Do you need to rent a storage space?

This article is reprinted from Wine Country Real Estate, a special advertising section of The Press Democrat.

At first glance, renting a storage space might seem like a good idea if you have overrun the space at your current home, are downsizing to a smaller home, or need to store things during a move; but is it really necessary? Rather than just saying yes or no, let's approach the problem from an organizer's perspective to see if the idea makes sense given your particular situation.

Why are you storing it?

There are 3 reasons to store things:

You don't have enough room at your current space

You need a safe place to put things during a move

You need to store things during the downsizing process to go through later

Do you fit into that any of those categories? If so then you should consider renting a unit.

Consider the actual value of your stuff

Items going in storage should be ones that have survived the purging process and simply don't have a place in your current home, or need to be stored while you move. Anyone who has seen 'Storage Wars' or a similar program understands that often times a storage unit is more like a junk receptacle. But it doesn't make sense to pay to store junk!

Let's put this in perspective; how much is your stuff worth to you? Let's say you are renting a storage unit for $100 per month. That means each year your stuff is going to cost you $1200. While that might not be that much to some people, the value is very dependent on exactly what it is you are storing.

For people who need a long-term space to store things they lack room for at home are these items with sentimental value or have high value and are worth keeping? You need to be able to justify the money you spend compared to the value of what you are storing. Old books, clothes you will never wear, old electronics and other things you will never use should never even make it to the storage facility. These are garage sale or donation fodder and not worth the time or expense of moving and storing.

Finding the right space for you

Consider how much you have. You want to rent a unit that will fit your stuff and have a little extra space so you can move around inside the unit. Don't make the mistake of getting the smallest unit possible and stacking your stuff in like it's a Tetris game. While that is very admirable for saving money, you end up having to empty half the unit just to get to a box in the back.

Research different facilities. Location should not be the deciding factor because this is not a place you will be visiting regularly. Opt for even an extra 10 minute drive for more safety and security of your possessions. Check the reviews of the facilities on Google Places and Yelp to get some insight. Look at gate hours and office hours to ensure a facility is convenient to your needs. Look at additional factors such as inside units, climate-controlled spaces, drive-up or walk up accessibility, and security.

Call the front-runners. Take the time to call each of your top choices. Ask to see potential units you would rent. Also make sure to ask about deals and discounts, length of contract, and what happens if you miss a payment. Finally, ask how often they raise rates as some facilities draw you in with a low rate then bump it up 3 months down the road.

Visit the finalists. Before making a final decision, take the time to visit each facility you are considering. Drive around the neighborhood, walk the inside of the facility, and get a feel for each location and how comfortable you are with it. Prior to signing, ask to take any contracts home to review at your leisure rather than feeling rushed on the spot. That way you can consider all factors for each unit before signing on the dotted line.

Tips for protecting your stuff

There are certain steps everyone should consider when storing items at a storage unit. Hopefully at this point you are only considering items that have value to you. So by that logic, taking additional steps to ensure they are kept safe and secure makes perfect sense. Here is a list of tips:

Secure with a Padlock – Always use your own padlock even if the facility provides one. Spend a little money on something sturdy just like you would for your own home.

Disassemble big stuff – Tables, beds and other large items should be taken apart if possible.

Put 'Most used' in last – Items you will need access regularly should be packed last near the door.

Leave an aisle – Try and leave an aisle right through the middle of your unit you can walk through. This will make getting items much easier if needed.

Protect Furniture – Place mattresses and soft furniture like couches and arm chairs on pallets and wrap with plastic to protect them.

Protect Breakables – Use dresser drawers as a place for folded clothes and breakable items.

Stacking Boxes – Stack boxes on top of furniture with heavier boxes on the bottom and lighter on top.

Cover it – Buy a plastic drop cloth from a hardware store to go across the top of all your items like a tent. This is an extra precaution in case of leaks in the ceiling or roof.

Rat poison – Unfortunately storage facilities can be home to various vermin. Placing some rat bait in your unit is a smart way to deter unwanted visitors.

Bug spray – Before moving in it might be worthwhile to spray the walls and corners with all-purpose bug spray to cut down on the possibilities of new friends taking up residence in your space.

For some people, renting a storage space is a necessity. If you are going to use one, make sure to carefully consider the points we have outlined here to ensure your property is well taken care of.