Storage Units for Long-Term Travel

If you’re planning an extended vacation for more than a few months, it’s probably not economical to keep paying rent on an apartment. That doesn’t mean you need to sell all your stuff; self storage is a perfectly viable alternative if you don’t have a place to keep your things safe.

Units come in a variety of sizes and features depending on what you need. If you have fine wood furniture or a lot of temperature-sensitive electronics, you’re going to need a climate-controlled unit. Extreme temperature and changes in humidity between winter and summer can warp wood and metal. As for space, some spaces are large enough to fit a car, while smaller, closet-sized units will do fine if you don’t have any furniture.

Safety is another concern, so make sure the storage lot is reputable and well maintained. Many homeowner and renter insurance policies will cover off-site storage protection for things like fire and theft, but for things like flooding, earthquakes and mildew, you’re on your own. Fabrics in particular are susceptible to mold, so be sure to have them thoroughly cleaned before storing. Plastic bins are useful for this as well, plus they won’t fall apart like a damp cardboard box.

Storage units can also be paid automatically with a debit card, so you won’t have anything to worry about until you get back. Having a friend to keep an eye on it is a good idea, especially if you need something sent to you. A good lot manager will also be able to handle this if need be.