Choosing the right storage facility for your belongings can often be overwhelming. With a variety of tempting discounts, you can often find yourself in an expensive contract at an undesirable location if you don’t do your research. Here are some important things to look for in a storage facility.
Prices Beyond the First Month
Many storage facilities tempt tenants with a deep discount or even free rent for the first month. But the price beyond that is never clear up front. Make sure to inquire about the rent you’ll be paying month to month, and consider the overall cost of the entire life of your contract versus a great deal for those first thirty days.
Storage Security
People often store expensive belongings, including vehicles, large electronics, and home appliances in there storage units. If you’re one of these people, make sure to look into the security that is offered by any facility. Some of the things to look for include:
- 24-hour staff on premises
- Security gates
- Camera surveillance
- Nighttime lighting
Don’t be afraid to turn down a contract for lack of security, even if the cost of rent is far cheaper than other facilities. Protecting your belongings when you’re not watching should be a top priority.
Multiple Size Units
The best storage facilities have something to offer for everyone. If you only need a small storage unit, you shouldn’t have to pay the same price as someone who needs more room. Additionally, you should have the freedom to increase or decrease your contract on renewal, depending on your needs.
Hours of Operation
On average, most storage units offer access between ten and twelve hours a day. Obviously, you want as much access to your property as possible, so be sure to ask when the cutoff times are for you to get into your unit. Don’t get caught renting a unit and finding out that you can only access it when you’re unavailable.
Truck Rental
Not everyone owns a box truck or large pickup to haul their items to and from storage. While it’s only a perk, a free or cheap truck rental to move your stuff in can save you both time and money. Many facilities don’t advertise the use of a truck, but one is readily available, so be sure to ask the facility staff on hand if they have something before heading over to your local truck rental.
Climate Control
While not a necessity for everyone, you may have the need for a climate-controlled storage unit. A majority of units in any facility will not be climate controlled, and many don’t offer it at all. While they are more expensive, climate control can preserve your belongings, especially if you live in an area with extreme temperature changes. Humidity-control and temperature-controlled units are often available on many storage properties, but don’t assume that they are before you sign up.
Cleanliness
Given the general environment of a storage facility, cleanliness is often something that’s overlooked. Make sure that the grounds of any storage property you’re interested in are tidy and loose garbage isn’t lying around. Pay close attention to the area in and around your own potential storage unit, and pay mind to bugs, ants, and other insects. These are often signs of poor care, or that someone is storing something improperly, which can have a direct and undesirable effect on anything you might be storing yourself.
Friendly and Professional Staff
Let’s face it, working at a storage facility isn’t the most glamorous of jobs, but that doesn’t mean that you should settle for anything less than professionalism. Make sure that the staff on hand is able to answer your questions completely and politely. A dirty office or service desk is a sign of poor customer service as well. This level of professionalism often shows if an operation is running smoothly.
Even if you’re in a hurry to get a unit, taking the time to make some simple observations can go a long way in how satisfied you are with your final choice. While price is always a factor, it shouldn’t always be the most important one, especially when it comes to protecting your belongings.