Self Storage Units – Make Sure You Make an Informed Choice

What are the critical elements you need to consider in a self storage unit?

There are five critical areas that you should think about when you are choosing a self storage unit. These are:

1. Size

2. Security

3. Costs and insurance

4. Environmental control

5. Access

Do the size options at the self storage unit meet your needs?

Size matters, especially when you are looking at placing things that are valuable enough to pay for storage. Self storage units come in a variety of sizes, so the first thing you need to find out is the size of the units available at a particular facility. Picking the wrong size unit can either cause you headaches on the day your moving things in or be uneconomical if what you’re storing is much smaller than the unit size. Here is a quick guide on common self storage unit sizes and their storage capabilities: If you’re still not sure, make an appointment with the self storage facility manager to come and view the options available. As a double check to your own assessment, ask the manager what size unit they recommend. It is best to take along a floor plan/size estimate of your items so the manager can help you decide on the size you need.

Ensuring your goods are secure at all times while in a self storage unit

The levels of security that different self storage facilities have on offer also differ along with the size. This may be because they specialize in the types of goods they store. The level of security that you need for your household belongings and goods will also differ depending on their value (both sentimental and replacement cost). Ask the manager of the self storage facility what their security arrangements are for the facility as a whole along with the individual units. You can also check to see if you can add your own security, such as padlocks to the unit. Lastly, ask who will have access to the units and if the facility can also gain access (in an emergency) which personnel would hold the key or access information. As the levels of security will probably also impact on the costs, you want to make sure that your not over or under valuing the goods you are storing. If your storage needs are for a business, most likely you will require a facility that runs state of the art security across its site.

Comparing costs and insurance options to fit your self storage needs

Whether your self storage unit needs are short or long-term, the costs will need to fit your budget.Some factors that will impact on the costs at each self storage facility are size of the unit, security of the unit and facilities and whether or not the unit is climate controlled. Each contributing factor that adds to the cost should be balanced against the amount of goods you need to store, value of the goods and level of risk your willing to accept during the storage. When you’re interviewing self storage facilities to determine the best value for your needs, find out the following:

1. Your size requirements

2. Your security requirements

3. Costs for each size of unit available, if you require more than one unit will the facility offer you a discount? Check to see if two smaller units are more economical than one larger unit. Are there different costs for climate controlled units?

4. Short and long term rates, also if you can rollover and reduce costs if your goods are stored longer than expected

5. Are there any costs for accessing the facilities? Are there any extra costs for accessing the facilities after hours?

6. Is insurance covered in the lease or do you need to buy a separate insurance policy? If insurance is included check the fine print to ensure it covers events such as fire, floods and natural disasters.

7. Does the storage facility offer moving services as well? Will this reduce the overall costs of storing your goods?

Environmental control of your self storage unit

Each type of climate comes with its own problems for goods in storage. Too damp and your goods can be exposed to mold and mildew, too hot and dry and your goods could crack and warp. When your discussing the options available at a self storage facility, be sure to ask whether or not they have climate controlled units available and if they do, will you be able to have control over your particular unit/s with an independent control. The other kind of environmental issue you may face are pests such as rodents, ants and cockroaches. Ask the facility manager what their pest control measures are or whether you will be responsible for any pest control in your own unit? Do they have a facility wide pest control procedure in place? Check also with the types of goods that are NOT allowed to be stored at the self storage facility. This may include any flammable or hazardous materials. Knowing what your needs are and what self storage unit options are available to you, ensures that your goods can be stored safely, securely and that you have peace of mind during your lease.