Pros and cons of long-term storage solutions

Numerous storage facilities have opened their doors in the last couple of years. The storage business is booming and for good reason. People realize the advantages that come with placing their items in such units, be it for a few days or many years. However, long-term storage solutions have their downsides as well, and you need to know what they are before you can make an informed decision. Luckily, you can learn everything you need right here – Transparent International has create the ultimate list of pros and cons of long-term storage! 

Pros of long-term storage solutions

Understandably, placing your items in storage for a long time does have its advantages. Here are some of the most important ones to consider, whether you need storage when moving household goods overseas or when renovating your home:

Safety is the number one priority

When you put your trust in the hands of others, you want to know you made the right decision. This is especially true if you are planning on storing some valuable items in your unit. For this reason, one of the biggest advantages of long-term storage is that such units have very high security and safety measures. You should look for a facility that is equipped with cameras and that has an on-site security guard 24/7.

Moreover, alarms are a necessity in order to prevent break-ins and notify the police in case something does occur. If you are having trouble finding your perfect storage facility, don’t worry. There are many reputable international furniture movers that also offer storage solutions, so make sure to do some research.

While all of these measures are there to protect your items, they cannot be 100% effective. For this reason, it is recommended that you invest in storage insurance. This way, you will be covered in case of damage to your items for which you weren’t responsible.

Long-term storage offers the perfect conditions for your items

With the growth of the storage business, many different types and features have been developed. No matter the nature of your items, there is bound to be an ideal unit where you can safely keep it for a long time. For example, if you have any furniture or other items made of leather, it would be best to keep it in a climate-controlled storage unit. These units have thermometers where you control the temperature and the humidity inside it. This is also ideal for items such as musical instruments, artwork, documents, wooden furniture, etc. This is also a great way to store your vintage vehicle or sportscar, so make sure to handle international car transportation properly before you put it in your unit.

Furthermore, you can decide whether you want a unit with a window or not, depending on what you plan on storing inside. Also, you will likely have the option of having a drive-up unit, where you can actually drive your car straight to the unit door. While this does make access easier, it might be more exposed to theft and other factors, so think about what is more important to you.

A decluttered home

Finally, the most obvious benefit of storage for the long-term is going to be your clutter-free home. Before you place your items in storage, you should decide what is actually worth it and which things should you just throw away. By doing this, you will not only have an organized storage unit but also a clean home that is free from the trash. The next time you plan on having a spring cleaning, you will realize how little effort it will take compared to before you decided to declutter.

Additionally, by freeing up space in your home, you will feel less stressed out yourself. The things we surround ourselves with have an impact on our mental health. A clean, tidy environment will help you stay calm and focus on the tasks that you need to handle. This is especially important if you are working from home, as this is where you spend basically your entire day.

Cons of long-term storage solutions

As you can see, renting a storage unit for a longer period of time certainly has its positive sides. However, as with anything else, there are also some drawbacks. Before you make your decision, carefully weigh the pros and cons, the latter of which are:

You might neglect your items

How many times have you put something in the back of your closet and forgot about it? Well, imagine placing an item in your unit, a place which you don’t visit every day, or maybe not even every month. While some items, in this case, will be perfectly fine, such as seasonal clothes, others like those made of leather or wood might need your care. Especially if you hadn’t opted for temperature control. So carefully consider whether this is something you are ready for. Making an inventory list of all the items you placed in the unit and keeping it in a visible place might help you stay on track more easily.

It requires an investment

Although most people agree that it is worth every dime, renting a long-term storage unit does require an initial investment. Storage units are not free, and those with special features such as climate control will put an even bigger dent in your budget. So before renting one, make sure that this is something you really need and will benefit from.

Having to transfer your items to the unit

No matter how many items you plan on storing, having to move them all from your home to the unit can be a hassle. Even more so if your home is located on the other side of town or even the state. However, this downside has an easy solution – you can hire professionals to transport your items for you. Again, this type of service is not free, but it will save both time and your back and knees.