Self Storage Keeps Renovation from Becoming Relocation

You’ve chosen the cabinets, selected the flooring, and found the perfect backsplash for your kitchen renovation. On top of that, you’ve decided to expand your project by adding a powder room update along with new windows and doors for the entire house. Why not? You’ll get a houseful of remodeling projects over within about six to eight weeks. Right?

Hmmm…do you have any idea what you’re facing? Without going into detail, you can most assuredly assume that you should be thinking in terms of months – not weeks. Renovation is no day at the beach – unless you’re thinking of Omaha Beach.

Should I Stay or Should I Go

Deciding whether to stay put or temporarily relocate during a difficult renovation can be a weighty decision. Should you decide to move out during the renovation, you’ll avoid the dust, drilling, noise, and strangers all over your house. The downside is the inconvenience and expense, coupled with considerable disruption, especially if you’re dealing with kids and pets.

The option of staying in your home during this project does come with one huge advantage. You can monitor the progress of the work and be sure that everything is done according to the contract. Of course, this means you will be dealing with some inconveniences along the way.

There is, however, an almost perfect solution. You can stay in your home and alleviate the mess by using safe, affordable self storage. You can protect your belongings from damage and dust, and protect yourself from insanity. Self storage is your renovation solution.

How Self Storage Controls the Renovation Mess

Items that are taking up precious space in the construction zone, as well as items that you want to keep safe, should be moved to self storage. Even the most conscientious work crew is going to create dust and cause an occasional accident.

Protect Your Belongings From Damage and Dust

During a remodeling project dust is created and accidents happen. Dust will not only coat your valuable furniture, draperies, and appliances but can cause irreversible damage to electronics. Yes, you can cover everything with tarps and old sheets to avoid the dust, but other mishaps may occur. Crowded rooms are an accident waiting to happen. Lamps and collectible items are easily broken or damaged. You could find some spare space for all of these things, but then they’re in the way and vulnerable to harm. Self storage gives you the option of keeping your items safe as well as out of the way.

Reduce Clutter

As mentioned earlier, you can move your belongings from the renovation area to another part of your home, but this will create even more disorder. Unless, of course, you don’t mind using your large appliances to create an obstacle course for your kids. You’ll enjoy making memories for months while you watch them climb all over the refrigerator and take turns pushing each other into the dryer and holding the door shut. I know you can’t wait.

Free Up Space for the Workers to Store Materials

In case you didn’t know, your house will be overrun with construction materials and equipment. The more room you can free up for the crew, the less time the renovation will take. Instead of 17 months, they might be finished in a year. Try to give them an empty room for their supplies. It can only help.

Expect the Unexpected

Plans change. Projects that were supposed to take 3 months may take 6, 9, or even 24 months (just kidding). Self storage can offer you what you need to make these surprises work: month-to-month leasing. You never have to worry about a long-term commitment, and you can always increase or reduce the size of your unit. Our professional staff is always ready to help with a creative solution.

Storage Tips

Since you’re using self storage for a short time, you don’t have to be as detailed as a long-term tenant, but you should try to be organized. Here are a few tips to help you keep it manageable.

Cover the Floor  

Before storing your boxes, place pallets on the floor. This will prevent pests and insects from gathering under your boxes.

Organize for Easy Access

Create a general plan of how you’re going to organize furniture and boxes in your unit. Put some thought into how you’ll place these items. Ideally, furniture and large appliances should be against a wall opposite the boxes. Leave space in the middle of the unit for easy access. Boxes that you’ll need to access frequently should be stored last.

Place Small Boxes/Items on Shelves

Shelves are a great option for smaller boxes and items that you may not be packing like lamps and small electrical appliances. If you place the shelves toward the front of your unit, you can easily grab things that you may need regularly.

Use Climate-Controlled Self Storage

You’ll want your belongings in a dry, dust-free environment, so look for a facility that offers climate-controlled storage. This type of storage maintains a consistent temperature throughout the seasons and will protect your temperature-sensitive items from damage or deterioration.

Look for Security

Most facilities are equipped with security systems that deter crime and protect your possessions. Look for a facility in a safe, convenient location, that is well-lit, well maintained, and features electronic gates and video surveillance. You can discuss this with the facility manager.

Conclusion

Remodeling is exciting as well as full of headaches. Give yourself one less thing to worry about by storing your possessions in a secure, affordable, convenient location. You’ll be able to live in your home, keep an eye on your project, and walk through rooms without having to maneuver through an obstacle course.