Storage not in the van.

[freedomrider]

Hi Folks,

There is an issue for me with storage of personal items that can not go on the road for lack of space.
Where are van lifers storing files for insurance, tax records, bank account, and other documents that live in a two drawer
file cabinet.   Also have three like new bench seats from my Dodge 3500 Ram Wagon.
Storage facilities are costly when on a tight budget.
Any thoughts would be helpful.  It is  those three bench seats that are a problem.
Don't want to sell them or give them up.  May resell the van someday. I don't plan to bolt down anything inside of the van.

 

[Malamute]

A couple thoughts.

I saved the 3rd row seat for my first suburban for several years, then became annoyed at it being in the way in storage, and whatever perceived cost of storing it. The auto junkyard wouldnt give anything for it, they said they already had several. I asked what they got for them, whatever it was was relatively insignificant compared to the annoyance of keeping it in storage, I figured I could go buy one if need be,...however, I decided whatever loss of value of the suburban without the seat wasnt very high priority to me. I typically use a vehicle til the value is insignificant anyways.I ended up just giving it to them for nothing just to get rid of it. Next suburban I bought, one of the first stops was the wrecking yard to get rid of the 3rd row seat, i wasnt going through that again.

I had a 4x4x4 storage locker in Az years ago, it was pretty cheap. They had various sizes. if you get out of the larger towns the price of storage goes down quite a lot. Check around also, prices can vary quite a lot in an given area.

You could digitize all your files and keep them on a couple flash drives so youd have access to them and not pay storage on them. I gang punch holes in papers i want to keep available and put them in ring binders, making them pretty compact and accessible.

Im about to remove the middle seats in my 4runner. Im not sure if Im going to keep them (store them somehow), but Ive had it 4 years and never used them, they stay folded flat for dog space and sleeping. id rather ditch the seats and have more storage space under a deck i can build. If I can keep one single on the right I may, or may not.

 

[ckelly78z]

I like the idea of digitizing all of your records, a fine thing to accomplish during bad weather while stuck in place.

 

[MrNoodly]

These days, the largest demand for used vans isn't from folks who need to haul a bunch of passengers. It's from people like us, who are going to gut the vans, refit them, and not know what the hell to do with the seats. So don't about resale value.

As for documents, start by going through everything and tossing what's unnecessary. For example, most multi-page paperwork has only one page you might ever actually need to refer to or present to anyone. Keep that and discard the rest, including the envelope. Some new documents supersede earlier ones. Get rid of the out of date stuff. Did you receive annual statements for something? Then you can ditch the monthly statements. Are you keeping warranties and receipts for things you don't own anymore? The seven years of records you're keeping in case the IRS audits you? Well, have you ever been audited? Have you never done anything, um, "creative" with your taxes? Then you will probably never be audited.

Anyway, the point is, if you have two file drawers of papers, then you're probably keeping more than you need to, unless you have a very financially complex life. The truly critical documents could probably fit in a shoebox. Mine all fits in a manila envelope.

 

[GypsyJan]

I've heard if you rent a storage locker, get one on the middle floor. That way flooding will affect the first floor and roof damage will affect the top floor, so your stuff is safer in the middle. Of course, that means you will have to lug it upstairs, so I guess it will depend on the size of items you are storing. If you rent on the first floor, perhaps stow stuff on cement blocks to raise it above possible flooding?

 

[jacqueg]

For documents - there are portable scanners. Robin of CreativityRV just reviewed a brand called Doxie.

For "stuff" - a storage unit in a town you know you will pass through at least twice a year. You really don't need your heavy jacket nor your space heater in July. Or, you might have a family member or friend who has some space in their garage. If you're just switching out clothes and small gadgets, 3 or 4 big totes should do it.

Digitize your books, movies, and music.

 

[Malamute]

Also, if digitizing, dont forget copies of important papers, like birth certificates, discharge papers, insurance info, health records you may have, and anything else of real importance. AND...important family pictures. A hurricane or structure fire can wipe out a lifetime of memories that are otherwise impossible to replace. A couple digital copies in flash drives in different safe places, like one in a safe deposit box, can save much time and grief later.

Leaving such things in tubs or boxes in somebodies garage isnt really a secure or safe place. Their house could burn down, they croak and relatives pitch all the stuff they dont now what it is or care, tornado, hurricane, blah blah.....

There was a pretty good blog about recovering from katrina, they lost virtually everything, and since banking etc was shut down in the area due to flooding, they coulndt get bank info, or records of employment etc when trying to start over in Texas. Totaly blank slate when trying to get work, references, and such. He then digitized copies of everything when the world started up again, kept his laptop, keys, and important things in a bag next to the bed every nite along with basic clothes handy so if the house caught fire or whatever, they werent in their PJs standing out in the dark with NOTHING.

 

[highdesertranger]

"You really don't need your heavy jacket nor your space heater in July."

you do where I am at. we haven't seen anything like what you would call summer around here.

highdesertranger

 

[jacqueg]

I'm in the Columbia Gorge right now, and it's true, yesterday and today were the second and third hot days (over 80) we've had! But this summer so far just ain't right...

 

[wayne49]

I'm in the Columbia Gorge right now, and it's true, yesterday and today were the second and third hot days (over 80) we've had! But this summer so far just ain't right...

It's the virus!

 

[GypsyJan]

Meanwhile, June here was hotter than usual. I wonder what the coming winter will be like.