Finding the right storage facility / unit is never
easy. Trustworthiness of the storage
facility is the most critical factor in the process yet the one that gets the
least amount of consideration. Often
times the process includes a simple phone call seeking price and availability
or a quick drive by and your off to the races without much more information
than that. After a quick signup, pay the
first month’s rent and security deposit, you move in. However, there are warning signs you should
keep an eye on to make sure the relationship with your storage company is a
good one!
Talk to the staff or owners and ask questions such as
how soon could you move in, how do you lock and secure the unit, what if any are
the time restrictions to the unit, is the facility properly lit at night, do
they offer renters insurance, etc.
Asking questions about the maintenance and upkeep of the facility are
important as well such as, are there any known or potential water damage
hazards, is the facility plowed in the winter and will my door entrance be
shoveled clean, who do you talk to if there are issues with the unit?
For convenience purposes you should also ask what type
of payments are accepted, can the payments be setup to be paid automatically
and how best is it to communicate with the facility manager or owner in the
event you need to talk to them. What are
the late fees and are there any other fees to know about. Ask yourself, does the facility appear to be
well maintained, is the location convenient, do the folks you’ve talked to
appear to be genuinely interested in your business?
If all your questions have been sufficiently answered
and you’re still interested in renting a unit then ask for the best possible
pricing. Many times, storage facilities
offer discounted rates if you pay several months in advance. Ask how often it’s been there experience that
rent rates have gone up? You’re almost
done with your homework but before you signup there are still a few details to
consider, please read on.
What type and size storage unit do I really need?
You may already have an idea of the size storage unit
you need but here are a few things to consider.
You may want a unit large enough to not only store your items but have
room for you to get inside and do a little work or rearranging. There are many folks who visit their units
from time to time and need to find a box already stored, having a little extra
space to move things around can be very handy.
This is when a well-organized unit with boxes that are stackable is a
plus. If you plan on getting the
smallest size unit possible and stacking your boxes from one wall to another
and form the floor to the ceiling, you’ll be the one who has to empty half the
unit every time you want something. It’s
recommended you not be this person. Consider
a unit one size larger, it may be worth the extra cost. By the way and for what it’s worth the
pricing structure of most storage facilities is the larger the unit the less
per square foot so ask the question, what is the cost of the next larger sized
unit?
How important is the location of the storage facility?
Location is a critical factor and should be towards
the top of your priority list but never consider it as the most important. Combined all questions, thoughts and comments
suggested above should be what formulates your decision and location is simply
a convenience. Driving a few extra miles
from time to time to gain access to your unit shouldn’t detour you from
choosing a facility that has better ratings, conveniences, outside lighting,
etc. than one that is closest or even has the lowest price. It’s your precious belongings that are going
to be stored and choosing the facility you’re going to trust to provide the
best possible service should be your number one consideration!
Hopefully the above thoughts will help you in making
the best possible decision for your storage needs.
