It’s time to find a new place for your old Pez dispenser collection or those extra chairs Aunt Mabel left you. Enter the magical world of self storage, a place where all your belongings can live for free, or almost. See how you can rent mini storage space to suit your needs.

Let’s first talk about the size. It’s true that not all things fit into a shoebox. It’s important to choose a unit which suits your needs and doesn’t make you feel like you are playing Tetris. Goldilocks is the perfect example: Too small and things are crammed in, too large and it’s as if you’re throwing a coin down a hole. Here, we want to get it just right.

We’ll now talk about location. You wouldn’t like to have to drive across the city every time you want to remember one box of decorations for Christmas, would you? It’s better to choose a facility nearby, as it saves you time and money. And who wants traffic when there is ice-cream waiting at home?

When it comes to facilities, they are not all created equal. Some offer fancy climate control (perfect to store antique books), and others provide basic shelter. If you want to store Grandma’s collection of quilts, humidity control is a must.

Another important item on the list is security. Imagine leaving your valuable comic book collection someplace sketchy. You can find places with good lighting, cameras, and maybe even a Sparky-like guard dog. It’s worth the price of gold, or comics.

Hey, let’s talk access hours. It’s important to have flexibility, whether you are an early riser or a late nighter. Some locations offer 24/7 access whereas others have banker-like opening hours. Knowing when you can visit is helpful, as you may need to look through old yearbooks.

Insurance sounds boring, but I assure you that it is like an umbrella in a rainy weather. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Check to see if your homeowners policy will cover items stored in storage. If not, you may need separate insurance. Surprises are only good for birthday parties.

Think about other packing materials, too. Boxes don’t have to be just boxes! Sturdy storage containers will keep everything organized and safe from dust bunnies and rogue insects.

Finally, read reviews first before signing any documents. Online, people love to share their experiences (for good or bad). Take advantage of this wisdom – or misadventures – as they travel the journey ahead of you.

In short? Self-storage isn’t rocket science. It’s more like organizing an outdoor garage sale, but without the actual selling of anything. Use these tips to find the ideal spot for your temporary knickknacks.