Short Term Storage versus Long Term Storage

When you decide to place your belongings in storage you will need to decide how long you will need them to be stored for. This means that you will need to decide whether to make use of a facility that offers short term storage or one that offers long term storage.

Nobody likes the idea of collecting their goods and finding that damage has been sustained while they have been in storage. This means that you have to choose the storage facility carefully especially if you intend storing your items for an extended period of time.

There are a number of different things to consider when you investigate storage options available to you that will help you make an informed choice. There are some storage facilities that cater more for short term storage rather than for long term storage needs . Those that cater for short term storage usually do not have climate control and tend to make use of a warehouse facility, which obviously means that your goods will not be stored separately from the belongings of other people.

If you need your goods to be stored for the long term a private unit is a better option. Private units will allow you to ensure that your goods are stored more securely. Some private units are also not climate controlled so you will need to determine if this is a requirement for you or not. Generally speaking, climate controlled units are more expensive but if your good require this then spending a bit more is obviously going to be necessary.

Certain items require climate control, such as clothing and drapery. Before you store fabric items you should first have them cleaned. Cleaning them is more about protecting them against insects than about ensuring they are spotless for storage. All fabric items need to be wrapped in a suitable wrapping material and should be packed loosely to keep them dry and free of moisture.

If high humidity is a concern simply place some calcium chloride packets into the storage container itself. This will help to absorb moisture and so protect your items. Silica gel also works well in this regard.

Before you choose the facility, whether it be for short term storage or long term storage, ensure that you thoroughly investigate the security of the facility. Make sure that you do so both during the day and the night. Look out for adequate lighting, secure locking mechanisms, on-site security, surveillance, etc. Also find out about the facility’s safety protocols in the event of fire, such as whether they have smoke alarms and sprinkler systems in place.

Be sure to choose a facility for your short term storage or long term storage needs that meets all your requirements, whether these be climate control, private storage options, and/or security.

If you know what you need to keep an eye out for you will be able to choose the right facility for your storage needs and therefore limit the risk of damage and disappointment that might arise in the future. After all, you deserve to have peace of mind knowing that your goods are safe, secure, and will be in the same condition they were when you decided to store them.

Marisa Momberg is the marketing manager at Bettermoves a Johannesburg Removal company. For additional informatiin relation to in relation to our removals, moving or relocating please visit our website

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