So, what is long term storage? And if you need it, how can you be sure what are the essential things to look for in a long term storage Company? What do you need to know to make sure that you get what you need?
Firstly, we never know when changes come about in our lives. A month ago, I suddenly had one of those “out of the blue moments”. The phone rang, and a colleague with whom I had studied over ten years ago, Avi (great guy, and an amazing jazz pianist) told me that there was an outstanding opportunity for me in the company where he worked, and had risen to the position of V.P. in Silicon Valley, California. He told me details of the job, and although I had had no intention of making a career move, my wife had recently been suggesting that there could be several opportunities for her (she’s a medical researcher) in the States. He told me the salary and I have to admit I was tempted. My kids have both left home, have done the army, done their travelling, and are now settled into several years of study, one in medicine and one as a Vet.
He had apparently talked to the President of the company about me and they asked for my CV. The very next day, they sent me a ticket to California. Two weeks later, I had the job, I’d rented out my apartment in Israel, and my wife and I were excitedly packing.
One big issue. We had a beautiful apartment in Neve Tzedek which was full of almost new furniture and state of the art electrical appliances of the highest standard. There was no way I was leaving all this to a tenant, who anyway had his own furniture and preferred an empty apartment. So, I started to look around for the best long-term storage in Israel. I knew I would be away at least 2 years, and I had certain criteria that had to be met.
So, after all my research I have provided some tips which will help anyone looking around for the best long-term storage available in Israel.
- Where is the Company situated? Is it convenient for you or any members of your family should they need to get access?
- Security – how safe are your possessions while you’re away? What about insurance? Is everything properly covered?
- What kind of service does the Company give? Do they speak English? Are they helpful?
- Are they flexible so when dates and times may change they can cope with that and be flexible according to your needs?
- Always important but certainly not no. 1. We all want value for money. So it’s not just the cheapest company that you’re looking for but more important, a company that gives you added value.
Having investigated several companies in Israel, the only one that answered all these needs was Ribua, in Petach Tikva. They’ve got several branches but that was the one I called.
You’ll be sure that if you’re storing things long term, they will look after everything.
Go take that job with peace of mind.