Once you have determined that a storage unit is the best self-storage solution for you or your business, it’s time to begin the process of finding a local storage unit that meets all of your storage needs. Different storage facilities have different features and offer different amenities so it’s important to do your research on multiple storage unit facilities before you go through the hassle of moving all of your belongings in, just to realize the storage facility you chose was the wrong fit. Here are a few tips for choosing the right storage unit facility:
Do Your Research
First and foremost, discover the different storage unit facilities near you and check out their websites to learn more about their offerings and values. This will help you compare and contrast the different amenities offered and ensure the storage unit facility meets all of your wants and needs. A few things to consider:
Types of storage offered
Before you begin your hunt for a storage unit, you must first know what type of storage unit will meet your storage needs. Different storage unit facilities offer different types of storage solutions so it’s important to look into the different types of storage options available at each facility to make sure they have the self-storage solution you are looking for. Different types of storage options:
- Climate-controlled
- Unit sizes
- Indoor storage
- Recreational vehicle storage
- & More
Security features
Each storage facility will have different security features. Different types of storage facility security features you might come across are updated indoor and outdoor lighting, gated pincode access, high security disk locks, gated or fenced perimeter, 24-hour video surveillance, daily property checks, and more. Be sure to research or ask about the current security features on-site to make sure the storage unit facility you are interested in meets your security standards. You want to ensure you are leaving your belongings with a business or household self-storage solutions company you can trust.
Amenities
Storage unit facilities not only provide renters with a place to store their belongings, but they also offer many other advantages. Here are a few common amenities storage unit facilities have to keep in mind when doing your research:
- Packing supplies
- Truck and moving services
- Loading dock
- Freight elevator
- Drive up units
- On-site fax and photocopy
- & More
When you are searching for a storage unit facility, be sure to compare amenities to choose the facility that best meets your wants and needs.
Access hours
Some storage unit facilities offer 24-hour, 7-day access, while others have limited access hours. Be sure to pay attention to the access hours, especially if your schedule is unpredictable and you need to have frequent access to your storage unit at all hours. Many storage unit facilities also have on-site management with separate office hours. Be sure to pay attention to those as well.
Reviews
A great resource for finding out more about a company and the experience previous customers had with them is to check out their reviews. Keep in mind that no company is going to have 100 percent positive reviews, but multiple bad reviews are definitely a red flag.
Think About Location
When deciding between different storage unit facilities, don’t forget to keep the location in mind, especially if you plan on visiting the storage unit facility frequently. You want to make sure the location is convenient and hassle-free.
Visit Multiple Facilities
Once you’ve narrowed down your preferences to a few storage unit facilities near you, call ahead and see if you can visit the location in-person. This will give you the opportunity to meet the staff and check out the facility’s condition first-hand before you make a commitment.
