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What to Look for in a Secure Storage Unit

By National Van Lines
07/03/2020

Selecting a storage unit while preparing for a move across the country isn’t something you do by flipping a coin.

You’ve invested time and money in preserving and purchasing your belongings. Therefore, it pays to carefully choose the right storage facility to protect those prized possessions.

That’s certainly not something a heads-or-tails toss can decide.

Storage solutions

As a cautionary tale of what might go wrong, consider the supersized theft of one man’s superhero-themed collection from a Las Vegas storage facility. Thieves made off with $100,000 worth of rare comic books, including a sizeable Spider-Man collection.

Granted, this heist represents one of the more dramatic examples of a storage situation going south. But you don’t have to be robbed to the tune of six figures to suffer a storage snafu.

Avoid getting tangled in a potentially costly web of intrigue that would snag even Peter Parker’s attention. Select the right storage site and parameters for your needs and ensure it features state-of-the-art security measures.

Meet your needs

Depending on your situation, you might not be able to exclude storage from the picture when answering the question, “how much does it cost to move?”

Our network of agents can coordinate safe, clean and secure storage solutions for any moving scenario. Whether you need to store a few extra furniture items or your entire office, we provide moving-and-storage options matched to your needs.

Before considering the overall cost of moving, however, ask yourself some additional questions. “Do I need storage?” “If so, how long?” “Should I declutter before stowing stuff?” “Would this be a good time to give my kids some of my belongings?”

Once you’ve sorted out those questions, know that as full-service movers, National Van Lines has cross-country moving companies located throughout the United States (and the globe) ready to help you sort out your situation.

Accurate estimate

Time is perhaps the greatest determinant of how to approach your unique storage situation. Accurately estimate how long your belongings will be stored. Compare that cost with your items’ value.

When combined with the long-distance moving process, storage typically is temporary. Families might choose this option while waiting to finalize a home purchase. Or, other issues could prohibit an immediate move-in.

Renting storage for a few days or weeks can prove helpful in these situations. However, think carefully about storing items for an indeterminate duration. The cost quickly can exceed the worth of your belongings.

ID your discards

Are you moving items you’re not likely to use? Switching on your internal auto-pilot button and packing belongings in a box can seem easier than deciding whether to keep or let go of items—but resist that temptation. Seriously consider the long-term implications of holding onto stuff you really don’t need (or want): crowded real estate and excess expenditures. Translation: cluttered rooms and wasted money.

Some individuals rent storage units simply because they own extra stuff that’s still usable—even if it’s questionable whether they’ll use those items ever again. A kitchenware item might still have life left in it, but that doesn’t mean you’ll actually need it in the future. Make sure items you’re storing will serve a real purpose once you take them out of storage. If you’re moving furniture across country, are you going to use that not-so-pristine chaise in your new home? If possessions will only occupy space in your home, selling or donating them before your interstate move is a better solution than paying to store them.

Best candidates

The best candidates for rented storage units are those either needing short-term, everyday-item storage or long-term storage of large, expensive items.

You need to consider how much it would cost to replace your items and how much longer you expect those items to last. You might plan to use some of the items in the future, but ask yourself whether they’ll be too old to use when you take them out of storage. Balance replacement vs. storage costs.

Indoor or outdoor?

Indoor vs. outdoor storage units are suited to different items. Choosing the right one for your needs can save you money. Are you storing large items, such as machinery or a vehicle? Less-expensive outdoor storage probably is best. Stowing only household items? An indoor storage unit fits the bill.

Whichever decision you make, National Van Lines is incredibly flexible on the time length needed to store your items. We have indoor facilities for short-term, long-term or anything in-between. We offer secure, climate-controlled facilities. Whether you’re seeking storage-in-transit or temporary warehouse storage, we have you covered.

Secure surroundings

When it comes to moving and storing your property, security is key. (Remember the Spidey heist?) At National Van Lines, we provide the latest in security technology at all of our facilities. Plus, we inventory, tag and pad your treasures before placing them in a storage vault.

We can also provide climate-controlled solutions so you’ll relax knowing your delicate and fragile items are properly protected while in our care.

National Van Lines promises reliable inventory, secured locations and long- or short-term arrangements for pickup and delivery. Whether you need to store a household item, business asset or any other items, National Van Lines can provide you with a secure moving and storage solution.

We service many areas throughout the United States. Find storage facilities near you by using our website’s handy location-finder. To find out more about our state-of-the-art moving and storage services, contact National Van Lines today: 877.590.2810.