Livonia Storage Units
Livonia storage units make moving, remodeling or spring cleaning a breeze. The challenge of de-cluttering a house is often the process of throwing things out. Knickknacks and keepsakes shouldn't be tossed, but they can be a burden on your living space as they accumulate. Moving them to Livonia storage units keeps them close...but not too close.
Businesses in and near Livonia can also use Michigan storage space units to improve their productivity and profitability. Having a space to store surplus merchandise and office supplies means those things are on hand when they are needed, but they aren't underfoot during daily business operations. Companies can store records in secure units, and companies can even run distribution warehouses out of large rental spaces. For any operations that do not involve customers, Livonia storage units make smart business sense. They are far less expensive than store fronts and have built-in security.
Livonia is a suburb of Detroit, MI. Located in southeastern Michigan, Livonia is equidistant between Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie. Its proximity to the Great Lakes heavily influences the climate of southeastern Michigan. Summers are hot and winters are very cold and snowy. Climate is a major consideration when selecting Livonia storage units and packing items for storage.
Climate Considerations
Much like your garage and attic at home, traditional storage units are not insulated. The walls can only buffer so much of the outside conditions, and while rain, snow and wind are kept at bay, cold, heat and moisture are not. Extreme temperatures, temperature fluctuations and moisture can damage stored items, so consider the value and vulnerability of your belongings before packing them away into storage units.
Summers in Michigan can be hot and humid. When the heat comes on fast, and combined with humidity, it can warp wood objects like instruments and furniture. Plastic bags and garbage bags can trap moist heat and form condensation, which can exacerbate mildew growth on the clothes and other contents inside. Moisture can also form rust on metal
Moisture and warmth make the perfect environment for mold to thrive. Not only is black mold hazardous to your health, it also stains fabrics, leaves odor on all it touches and destroys things like paper and cardboard boxes. The only surefire way to avoid mold is to rent a climate-controlled unit that regulates the internal temperature and humidity of each unit, but these are much more expensive than traditional units. If you are storing things of significant sentimental or monetary value, climate controls are a wise investment, but for everything else, try some less expensive remedies.
Dehumidifying crystals can work in small storage units to filter the excess moisture from the air. These crystals are held in a ventilating unit that does not require electricity, so it can stay in the storage facility unattended. They need occasional replacing, and they can effectively reduce the humidity in the atmosphere. Another important measure to prevent mold growth and odor is to pack items strategically. Use plastic tubs that won't disintegrate instead of cardboard boxes, fold and stack clothes loosely to allow air to circulate and store never store mattresses in plastic covers; use breathable, zippered fabric covers instead.
Many traditional Livonia storage units are built with flat roofs that can start to sag under the weight of snow every winter. When checking out the unit in person, check for signs of water damage on the ceiling. Make sure your unit is not at the bottom of a hill so that rain and melting snow runoff could seep under the door.
Rental Rates and Discounts
Self-storage is a booming business in Livonia and all over MI. With so many facilities available in and around Livonia, consumers benefit from the competition, which drives down prices and encourages great customer service virtually across the board. Still, there are some outliers, so it is important to visit Livonia storage units in person to check out the conditions, management and security.
Rates are based primarily on square footage. Larger Livonia storage units cost more, so packing wisely to maximize your space can save you money. Box as much as possible so you can stack things to use the vertical space. Load the largest items first to make a foundation for smaller boxes and furniture. People who plan to retain their Livonia unit for a long period of time might consider allowing for extra room to add things later.
Some Livonia storage units offer discounts for MI students, veterans, seniors and other groups. Ask for a pre-payment discount, a way for Livonia storage units to reward customers for guaranteeing their business. This also ensures your payment is never late. You may also get a loyalty discount after several months. Just watch out for teaser rates that attract new customers; the rates skyrocket after the introductory period.