If you have too many items or you don’t have enough room in your home for them, a storage unit may be the best solution. Storage Units Sonoma, CA, can hold whether furniture, clothing, sports equipment, or even bicycles. In some cases, a storage unit may even be necessary if you are having guests stay for a few months. And, if you need to relocate temporarily, it may be best to store some of your furniture in a storage unit.
Climate-controlled storage units
While most items will last a certain amount of time in standard storage, some require climate-controlled storage units for extended periods. For example, wooden furniture and other wood-based items can warp and split when exposed to high temperatures, while excessive humidity can damage electronics, books, paper, and clothing. Extremes of temperature and humidity can damage even medical supplies and retail inventory. Although climate-controlled storage can be expensive, it is well worth the expense when the items you store are extremely sensitive.
What’s climate-controlled storage? Climate-controlled storage units are specially designed to keep an average temperature and humidity level stable. The temperature range in a climate-controlled storage unit is typically between 55 degrees Fahrenheit and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, close to the temperatures inside a typical home. Humidity is measured by the presence of water molecules in the air. The higher the temperature, the higher the amount of water in the air.
Business-related items
Businesses store items in storage units for a variety of reasons. Whether you need to store stock or inventory during a new business location transition, a storage unit can provide a convenient solution. However, the IRS has specific rules regarding the tax-deductibility of these costs. First, funds spent on storing business-related items can be deducted before the business’s first day of operation. Second, funds used to store business-related items after the first day of operation must be repaid over 180 months.
Personal items
The Insurance Information Institute suggests that personal items should be stored near the home to reduce the risk of theft or loss. If you intend to store expensive items, you may want to purchase scheduled property coverage, an optional addition to your home insurance policy. This type of coverage will increase your limits on high-value items not covered under the standard personal property coverage. In addition, some insurers won’t require an appraisal if you are storing valuable items in a storage unit.
While renting a storage unit, you should learn about the proper security measures for your belongings. The best facilities are enclosed with fencing, have regulated access, and an on-site office to protect the property. Check with the storage company for restrictions regarding what you can store in their units. For example, most won’t accept flammable items, but some have additional restrictions. Remember that a storage facility’s security is important to you.
Vehicles
Vehicle storage units can be profitable for self-storage operators. However, the challenges of vehicle storage are distinct. If you’re thinking of starting a vehicle storage business, it’s important to know your legal obligations and what to do in the event of a default. The most common type of vehicle storage is an outdoor spot. While this method may be cost-effective, it lacks the protection of a covered unit. A covered storage unit comes with an awning or metal roof to keep the elements out of the car. Another option is a fully enclosed garage. This type of storage is considered the safest and provides maximum protection for vehicles. In addition to awnings and metal roofs, this type of storage is typically padlocked and has a drive-up door.
