If you are a senior getting ready to move to an assisted living facility, you may need to downsize first. If you are reluctant to get rid of your possessions, renting a storage facility is a great compromise. Here are five things to keep in mind to make the storage experience successful for you:
1. Declutter Before Taking Objects to Storage
Unless you are willing to pay for several storage lockers to store a lifetime worth of stuff, you need to declutter before you put anything in storage. Look at things from all angles including practical and emotional. If you are going to use something again, definitely keep it, but do not let that be your only test.
If something is important to you and you want to pass it onto a relative, you should keep it. On the other hand, you also want to ensure the emotional link with that item is not weighing you down. For instance, many people believe that if you keep the ashes of your loved ones too long that it can unnecessarily extend the grieving process.
2. Store Items You May Need at Waist Level
If you have any boxes of stuff such as holiday decorations or winter clothing that you may need to access later, store those boxes in an easy to reach spot. Ideally, they should be near the front of the storage locker on a shelf or table that is at about waist height. That allows you to reach the box easily and lift it without possible back injury from bending or stretching.
3. Include the Address of the Storage Unit with Your Will
If you pass, you do not want the contents of your storage locker to be abandoned. So that it isn't, make sure that you note the name and address of the storage facility in your will or with your other documents. That way, the executor of your estate can deal with those items and distribute them according to your wishes.
4. Store Antiques Carefully
If you are storing antique furniture or old books, you need a temperature-controlled storage facility. Store items on pallets off the ground to keep them from potential flooding, and consider adding desiccants to boxes of old books to keep away musty odors and mold.
5. Do Not Store Old Medications
If you have old medications, do not store them in your storage locker. They may expire and become no good. Instead, dispose them properly.
For more information, contact Penrith Lock-up Storage.
Share18 March 2015
After my parents passed away I inherited a lot of bulky furniture items that have been in my family for many generations. My current inner city flat is nowhere near big enough for it so I rented out a storage unit. Sometimes I head out to the storage lot just to look through it and remember them. Luckily the furniture has stayed in great condition and one day when I finally get a big family home, I'll be able to have it all on display. I spent a lot of time researching the best way to store vintage furniture long term, and it's all on my site. Enjoy!