At Cuboid we pride ourselves on providing a flexible self-storage solution on your terms starting from as little as one month at a time. However, sometimes you need a longer-term storage solution. You might be moving abroad, need to store seasonal belongings year-round, or keep large items safe outside the home indefinitely.

If that’s you, you need to think about your storage needs slightly differently. Read on to find out what we think you should consider when choosing a long-term self-storage provider.

Self storage location and access

This is always an important consideration, but especially so if you are storing belongings for the long term. You need to choose somewhere that is easily accessible both now and in the future when you may not know exactly where you will be.

This means locations on the outskirts of town and city centres which are easily accessible by car, as opposed to city centre locations which may be tougher to get in and out of. Considering this at the start and selecting the right place can save you a lot of time and effort in the long run.

Finally, if you don’t know when you will be coming back to claim your possessions, make sure to choose a facility which is open seven days a week so that you won’t run into any unexpected difficulties in the future.

Security and storage units

Leaving your belongings with a third party for the long haul is a big step and you should make sure that you are satisfied with the security arrangements. Reputable self-storage facilities will have comprehensive CCTV coverage, access controls of some kind and even a 24-hour security presence in some cases.

Your individual storage unit should have its own further security arrangements including a container-grade padlock. Many will come with a secure lockbox included too in case you have anything particularly valuable you want to keep in it.

Cleaning, proper packing and climate control

It goes without saying that you want to keep your items in the best condition possible when storing them. In the case of long-term storage, there are steps you can take to give yourself the best chance. Firstly, make sure that your belongings are clean, especially if you are storing appliances. Removing dirt will help stop mildew growth which can cause damage.

Secondly, you should pack everything in sturdy cardboard boxes rather than any plastic layers. Plastic can trap moisture which leads to mould, mildew and other negative effects.

Finally, choose a facility where the containers are fitted to provide climate control. For example, Cuboid containers are all designed to provide thorough ventilation to keep condensation and humidity down at all times. Considering these measures will make sure that what you are storing stays in good shape.

Pricing and contracts

Finally, we would recommend that you make sure to get clarity on how the pricing and contracts work before committing your belongings to a storage provider for the long term. With regard to pricing, the last thing you want is to be surprised down the line by a big increase that you weren’t expecting.

When it comes to contracts, you should look for a flexible option that doesn’t tie you down. If you’re not sure how long you need the storage for, a rolling contract may be your best bet. You can choose a provider like Cuboid which will conduct all business electronically including the signing of contracts so that you don’t need to visit your belongings to make any changes.

Want to learn more about Cuboid self-storage and renting storage near you? Click here today to find out more and get in touch with the team.

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