It’s essential to understand the factors involved when choosing a self-storage facility and know the ins and outs before you do. Do you know how to determine the best to house your belongings? There are several key dynamics you should look for when tasked with this job.

Why Would You Need A Self-Storage Facility

There are plenty of reasons why you might need a self-storage facility. For example, if you run out of space in your home or apartment and want to live a but want to keep your possessions. After all, we all have memorabilia and valuables we can’t part with and need a safe place to stow them away.

Conversely, maybe you are planning a move and need a temporary safe space to stow your items. Either way, when choosing a secure safe self-storage facility, you want to know all the facts and choose wisely.

First, storage providers go to great lengths to accommodate the needs of the millions of movers every year. However, this leaves you with a massive list of options when choosing a self-storage facility.

Below, you’ll discover a comprehensive guide on choosing a self-storage facility and one that suits your needs.

Contact Facilities And Ask Specific Questions

Finding an appropriate self-storage facility should begin by calling several properties in your area. Get specific with them about the items you’ll be storing to find out if they meet your needs. Give them detailed information about your potential things and .

• How many boxes do you have?
• Do you need to store any vehicles?
• Is there necessary paperwork or documents included with your belongings?
• What appliances do you have?
• Is there any furniture or other items that require a particular climate?

Finding out pertinent information about how accommodating a storage facility can be can help you eliminate several locations. Keep a list of the companies that provide the services you need.

Always Consider The Self-Storage Facility Location

The location of a self-storage facility can make all the difference in the world. But, unfortunately, facilities located closer to the heart of a city are substantially higher in cost.

Properties on the outskirts or in smaller-developed areas will probably cost less. However, if it’s in the cards, it might not be a bad idea to find a self-storage facility a little off the beaten path. But this could save you a lot of money in the long run.

Choosing The Right Size Unit For Your Needs

After inventorying all your items, choose a unit size that will comfortably accommodate your belongings. Small units are usually 50 square feet or lower. Medium units will provide between 75 and 150 square feet, while large units can accommodate around 200 square feet worth of items. Anything over 200 or 300 square feet is extra-large.

Verify Security

Nobody wants their items stolen, or their unit vandalized. However, not all storage facilities have as top-level security as others. Ask critical questions about the specifics of their .

• Are there security guards at the location?
• Does the property have well-placed security cameras?
• Do they suppy a passcode protected entry gate?
• Do entrants have to sign in with a receptionist or security desk?

Answering questions like these will help you decide where your items will be the safest. But unfortunately, although the items can have insuranace, some things aren’t replaceable. So, of course, this brings us to our following important dynamic.

Insurance For Your Self-Storage Unit

Contact your homeowner’s insurance provider and find out if your items have insurance when they’re in a self-storage facility. For example, there could be a possibility your insurance company requires you to store them in a particular climate-controlled environment.

In addition, they might want the property to have higher security features than expected. Your homeowner’s insurance may not cover belongings in a self-storage facility. If they don’t, ask the property about their insurance packages.

Ask For The Latest Deals

Don’t be afraid to save a few extra dollars by negotiating. For example, if you feel a storage facility is a bit high-priced, tell them you found a better deal at a company a few miles away.

It might surprise you to discover they may offer you a special move-in rate. Many facilities offer deals based on move-in times and the size of the unit you’re renting.

Find Out About Their Payment Policy

Ask the self-storage facility about their payment policy. For example, do they accept cash on-site or checks? Can you give them a debit or credit card that you can have automatically billed each month?

If they offer an automatic debit program, find out which day they will charge your credit card. Some storage facilities might even provide a better deal if you pay an extended amount up-front.

Always Read Online Reviews Before You Choose Your Self-Storage Facility

Once you’ve shortened your list to a few potential options, check the reviews for these locations. Pick the company that you feel has the most favorable reviews.

If there are any reports of damaged items due to unsecured units or insulation and temperature issues, take them off your list. It’s one less headache you’ll have to deal with when researching a trustworthy self-storage facility.

Do They Provide 24-Hour Access

Find out if the potential options offer access to your belongings at all hours. For example, many self-storage facilities provide access to your unit 24-7. Usually, these facilities will give you a unique PIN that opens the gate. Be sure to keep your PIN somewhere safe if you can’t remember it.

The last thing you want is to make an entry attempt at a late hour and forget your PIN. Contacting the facility for assistance at late hours may not be possible.

Available Contact Times

The last tip brings us to our final tip and is just as valuable. Find out when the storage facility is available for contact. Note their hours of operation and when you’ll be able to talk with someone face-to-face.

You’ll also want to note when you can reach them via phone. For example, do they have 24-hour access to an employee or live agent for the company?

You’ll never know when an emergency can happen and you need a real person to assist you. However, information like this is vital for preventing potential bumps in the road later.

Final Valuable Information When Choosing Your Self-Storage Facility

Here are a few final tips for picking the right self-storage facility

• Take your time when you move everything in. Don’t overdo it; note where essential items are stored if you need to access them later.
• Keep these critical items towards the front of the unit. Digging through a pile of things can be a hassle to get to one specific box.
• Don’t overload your unit. Leave yourself some extra space for comfort or in case you need to add items in the future.

Choosing a and moving can be stressful. By following these tips, hopefully, you’ll be able to make the process easier.