I rented a storage unit, and they recommend that I put my stuff up on pallets. It's been raining and blowing like mad this morning

QUESTION:

I rented a storage unit, and they recommend that I put my stuff up on pallets. It's been raining and blowing like mad this morning, and I don't see signs that water comes in under the door.
I was wondering though, what would be a good way to keep my stuff off the floor? if water DOES get in, won't the pallets soak it up and wick it right into my things? None of it is too delicate, but stuff I'd sort of like to have in one piece when I return (God knows when).
Also, they have this enormous heavy duty hasp on the door, but you need to supply your own lock.
I was thinking about getting a Master lock, one of those that is basically circular, with only a small section exposed to a hacksaw or bolt cutter. The thought, I guess, is that the scum sucking mother ers who would rip off a storage area are too lazy to try and negotiate the lock. The "high sides" on the lock make it a real pain in the ass to try and cut loose. They cost about
$10 for the real chunky one. Any luck with one of those? ( I guess when it comes to locks, no news is good news!)
anyways, I have some lumber that I was considering making a new floor for the unit (it's a little guy, 5X15') with some scrap 2bys and a couple sheets of
1/2" plywood. Would that be a decent plan? Leave the stuff, about 4" off the floor, on a plywood platform? Then what, cover the platform with some cheap plastic to keep down moisture?
any thoughts are appreciated. And NO I don't like the idea of leaving my out in a tin shed in rural alabama either, but there is little choice. The expensive and good stuff has already been shipped to family, and so presumably will remain safe. and the price is right. I think the gal who rented it to me has a bit of a sweet spot!--2 months free rent!

ANSWER:

Q: I rented a storage unit, and they recommend that I put my stuff up on pallets. It's been raining and blowing like mad this morning, and I don't see signs that water comes in under the door.
A: It might come in from adjancent storage units, might only happen once a year, when the wind is blowing the right direction :o/ There's some 15 x 16 x 21 inch solid colored tubs at wally-mart for about $4 each, might be better putting your money into something you'd keep and use later on, tho i don't know how heavy your stuff is and how much you could stack on them.
Q: Might be better to call around and ask for pallets, some people happy to get rid of them so they don't have to pay to dispose of them.
A: I was wondering though, what would be a good way to keep my stuff off the floor? if water DOES get in, won't the pallets soak it up and wick it right into my things?
Q: I've never seen it wick up a pallet.
A: I was thinking about getting a Master lock, one of those that is basically circular
Those are difficult to cut, but can be easy to pick. The locks with round keys (like vending machines) are very hard to pick without specialized tools. The second hole in the latch is so the storage company can put a lock on it if you're behind on your rent :o/ You should put the most valuable stuff at the back of the unit to make it more difficult to steal.
Q: anyways, I have some lumber that I was considering making a new floor for the unit (it's a little guy, 5X15') with some scrap 2bys and a couple sheets of 1/2" plywood. Would that be a decent plan? Leave the stuff, about 4" off the floor, on a plywood platform? Then what, cover the platform with some cheap plastic to keep down moisture?
A: I'd cover your stuff with plastic too, cause dust can get blown in and cover things.
Q: any thoughts are appreciated. And NO I don't like the idea of leaving my out in a tin shed in rural alabama either, but there is little choice. The expensive and good stuff has already been shipped to family, and so presumably will remain safe. and the price is right. I think the gal who rented it to me has a bit of a sweet spot!--2 months free rent!
A: You know if you can't prove you paid the rent on the unit she has the legal right to "auction" off your stuff :o/ hope she's honest.


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