The term “gap year” has become commonplace over recent years – gap years have become synonymous with students as they take time either before, during or after their advanced education studies. Gap years, however, are no longer the exclusive right of students as many older people take what is affectionately known as a “sabbatical” from their working careers. Gap years are largely spent travelling and experiencing aspects of life other than work and employment.
Whatever your status, or reasons for taking a gap year, one aspect often not considered thoroughly is what to do with your possessions – if you are a student just finishing your university or college education, and taking the opportunity to travel or experience something of life before taking up full-time employment, then you will likely have accumulated possessions over your study years – and now, out of student accommodation or shared housing, you need somewhere to keep your stuff! Discovering your old bedroom at home has now been converted into a gym (although sparsely used) by your parents, or a hobby or craft room, it can leave you in a bit of a dilemma!
One option is to make use of personal self-storage units – they are a great option for many people who require short, or even longer-term, storage for a myriad of reasons. Whilst being ideal short-term storage for students – it is usual for students to change accommodation virtually every year of their studies and repeatedly moving all their belongings – self-storage units can provide the perfect solution for personal storage between terms, but it can also be the answer to longer-term storage whilst you are off pursuing other things! Any period away, or temporary change of location, renting a self-storage unit can be the answer to keeping your possessions safe and sound whilst you are away. Here are some aspects and benefits of self-storage for you to consider:
Flexibility
Personal self-storage facilities offer great flexibility with regards to rent periods – you can hire a storage unit for as long, or as short, a time as you need it. Your gap year may see you away completely for that period or may consist of travelling for a while then some time finding employment or preparing for another year studying and having to find and prepare accommodation – either way, the time flexible options offered with personal storage will allow you that time to make your arrangements whilst keeping your possessions safe and sound!
Tailored Storage
This same flexibility and convenience are offered with regards to the space itself – self-storage unit facilities are available in a range of sizes and capacities as well as the flexible time frames! You may want to just store away a few boxes of personal belongings and smaller items, or you may need to find space for larger, bulkier items such as furniture pieces – whichever is required a self-storage unit facility will be able to cater for your personal requirements and provide you with the relevant sized storage unit. This means that you will only ever be paying for the space you need!
Security
One of the biggest advantages of renting personal storage units is, of course, security! Whilst you are away on your travels or otherwise engaged, you want to know that your possessions are being kept safe and secure and in the best condition. Self-storage units provide a secure, dry, clean, and controlled environment that will not only protect your possessions but keep them in the very condition in which you deposited them into storage. Most personal storage facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art security systems – CCTV, personal access codes to your unit and professional staff on site, will ensure the safety of your possessions and give you peace of mind that your valuable belongings are being kept safely in your absence.
Packing For Self-Storage
In order to maintain your possessions in pristine condition whilst in storage you should ensure that you pack your items away properly – use the appropriate packing materials and storage containers – ensure you clearly label all your boxes and such to make the identifying and unpacking of your items easier when you return after your break.
For whatever period you are away, personal self-storage offers the perfect temporary home for your valuable possessions. Storage unit facilities costs do not have to prove restrictive – you can source an affordable storage option, so you don’t need to pay a lot for this important service!
