How to Store and Insure Your Stuff: A Guide

We live in a time where the economy is booming. People are getting more and more stuff, but storage space isn’t increasing at the same rate. This means that many people are storing their property in less than ideal places – garages, basements, sheds. These spaces have inherent risks for damage due to weather, theft or other natural disasters. 

The facility of renting self-storage has now increased, and if you’re looking for reserving a storage unit online, I would suggest you consider the platform FindStorageFast. It offers impressive storage options wherein you can store your valuable belongings with greater peace of mind. In the section below, we will discuss the tips to keep your belongings insured against any risk.

Let’s take a look at these tips.

• First, downsize

If you’re not living in it, don’t store it. If any items aren’t immediately needed for your new place, sell them or donate them to charity.

• Document your stuff

Many people will purchase a serial number database and ensure that they store this information in multiple places. If anything were to happen, you could quickly access your list of items along with the corresponding serial numbers to help authorities identify what was taken

• Protect your valuables and other critical possessions by insuring them

While homeowners or renters insurance may cover damage to your possessions in a fire, flood, theft, etc., it is best to protect yourself by getting separate coverage.

• Use labels

Labels can be written on boxes with a permanent marker. Sometimes using the wrong title is worse than not having one at all because you could end up giving away or dumping something valuable, like jewellery or electronics, instead of keeping it safe and secure for your next move.

• Sort storage areas by frequency of use

For the storage areas that you use most frequently, such as your garage or basement, keep items in bins and create a bedtime for them. Each bin should contain only one type of item (such as gardening equipment) to help you find things quickly.

• Plan for rotation

If you do not use it or are afraid of theft or damage to your property, put it in storage. A good rule of thumb is that if you have items worth more than $500-$1000 and they are not being used regularly (e.g., furniture), those should be stored as well.

• Look at storage solutions

There are many different storage solutions available. Think about what you will need and where and how often you plan on accessing your items. Some people like to rent a small unit that they access once or twice per year; others prefer to store their items in the basement of an apartment building for easy access whenever needed.

• Store like with like

Store your stuff in bins or boxes that are the same size as each other. This way, it will be easier to find what you’re looking for when you need something specific.

• Pay careful attention to unique goods

These are things that you can’t get anywhere else, like an old violin or a rare coin collection. If they’re lost or stolen, the value of your insurance claim is likely to be much higher than usual.

• Use containers

If you need to store your items for an extended period, use containers with lids. This way, if the item is exposed to rain or moisture, it will be protected from damage and corrosion.

The Bottom Line

Ultimately, you can make your own decisions about how much insurance and storage is worth to you. Just be aware of the costs associated with each option so that you’re less likely to get ripped off by a shady business or company.