Is storage something you are considering for your property? As someone moves from a bigger house into a smaller apartment or townhouse, they may not be willing to part with belongings that will not fit into the new place. For a brief time, some people need a place to keep their stuff while they do not have a permanent home, and are in the search for one. Maybe you've got no storage space in your new apartment, and need a place to put your skis in the summer, and golf clubs in the winter. Whatever the reason, you're entrusting your valuable goods with a storage company.

What if something happens?

Will your home insurance cover your belongings in a storage facility? There is a limited amount of coverage for stored belongings, and about a month is the typical maximum time allotted. Often, a "storage rider" can be added to provide limited coverage, for an extra charge.

Ask your insurance agent about what you are covered for if you choose to store items at a storage facility. Check the duration of coverage that is available, and what specifically is included for loss or damages.

Some Advice if Choosing to Store Property

Professionals who work in the industry have these crucial pieces of advice in this area:

The most obvious consideration is location. Items that may be required soon should be at the front of the locker. Other items that have no immediate usage should be kept near the rear. It's a good idea to leave a clear space in the center, to make it easier to get to things. Put more valuable items at the back (harder for thieves to get to!).

For better air flow around your property, using pallets on the floor will accomplish this nicely. If the air has space to flow, it will be more dry. Walls can develop condensation so try to leave some room between your items and the walls.

Try to fully use the space. Remove legs and store tabletops and sofas on end. Fill empty spaces in furniture and appliances with small items.

Since books are so heavy, using a box that is small makes more sense. Books should be packed flat in order to prevent spine damage. It is a good idea to wrap some of your more important papers and books in plastic, and then to put into a box. Because of this, the damage from moisture will be prevented.

Expensive items like furniture should be packed with padding or wraps to ensure they are safe from scratches. Dust can collect in boxes, so to stop this, use packing tape to seal them up. Boxes can tip over, or be crushed from the pressure if they are not packed right, so be sure that they are not too empty or full. To protect photos from curling up, they can be placed between cardboard strips and taped together.

Use a pallet underneath your mattress, which should be stored on end, as this will increase the flow of air around it. It should also be protected with a bag designed for mattresses. To ensure air flow, leave any plastic coverings open at the top.

Use bubble wrap and plenty of crumpled up paper to pack computers, electronic equipment, and camera equipment, especially if you don't have their original boxes. Styrofoam is not a good option for electronics since it can cause damage if it breaks down.

Make sure that you write the word "Fragile" on any boxes that have breakable electronics or other things, and make sure that limited weight placed on them.

Having a higher quality lock will make your storage locker much more secure. And don't forget to lock up when you leave.