Let’s get down to the details of self-storage. Imagine playing Tetris in real life, except instead of colorful blocks falling from the sky you have to squeeze your entire collection holiday decorations, your kayak that you only use every once in a while, and perhaps even your grandmother’s old dresser, into a space which is shrinking by the second. Self-storage is a wonderful thing!
These storage units are available in all sizes and shapes. There are tiny units that barely fit your collection of Halloween costumes and huge ones where you can probably host a dance party. There’s something to suit everyone. Self-storage units can be a reliable option for anyone who is moving, downsizing or has an unavoidable attachment to all the furniture they own.
Here’s the interesting part. Some of these units have climate control. This means you don’t have to worry about your vinyl records or vintage comic books turning into papier-mache in a heatwave. Security? Fort Knox could be jealous. There are 24/7 surveillance cameras and gates with special codes. Alarms will go off even if someone sneezes close to your unit.
The prices are the next part to decode, and it feels like an ancient mystery. The prices are more volatile than a pendulum. Location matters–a lot. One unit in Manhattan’s downtown will cost an arm and leg (or even two), whereas one outside the city limits might only require a pinky. Size does matter; larger units command higher prices.
You’d assume that most people use these areas as temporary holding spaces while they figure out their lives. Nope! Some people treat them as if they were second homes, long-term relationships that don’t require commitment.
It is an art to pack your unit. Don’t be the person who just throws in everything and then realizes later that a box is hidden under a pile of boxes. Plan ahead! Label your boxes and keep things that you may need in the near future at the front.
Peace of mind is more important than just storing things away. You can feel secure knowing that your treasured possessions are protected and not taking up space in your home. Priceless. You can have your cake and eat it too. (Although you shouldn’t store the cake, as it will not end well.
What I mean is (or should i say “in storage?”? ), these units are more than just square footage for rent; they reflect our lives–ever-changing, sometimes messy, but always moving forward. Self-storage is a great way to pause as we move through the different chapters of our lives (without navigation tools, because we are keeping it human).
Next time you trip over your extra golf clubs, or wonder if you garage has shrunk (literally), remember there is a solution waiting for you. Bring your own lock, of course! Self-storage is messy. It helps us to pretend that we have everything under control, even if the units contain evidence of our packrat tendencies and indecision over which hobbies we will actually stick with this season.