Whatever your reason for needing mini storage—seasonal clothing, document storage, staging your cramped New York apartment for a sale, gap time between moves, downsizing or you are soon to be upsizing —there are several factors to consider when choosing what to store as well as the right storage facility in nyc.

1. Assess your inventory:

   When deciding whether to store your items, consider what you really need to keep, what can go and what may be needed some day. Storing only what you really need should reduce storage costs. Divide your belongings into three categories: items to be put into storage, items you will keep at home, and items to be sold, donated, or thrown away. After you make your final decision regarding the items, think about how to dispose of everything you have decided you don't need and will not store. Throw the items out, give them away, or donate them to various charities. If storing with The Box Butler, we can pick-up and deliver - AT NO CHARGE- your good quality clothing, books and other small or soft usable items in good condition to Housing Works for sale in their thrift shops. We will then send you the stamped donation receipt for tax deduction purposes.    The Box Butler is a proud supporter of Housing Works – the largest community-based AIDS organization in the US providing services to homeless and low income children/adults living with HIV/AIDS in New York City.

2. In self-storage Size matters:

   How much storage space do you need? If using a traditional self-storage facility, are room sizes available that fit your needs or are they just too large or small? It’s best to opt for a smaller storage unit and pack it to the ceiling rather than pay for space you’re not using. At The Box Butler you only pay for the actual amount of space you use - based upon the cubic feet dimensions your items take up. As you increase your space needs we have volume discounts that decrease your monthly cubic foot cost. This also allows you the ability to increase and decrease your storage requirements as your needs change, and always be “storage right-sized”.

3. Mobile storage service vs. self-storage:

   Have you considered a mobile storage service? With mobile storage service, like The Box Butler, large or small sturdy portable storage containers of various dimensions are dropped off at your home, you pack it and lock it. The containers are then whisked away to our secure, climate controlled facility. For items that do not fit into our containers or if storing your own boxes – we can store that too. We can provide everything you will need to pack – from corrugated bubble wrap, white paper, shrink wrap to moving blankets for proper transport and storage protection – and you never have to leave the comfort of your own home. No moving boxes down stairs, no Manhattan traffic no moving van. Storage pick-up or delivery is only a phone call (or email) away.

4. Mobile Storage

   


   When using Mobile Storage Services take the time to set- up a clear and easy identification system for yourself as well as the mobile storage company. It can be as simple as a piece of blue painters tape affixed to the outside of your box with a descriptive label such as “Jane’s Travel Books” or “College Mementos”. If you are using The Box Butler Containers, we provide serialized locks and inventory forms where you can record the same information or affix a label to the box.

5. Self Storage or Mini Storage

   If self-storage is your choice, consider a facility close to home. This will save money and time if you make frequent visits by minimizing all that travel time. Find out how the space can be used – can/do people work from their units? Is there security staff present at all times? Are there video cameras and who monitors them? Would you feel comfortable visiting at off-hours? Are ALL parts of the storage space climate controlled? Is there a minimum contract for rental? Are interior walls between spaces secure? Are security cameras able to see in the dark? What is the neighborhood like around the storage space? Are there any tolls between your home and the Storage unit? These are all considerations that can affect your wallet as well as your storage items.

6. Price:

   The cost of renting storage depends on size, storage period, and any special needs. Special offers and discounts from the storage facilities will be fewer during busy periods, and storage companies offer incentives to commit to a longer rental period. You’ll often find deals for the first month free or other incentives for long term storage. 
When you consider price, don’t forget to find out if the company will provide free pick-up, a free move or free truck. Then, how do you get your stuff to and from the facility. For mobile storage, know your delivery and pick-up rates. For traditional self storage understand how and at what cost it will be to come and go to your unit. Make sure that you get a complete breakdown of all applicable charges; and make sure that there are no “hidden” charges. These can include: monthly deposit, lock and key charge, early termination fee and electricity usage among others.

7. Insurance: Storage insurance is an important issue to consider, especially if you plan to store high-value items. Most storage companies offer insurance either through an independent company such as Baders or they offer storage insurance directly to their tenants as an optional fee. In most cases they will either offer full replacement value or limited liability, which covers as little as 60 cents per pound per article. This means if your storage handlers damage your 10-pound stereo that cost you $1,000, you would only receive $6 in compensation.
Make sure you fully understand how the storage insurance they are offering will cover any potential damage in cases such as fire, flood, etc. Also, check with your own agent to see if your renters insurance or homeowners insurance will cover you.

8. Building Conditions and Temperature Control:

   Be sure all employees are bonded and the facilities are properly alarmed with direct access response monitoring to police and fire. Be sure storage facilities are not in a flood zone or housed in old building with dated plumbing or sprinkler systems. If using Mobile Storage the warehouse should be fully racked and you should ask if it is air conditioned or not. For long term storage or high value items we strongly recommend you use a climate controlled storage unit or facility with moderate temperature fluctuation. Climate control maintains a steady temperature of 55–80° using central air conditioning and heat. Maintaining a controlled environment prevents:

   • Warping, cracking and splitting
   • Rust, yellowing and corrosion
   • Mold, mildew and bacteria overgrowth
   • Infestation of wasps, mice, termites and other vermin

9. Short Term Storage Considerations

   If your storage is short term or transitional storage the storage environment is still important. Most of your large warehouse buildings are made from cinderblock and do not have significant temperature highs and lows due to design. Most short term storage – less than 3 months will be fine in these conditions. Other items such as fine art, rare books and wine require specialized storage with highly regulated climate control. Severe hot or cold weather can damage items stored in storage units. Important documentation for your home or business, computer equipment and electronics, wood or leather furniture, photographs, books, clothing, artwork and other valuable possessions can be destroyed if not properly protected. If you live or work in a geographic area with these weather conditions, climate-controlled storage units provide the ideal solution for storing your personal or business-related items.