Storage Boxes and Self Storage

Making the best use of your living space requires the creative use of dead space for storage. By dead space we mean under the bed, in the closet, behind the sofa, etc. These are all great places to throw some storage boxes and keep them out of sight. But there may come a time when you just have too much stuff to store in your home. Thankfully there's an inexpensive solution for that.

Self-storage facilities offer rooms of various sizes. Rents are usually reasonable, and there are enough around that you should have no trouble finding one close to you. You pay a small monthly fee in exchange for a room that can range from 20sf to 700sf; you are the only one with the key. As long as you continue to pay your monthly rent, you have 24-hour access to your room and belongings.

A typical 30sf room is large enough for about 100 standard storage boxes. If you estimate incorrectly, don't worry; most places will let you move up or down without a penalty. For items that might be sensitive to the weather, look for an indoor heated facility or an outdoor facility with individually heated rooms. Whether indoor or outdoor, the facility you choose should have good security in place.

The only caution about using self-storage is that you be sure to pay your rent. This may seem obvious, but most people don't realize the items they are storing become collateral for the rent. If you're late a month or two you'll probably be okay as long as you get caught up. But persistently late payments could cause a default in which the landlord seizes the contents of your room and auctions it off. So just pay your bill and your storage boxes will be safe.