Are you off on a long-term adventure and needing somewhere to store your belongings while you’re away? Perhaps you are considering having a friend or family member store your goods for you, or you’re searching online classifieds for locals advertising storage space. But have you considered the potential issues of entrusting your possessions to someone with informal arrangements?
In this blog post, we share our thoughts on why making a formal arrangement with a professional storage facility is the best option for storing your goods while you’re abroad.
1. You’ll Know Your Belongings Are Safe
When you choose to store your goods with an established storage facility, you can hand your items over without a second thought. Professional self-storage units are secure and clean – and they can even be climate-controlled if you have sensitive belongings that need a temporary home. Hiring a unit will ensure your possessions are kept in top condition, safe from potential theft.
On the other hand, any Tom, Dick or Harry can advertise for pretty much anything through online classifieds services such as Gumtree. They may have the space and offer a competitive price, but how much do you really know about this stranger? Can you really trust them with your valuable possessions? Do you know who will be coming and going in their space, putting your items at risk of theft? And do you really want that worry in the back of your mind while you are trying to enjoy your trip?
2. There Are No Deadlines or Expectations
If you decide to continue your travels for longer than expected, a good storage facility can easily extend your rental period. Strangers, friends and family members are more likely to argue that your time is up and your goods have to go!
Don’t feel guilty about wanting to enjoy your journey for longer – choose a self-storage unit and enjoy the freedom to safely store your belongings for as long as you require.
Storing with a friend or family member opens the door to potential awkwardness, too. For example, what if they have become accustomed to using your exercise bike or stereo system, but you decide to come home earlier than originally planned? That’s a recipe for tension, right there!
Also, if your flight touches down at midnight and you want your stuff back immediately, your friend or relative may not be too pleased to get a late-night knock on their door. Self-storage, meanwhile, is often accessible 24/7.
3. You Can Insure Your Items
If the stranger’s shed or your best mate’s spare room burns down or gets robbed, there’s not a lot you can do about it. The last thing you want when returning from a holiday is to find out your precious belongings have gone up in smoke!
With self-storage, you will generally have the option to add contents insurance as part of your rental period. Even though such financial protection is rarely required, it can provide valuable peace of mind so that you can focus on having a good time away.
If you’re planning a trip and contemplating where to store your belongings while you’re gone, you can trust National Storage to provide a clean and secure storage unit for you, guaranteeing superior security. Discover our affordable, flexible options here and book today. Or, see our extensive box shop to pack your goods securely here.
