A self-storage unit is a great option to store unused items in your house or office. Whether you want to declutter your home or are thinking about downsizing, there are many reasons to rent a low-cost unit to store your things safely until you decide what to do with them.
There are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you can get the best storage option for your needs. Here are four key factors to consider before renting a storage unit.
1. A Safe Storage Space
Many companies market their storage units as affordable but that doesn’t mean they are the safest option to store your belongings. Try to choose a unit that is guarded by security and surrounded by a fence that does not allow anyone to enter and that protects against theft. Ask about the fire safety features provided on-site from sprinklers to fire detectors. Make sure to check the inside of the unit first to make sure it is climate-controlled and that the ground level of the unit is not too low to avoid leakage from rainwater. Check the locks on the unit and make sure to ask about their pest control practices before renting a unit. You want to ensure your things are safely stored and protected from damage.
2. Getting the Right Space for Your Needs
To determine the size of your storage unit, you need to make an inventory of all the things you need to store. Decide whether you need a unit for business storage or personal storage so you could determine the square footage that suits your needs. It might seem like a good idea to get a large space in case you want to store more items in the future. However, you may end up wasting your money by renting a large unoccupied space, or you could be tempted to store all your clutter in the unit, making it unmanageable. Make sure to visit a few facilities before settling on the right one for your storage needs.
3. Insurance Policy
Check with your insurance company to find out if the items you intend to store in the storage facility are still covered outside your home. You need to check whether your chosen storage facility provides storage insurance in case your home insurance does not cover belongings stored outside the house. Most companies require that any goods stored in their facilities are insured to cover their value in case of any damage.
4. Choosing an Accessible Facility
You will need to be able to access your storage unit at any time of day. However, not all facilities provide around-the-clock service. Make sure to check each facility’s operating hours to determine which one fits your schedule. Some people need to access their units in the evening, while others don’t mind sticking to regular business hours in return for choosing a unit close to their location.
It’s best to make a plan before deciding on the type of storage facility you want to rent. You can find many good options in your area, so you need to first determine your storage needs before you rent a storage unit. Make sure to visit a few facilities to compare prices, locations, and other features before you make your decision.
