For those of us who are downsizing, finding suitable storage space can be a challenge

I’m moving yet again.  And downsizing even further.  My new home, unlike the previous homes, doesn’t have much storage space.  My first impulse was to simply put all the overflow into storage - until I started looking at storage facilities.  All storage places are NOT the same - and the costs vary widely.  And one company’s definition of ‘climate controlled’ is far different than another’s.  Company ‘A’ guaranteed temperature control between 70 and 75 degrees, and humidity control for $549 a month.  Company ‘B’ did not provide humidity control, and guaranteed a temperature range between 50 and 85 degrees for $229 a month.  Company ‘C’ promised a temperature range between 60 and 80 degrees, no humidity control for $139 a month.  How do you know which makes sense?

Begin by deciding what you absolutely need to store.  Art work, fine textiles and carpets need more TLC than most furniture and might be worth the extra cost for humidity control.  Seek advice from people who deal with the kinds of items you’ll be storing: art gallerists, rug dealers, restorers - and your mover. 

Next, visit several facilities - some charge for high tech bells and whistles that you probably won’t need, like storage rooms that are summoned by computer so you don’t need push dollies along hallways. 

Then take a hard look at what you think is worth storing. That sofa you might one day use again?  When  you tally up the monthly storage cost, it might not be worth keeping.   I managed to cut my stash in half - and I bet you can, too.

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