When the summer season comes to a close and it is time to put the boat, the jet ski, or the other summer toys away for the year, you need a safe and secure place to put them. What if you don't have a garage or shed to put them in? You might want to consider storing them in a self-storage unit for the year but there are some things to consider if you are going this route.

Preparing Your Boat or Watercraft For Storage

If you are going to store your boat or watercraft in a storage unit, you will need to prepare the engine for storage. Because most units have rules about storing flammable materials in them, the fuel will need to be drained out of the gas tank. They also will not likely allow you to store portable tanks for your boat in the unit with any fuel in them. It is a good idea to change the oil before putting the boat or watercraft into storage and place an oil absorbent pad under the engine so that you do not stain the floor should any oil leak during storage.  

Security and Easy Access

When researching places to store those summer toys, consider a facility that will offer good security for your items but at the same time allow adequate access to allow you to get in and check on your unit regularly. Some places have great security but the hours they are open are limited while others are open very late but the security is extremely weak. Look for a balance of the two to keep your boat or watercraft safe but still be convenient for you.

Following The Rules

Every storage facility has a set of rules that define what they will allow you to store and how it has to be stored. Be sure to check with the storage facility that you intend to use before you commit to using them. You will want to be sure that you can store your items without a problem. If you follow the guidelines, most storage facilities will let you store just about anything. Batteries are sometimes not allowed and flammable materials like gas, paint, and other chemicals are typically frowned upon as well.

Insurance Coverage During Storage

When you are putting your summer toys away, you might be tempted to reduce the insurance on them while they are just sitting. While it can be tempting, it is not a great idea. In fact, since they are being stored in a public storage unit, someone else's unit could cause a fire or other issue that affect yours. It would be a good idea to check with your insurance company and see what your coverage is in that case. Typically the storage unit contract will specify that you are responsible for damage or loss, not the storage company. Be proactive and be sure you are covered.

For more information, talk to a professional like Statewide Self Storage.

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