Are you looking for a convenient, secure, and affordable way to store your belongings for an extended period of time? With plenty of facilities located in the heart of your city, finding reliable long-term storage has never been easier. Below we will discuss the pros and cons, pricing, and the differences between short and long term. I will also share my experience with the long term storage near me.
Map of Long Term Storage Near Me
See the map below for “long term storage near me”…
What is Long Term Storage?
It’s a convenient way to store items such as seasonal furniture, extra clothing, or even documents that are not needed in the near future. These facilities provide a safe and secure environment for your belongings while preserving them over a long period of time.
Pros and Cons of Long Term Storage
Using a long-term storage facility has many benefits, but there are also some downsides to consider before making a decision. The pros include:
- Secure environment – your items will be kept safe in the secure facilities offered at most storage locations.
- Affordable prices – the cost of long-term storage is usually lower than renting a self-storage unit.
- Convenient location – most facilities are located in the heart of your city, making them easy to access.
The downsides include:
- Limited access – since you’re storing items for an extended period of time, you won’t be able to access them as often.
- Potential damage – without proper climate control, your items could suffer from prolonged exposure to the elements.
- Unforeseen costs – unexpected fees or charges may arise if stored items are damaged or lost.
How Long Is Considered “Long Term”?
The definition of “long term” varies from one storage facility to another. Generally speaking, long-term storage is considered any storage period that lasts longer than two weeks but shorter than a year.
Pricing for Long Term Storage
The cost of long-term storage varies depending on several factors such as size, location, and duration of storage.
Generally speaking, the longer you store your items the lower the rate per month will be. In addition to this, some facilities may offer discounts or promotions for signing long-term contracts.
For more info, read this article about storage prices from Consumer Affairs.
What Happens If I Fail to Pay?
If you fail to pay your storage fees, the facility may take legal action against you. Depending on where you live and the specifics of your contract, this could involve late payment fees or even repossession of stored items.
It’s important to always be aware of how much you owe and make sure that payments are made on time. Some facilities will enfore a lockout policy.
Can They Access the Unit Without Me Present?
No, the facility cannot access the unit without your presence or consent. You will need to provide authorization to allow them to enter and remove any items if necessary.
Additionally, some facilities may require a deposit before allowing access.
What Happens If I Sign a Long Term Contract and Need to Cancel?
Most long-term storage contracts are non-cancelable, meaning you can’t just walk away if your circumstances change.
However, most facilities will allow you to cancel the contract with a written notice and return of all stored items. In some cases, you may be subject to a penalty fee for early termination of the agreement. It’s important to read through the terms and conditions of the contract before signing.
Do I Need Special Insurance?
Most long-term storage facilities offer basic insurance packages that will cover your items in the event of theft, fire, or other damage. However, this coverage is usually limited and doesn’t always provide enough protection.
It’s a good idea to get supplemental insurance from an outside insurer to protect valuable items such as jewelry, furniture, electronics, and art. This way, you can rest assured that your items will be fully covered in the event of an accident.
Also Read: Do I Need Storage Unit Insurance?
Short Term Storage vs Long Term Storage
While there are similarities between short and long-term storage, there are also important differences that should be taken into consideration.
Short-term storage is usually used to store items for a much shorter duration of time and it’s often more expensive than long-term storage. Short-term facilities may lack the same level of security as longer-term ones.
Can I Store a Vehicle Long Term?
Yes, you can store a vehicle in a long-term storage facility. Many facilities offer specialized services such as climate-controlled units or outdoor parking spaces for cars, boats, and even motorhomes. It’s important to check the specific terms of each facility before committing to storing your vehicle long term.
Are There Temperature Controlled Options?
Yes, there are temperature controlled units available at many storage facilities.
These units provide a consistent climate to help protect your items from the elements and ensure their longevity. They may come with additional costs, so make sure to find out the prices before signing up for a unit.
Also Read: When to Consider Temperature Controlled Storage
My Experience with Long Term Storage Near Me
I recently had a great experience with the long term storage near me. I was doing a big-time size of my house and I had stuff I couldn’t sell in time. The problem was that I really wasn’t ready to part ways with my things and I just wanted to hold them for a while.
Since I was looking for a long term option, I signed a lease for a year instead of a pay-as-you-go option. The longer-term lease saves me about $200 a year.
The facility was clean and secure, the prices were very affordable, and the staff were incredibly helpful and professional.
They answered all my questions about the different types of storage solutions they offer and gave me a tour of the facility so I could get a better idea of how everything worked. Overall, it was a great experience and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for this kind of storage.
Conclusion
Long term storage is a convenient and secure way to store your belongings for an extended period of time. With plenty of facilities located in the heart of your city, finding reliable storage has never been easier. Be sure to do some research and shop around to find the best prices and services for your needs. That’s my experience with the storage solution.