If you happen to be one of the estimated three-million survival preppers in the United States, you may be getting a bit overcrowded in your own home with all of the necessary supplies. If this is the situation you are facing, it is definitely time to start considering your other storage options. Self storage units are a logical choice for extra storage and it never hurts to create an extra cache of survival supplies somewhere other than your own property just in case. If you intend to use self storage units for prepping purposes, there is a simple ABC (and D) rule set that you should keep in mind.
Ask about restrictions and regulations before storing.
Every storage facility has its own set of rules and regulations about what can and cannot be stored in a unit. Some facilities will not allow food at all, even if it is shelf stable or considered dry grocery. Most facilities will not allow anything combustible, so any form of fuel, like oil or gasoline, will be out of the question. Even firearms are usually deemed unsafe for storage. Just make sure you get the list of regulations before you start stashing your items in storage to avoid potential issues.
Be sure to spring for climate-controlled storage.
You may be tempted to go with the cheapest storage solution you find, but you will be much happier with a climate-controlled unit. Food and water supplies can see their shelf lives compromised with excessive and extreme changes from hot to cold and low to high humidity. Therefore, investing in a unit that offers some form of climate control will only further protect your investment in supplies.
Choose a location that has added security.
Security will be important in the event of a disaster situation. Even though physical security may not be on site in a disaster situation, making sure that at the very least there is a perimeter fence in place and heavy-duty locks on the units is a good idea.
Don't store things that are of high value.
If indeed there were to be a major disaster or natural catastrophe, looters can be a real problem. For this reason, it is a good idea to keep valuables out of the storage unit that would be attractive to thieves and vandals. It is even a good idea to keep food and water supplies safely concealed or covered in containers. Contact a company like Pearl Street Self Storage for more information.
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