While everyone has a different reason for using a storage facility – moving to a new place, working out of town (or country) for an extended period of time, “staging” one’s home for sale, or just storing your “stuff” on your summer break from college – everyone has the same end result in mind…”I want my things to remain secure and undamaged until I am ready to pick them up.” Now, this isn’t too much to ask, right?
The answer to that question is yes – and no. That is why it is critically important to consider the following five criteria when choosing your self storage facility:
1. Safety
2. Convenience
3. Reputable/Reliable/Renown (the “3 R’s”)
4. Price
5. Options
1. Safety
The safe storage of your property should be second only to your own personal safety. You want to feel safe not only when you are in your storage unit, but on the grounds of the facility as well. Consider storage faculties that employ an on-site manager, so there is always another person there, should you need them. Does the facility provide video surveillance (which acts as a deterrent to would-be thieves?) Is there a PIN-code accessed fence and/or gate surrounding and protecting the storage facility? Will you be able to drive up to your unit? These are all important safety considerations when choosing your storage facility.
2. Convenience
Chances are, once you select your storage unit, you will be making multiple trips to and from the unit in order to organize, inventory, and secure your property. (Let’s face it – if you could do it all in one trip, you probably would not need a storage facility in the first place, right?) That is why it is so important to find a storage facility that is convenient for you. Perhaps one located along your work route, enabling you to stop by on the way to or from the office. If most of your “storage transfer” is going to happen on the weekends, you may choose a facility closer to your home. Whatever makes the most sense for you and your schedule should be a primary consideration when choosing your self storage facility.
3. Reputable/Reliable/Renown (the “3 R’s”)
One of the best ways to find a storage facility is word-of-mouth. Query family, friends and colleagues for recommendations concerning storage facility management with whom they have worked and been pleased. Go online to research local and national storage facilities. Many websites will include customer comments and/or recommendations. Get a sense for their longevity. Is the storage facility a local, family-owned/operated facility, with roots in the community? Is it part of a well-recognized national chain, with facilities throughout the country? Either way, a personal recommendation is the best place to start.
4. Options
When evaluating the myriad of storage facilities you no doubt have available to you, be sure to factor in what you need (i.e. size, flexible leasing, etc.) and what options each facility offers. Options to consider may include:
• Size – although most facilities offer varying sized storage units, be certain the one you are considering currently has the size you need available when you need it; if not, you can scratch that one from your list. After all, there is no sense in leasing more space than you need;
• Climate Control – will you be storing valuable family heirlooms? Antique furniture, photos, or vinyl records – all of which are susceptible to temperature extremes – should be stored in a climate controlled storage unit. (Some self storage faculties also offer humidity controls – be sure to ask if this is important to you);
• Hours of Operations (accessibility) – if you do not leave work until 8:30PM, and the storage facility you chose locks down at 8PM, you have probably picked the wrong place! Before leasing a storage facility, be certain it is open – an accessible – at the times that are convenient to you.
5. Value
Someone once said good quality + good price = value. This hold true when evaluating self storage units, too! Considering the first four criteria have been met to your satisfaction, what are you willing to pay? Shop around. You will find the lease for storage units run the gamut, so it is wise to do some research ahead of time (most of which can be done on the internet) so you can effectively weigh what you want/need with what you have budgeted. Many storage facilities offer “move-in” specials; some storage units require a deposit. Whatever “deal” you sign up for, be certain to read all of the fine print. You need to know upfront about the terms of the lease, rates, deposit, etc.
So, when the time comes that you must consider a storage facility to accommodate your possessions, take your time, and use these criteria to evaluate all of your options. You will be glad you did!
Kim Kilpatrick writes about the challenges of keeping and storing valuable possessions, efficient use of space, and staying organized. Her articles can be found online and at self storage related sites like
www.storagecolorado.com and
www.floridastorage.net
