When the storage space available in your closets, basement, attic, and garage just isn't enough, you do have other options. Public storage facilities are available across the United States that provide extra storage space for a flat monthly or annual fee. Public Storage (www.publicstorage.com) is just one nationwide chain of public storage facilities. Public Storage manages over 1,400 self-service storage locations in eighty U.S. and Canadian cities. In addition to offering storage facilities, the company offers pick-up service, which is particularly useful for transporting large and heavy items from your home to the storage unit you rent.

To find other self-storage facilities in your area, check the Yellow Pages or point your Web browser to SelfStorageNet (www.selfstoragenet.com), which offers a directory of facilities, plus tips on how to maximize this type of storage space.

The storage facility provides a written agreement when you rent the space. Make sure you read this agreement carefully. Check the paperwork for your payment date and determine whether the agreement covers prorated rental periods. Also ask how and when your security deposit will be refunded.

Before You Store

If you're seriously considering self storage, there are a number of issues to consider. Keep in mind that keeping things in storage can complicate future moves, and that the cost is ongoing — you will pay fees for as long as you keep the storage. That said, if you have furniture or other items that you'd like to save for a second home or for your children, this option could make sense.

Consider the following questions as you evaluate self-storage options:

• What size units are available?

• What is the monthly/annual fee for renting the space?

• Can you rent month to month or is a long-term agreement required?

• What type of security is offered? Is there always a guard on duty?

• Are the facility and the individual storage units climate controlled?

• How much of a deposit is required?

• What are the guidelines in terms of what can and can't be stored at the facility?

• Can you obtain access to your storage unit twenty-four hours per day, 365 days per year?

• What paperwork must you sign to rent a storage unit?

Deciding Whether You Need Climate Control

As you begin to narrow down your storage options, you'll need to decide whether to use climate-controlled storage. Many people store items in basements and attics without any problem, but depending on your storage needs, climate could be an issue.

A climate-controlled space guarantees that nothing will be damaged by extreme hot or cold temperatures. This would mean that certain items, such as some electronics, as well as photographs and paper, could safely be stored.

Utilize climate-controlled storage space for items such as books, business files and records, cleaning supplies, computers, crystal and glassware, electronic equipment, fine linens and clothing, leather furniture, mattresses, musical equipment, oil paintings, paint supplies, pharmaceutical products, pianos, and retail inventory items.

Organizing Your Storage Space

After your storage unit has been rented, you'll want to carefully organize it. If you don't take the time to organize before you store, you won't be able to access the things you need in your storage.

Here are a few tips for organizing your storage:

• Lay down cardboard, pallets, or skids on the floor of your storage space.

• Create a walkway inside your storage space to allow for easier access.

• Keep items that you need to access frequently at the front of your storage space.

• Draw and label a map of where everything is located in your storage space.

• For better ventilation, leave a few inches of space between your items and the storage space's walls.

• Stack similarly sized boxes together.

• Stack heaviest items on the bottom and lighter items on the top.

• Store pictures and mirrors on their sides.

• Disassemble table legs to save space.

• Place mattresses on end so they stand straight up. You might want to have mattresses shrink-wrapped to protect against any encroachment of water or pests into your space.

• To protect against dust, cover exposed items with old blankets.

• Store sofas on end to conserve space.

• Always lock your storage space.

By taking care when you store your belongings, you'll be better able to protect your investments. Although using outside storage is expensive and really a last resort, there are situations when rented storage can be useful. It can work especially well as a temporary measure if, for instance, you'll be traveling for a year or so, or if you're moving and there will be a lag time between when you will take possession of your new home and move out of your current home.