Preparing for Military Deployment
For military personnel and their families, military deployment can be a difficult time. It is important for service members to pack their items well and choose the best storage solutions before leaving for long periods of time.
In Virginia alone, there are over 110,000 active-duty persons and tens of thousands more reservists as well as national guardsmen. These brave servicemembers will need somewhere safe to keep their things while they are deployed abroad or on extended duties elsewhere in the country. This article focuses on what one should look out for when selecting self-storage facilities during such times.
Determine Storage Needs
The first step is to figure out what needs to be stored. This can depend on a few different things:
● Where and for how long something will be deployed: This affects how much or what kind of stuff needs storage; for example, six months on land might necessitate less than eighteen months at sea.
● Housing: Do you want to move everything out? Should all household goods go into storage or just some of them?
● Family’s personal property: Spouses and kids remaining behind will have their own belongings – it’s important to know which ones those are.
Members should estimate the amount of space they need by listing sizes/amounts. People often put typical items such as these in storage: housewares; vehicles; toys like boats/RVs; personal effects.
Compare Storage Unit Sizes and Features
Storage facilities offer various unit sizes from small closets to large warehouses to accommodate different storage needs. Consider things being stored and calculate how much space is adequate so units are utilized efficiently and cost-effectively.
Temperature-controlled units that help prevent mold and humidity damage are ideal for sensitive items. 24/7 secured access units allow retrieving anything forgotten while providing peace of mind.
Select locations with drive-up accessible units to easily load and unload bulky household goods and vehicles. Many facilities have moving supplies and equipment available to assist.
Examine Storage Costs
Assess if renting storage units for the entire deployment duration is preferred or if there are more affordable options. Monthly rental fees vary greatly based on unit sizes, features like climate control, security monitoring, insurance and location.
Typically, prices are lowest in suburban areas and smaller towns versus urban cities. Investigate if military discounts are provided, as many storage companies offer 10-15% discounts for active-duty members.
Consider alternating storage at cheaper self-storage facilities during deployment and pricier climate-controlled locations for sensitive belongings in colder or warmer months.
Research Storage Companies
The range of storage businesses offer lots of choices but also make selecting quality storage confusing. Referrals from fellow service members and military forums provide trusted insight into reputable companies. Check online reviews and ratings for facilities under consideration, looking for ones with higher overall satisfaction ratings.
Ask detailed questions before renting - are company staff trained in properly storing military household goods? Are storage preparations for deployed servicemembers common? Do they offer military discounts? Visiting storage locations also provides valuable first-hand perspective.
Assess proximity to bases, safety and security standards, cleanliness and ease of access when choosing finalists. Select companies willing to accommodate unique needs make storage smoother when serving overseas.
Conclusion
Preparing for deployment involves organizing many personal details so servicemembers can focus on their mission.
Investing time to properly assess storage needs, research options, and select reliable facilities helps deployed military members and their families rest easy. Storage solutions that provide security, accessibility and budget-conscious options are ideal for those deployed abroad protecting our country.
