Storing Items the Smart Way

Using Self-Storage For Emergency Preparedness

by Timmothy Pena

A self-storage unit is a great way for you to store things for a personal emergency or local disaster. Self-storage units can keep these items secure and accessible until you need them. It can also be a way to protect these items and place them out of harm's way. Keep reading to learn how and what to store in your self-storage unit for emergency preparedness.

Why Should One Use Self-Storage for an Emergency?

A self-storage unit can be very useful as a backup location for emergency items. Your storage unit may be more accessible if something happens to your home or you can't get to your home. You can choose to move your items to a self-storage unit in a less disaster-prone area if needed. For example, you can choose an inland self-storage unit if your region suffers from hurricanes.

Another reason why many people like self-storage units is they reduce home clutter. Keeping extras of certain bulky items, like blankets, can take up a lot of space. You can store these items and keep your home looking clean and well-managed.

What Should One Store for an Emergency in a Self-Storage Unit?

Self-storage units are great for keeping extra supplies, like first-aid items, blankets, and hygiene products. While you should keep some essentials, like bandages and disinfectant, at home, you could also keep a backup supply in your unit. Store things that you would need daily during a short-term emergency. Here are some examples:

  • Flashlights
  • Batteries
  • Waterproof matches
  • Soap
  • Spare Clothes
  • Toilet Paper
  • Gloves and boots
  • Duplicates of important papers

Some people also store items like tents, sleeping bags, and other items that can support them if they cannot go home.

What Shouldn't One Store in a Self-Storage Unit?

Most storage facilities have a list of things you cannot store in one of their units. Many of these include flammable and perishable items. These items can cause a health hazard to people or potentially damage the facility. For example, most self-storage facilities ban:

  • Flammables like gasoline
  • Paint
  • Fertilizers
  • Living things like plants and animals
  • Taxidermy items
  • Perishable food (though some packaged "survival" food may be OK)
  • Firearms and explosives

A self-storage unit is not only great for emergency preparedness but also other items. If something happens to your home, you can use self-storage to keep your things safe while you look for a new place. Self-storage also keeps your home clutter-free. You will have several unit sizes to choose from. When you are ready to store your items, contact a self-storage facility for a tour.

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