a pods-like storage container, you can set your own schedule and move whenever it is convenient for you. With a moving company, you need to find a single block of time, normally 3+ hours, in which the moving company can take care of everything.

Cost
The biggest reason that people don't consider hiring a moving company is cost. In most cases, it will be several hundred dollars for the basic package, with even more added on if extra time is needed.

Once you take a closer look at the pros and cons of using a moving company and compare that to all of your other options, it should be pretty clear which choice is right for you. Most people could benefit from using a moving company, but it is not a one size fits all solution.