Do you plan to leave your belongings behind while you travel for an extended period of time? This is an exciting prospect for most people, whether they're fresh out of college or enjoying their retirement. But what should you do with your belongings? The cheapest option for many travelers is to store them in the home or garage of a friend or family member. But should you do this? Or should you opt for a self-storage unit?
Here are a few of the many reasons why you may want to get your own storage facility.
1. You Won't Get Kicked Out
Any time you rely on the goodness of others, you run the risk that they won't always be available to help. Even well-meaning family or friends might lose a job and have to move, sell their home, need the spare room to house their own adult child, or simply run out of storage space. Even worse, your relationship can sour while you're gone, leaving you with a bunch of items for which you have no home.
When you contract with a reputable and stable self-storage facility, you enter a business contract that's not subject to these whims. You sign a contract and as long you pay for the unit and avoid violating any rules, you can count on them for as long as needed.
2. It Fits Your Belongings Properly
Long-term storage calls for better storage methods than short-term packing. One important component of stability and safety for your belongings is having a space that fits them. Shoving too much into too tight of a space — whether it be a friend's closet or part of your parent's garage — could easily result in bending, breakage, and falling. Storage units come in many shapes and sizes, so you can find the perfect size for all your items.
3. It's Protected and Secured
When you can't be there to watch over your belongings, you need someone you can rely on. Self-storage units are covered by professional security, including cameras, gates, alarms, and patrols. There are live staff members on the premises to handle emergencies most or all of the time. Your unit and the things inside will be protected from rain, wind, and snow. The space is sturdy and reliable.
4. You Can Manage It Remotely
Storage units are a good choice for today's travelers. You can usually pay online or even get a deal for paying in advance. The facilities often allow you to name authorized users who can enter the property with a code. And because you provide your own lock, you may share a key or a code for the lock with someone who will be staying behind.
All this means that you can manage the unit from anywhere in the world. And someone can enter the unit on your timetable and without bothering any relatives or friends. You can better protect your privacy and you won't feel like you're imposing on a good friend or relative's generosity.
5. You Don't Have to Purge
Some long-term travelers want to get rid of everything, but others are hesitant to do so. Are you not yet ready to commit to getting rid of some of your items? Do you have a sentimental attachment to many things? Don't have time to carefully purge your home before leaving? Whatever the reason, renting your own space allows you to get the size and shape you need rather than squeeze into the limits of what someone else can offer.
Where to Start
Ready to start planning your own storage area before your big trip? Begin by touring the secure facilities at Tysons Self Storage. We have an array of options to meet any traveler's size and budget needs. Stop by or call today to learn more.
