When choosing a self storage unit for the first time, there is a lot of information to sift through. To help you make an informed decision, here are the top 5 criteria to gauge a facility against.
- Security
Regardless of the value of the things you are storing, the security of a storage unit is the most important consideration to keep in mind. In case of valuable records, expensive clothes and fragile china, the need for security goes notches up. Many outdoor storage facilities that have not revamped their units in a long time and offer very basic security measures like a manual lock and a couple of security cameras around the premises.
However, when you search around for the best storage unit on our website, you will be glad to see that professionals in this industry now take security very seriously. Along with dedicated surveillance cameras in each unit; tenants can choose fingerprint access, padlocks, well lit gates and fences and burglar alarms.
- Amenities
What type of amenities are available with the storage unit? If you are paying a considerable amount in rent, you will be given amenities like 24 hour access, electricity, temperature and humidity control, packaging boxes, use of forklift, drive up access and online bill payment. Make sure you ask the manager at the storage office about these amenities to be fully aware of the services you can make use of.
- Convenience
Convenience is very important. Since the level of competition in the storage industry is at an all-time high, providers are doing their utmost to make it convenient for customers to store their belongings in secure units. Convenience should be taken as an umbrella term that addresses the following:
- The ease with which you can access information about a storage company. Is there a website to visit? Can you find the price, size and type of various units at the facility?
- Is unit reservation easy and hassle free? More importantly, is online reservation an option? Many professional services now allow tenants to pay rent online, making it convenient to manage a long term storage unit from abroad.
- Environment or Condition
How is the environment of the storage facility? Is it in a safe location, that is not at risk of floods, dust storms and more importantly, insect attacks? Storage companies that stay abreast with technological changes pick and choose their branch locations with a lot of consideration. They look into ways to make sure that the premises is safe from insects, fire hazards, electrocution and is centrally controlled temperatures because tenants trust them with valuable storage items.
- Insurance
If you do not have home insurance, picking a self storage provider that offers insurance is a great idea to make sure that any damage to your belongings is covered for. While not every company offers insurance, those who do also have a number of stipulations that you will have to check before signing up.
