Prepare Your Belongings For Storage During Your Deployment

Going on deployment brings about a great deal of stress and other concerns. The last thing you want to add to your already long list of concerns is a worry about the belongings that you've left behind. You need to have confidence that your belongings will be in just as great of condition when you return as they were when you left. Before you leave for deployment, learn some helpful storage tips that can help ensure your belongings are protected.

Perform an Inventory

Set aside some time to look through your belongings before you place them in storage. Even if you have a climate-controlled unit, there are certain items you don't want to put in the storage unit. For example, make sure you don't have any food items, even if they are nonperishable. Insects and rodents have a keen sense of smell and can detect even the tiniest trace of food. As a result, you could return to a storage unit infested with rodents. 

Establish Autopay

Arrange for autopay for your monthly storage payment. When you're away in another country, there is no guarantee that you will also have access to a phone or the internet to pay your bill. Auto pay ensures that your statement is paid on time each month. If you are not comfortable with setting up autopay, you may be able to prepay for the total period of storage. If you speak with the attendant about your plans, they should be able to work out an arrangement for you.

Enlist the Help of a Friend

Contact a close friend who is willing to visit the unit for you from time to time. Having the help of a friend is especially helpful if you plan to put your car in storage. Your friend could come to the lot around once a month to turn the car on for you. Even if you're not worried about a vehicle, having a friend look at the unit is a great way to ensure your belongings are protected. 

Purchase Insurance

Invest in an insurance policy for your stored belongings. Self-storage spaces do everything in their power to ensure safety, but the reality is that anything can happen. An insurance policy will ensure you're covered in the event of damages from a fire, break-in, flood, or another mishap. If you already have insurance assure the policy will cover your belongings in storage. If not, you can purchase a separate policy from the storage company. 

Ensure you choose your storage facility wisely. When you're thousands of miles away from home serving your country, you need to have confidence that your belongings are going to be okay.

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