How to Choose a Storage Center

Perhaps you’re running out of room in your apartment of house for storage items, maybe even a car or a boat, and an on-site storage building is not an option, it’s time to investigate storage centers.

If you’re looking into self-storage, chances are you’ve noticed there are a great deal of storage facilities looking to attract your business. There are some important aspects to consider before selecting a storage facility.

Location

Location is a key factor when selecting a storage company. Your ideal facility should be close to your home or office for ease of access. If you need to add or take something out of storage, you will be glad that you picked a convenient location.

Avoid using companies in risky neighborhoods. The overall security of the facility will be stronger when it is in a safer part of town.

Security

Security is another important consideration. Your belongings should be safe for the duration of the rental. Visit the facility in person to verify its security protocol. If you can’t see the center in person, talk to a knowledgeable representative on the phone. The best facilities have three security layers.

1. The building has a security fence that is not easy to climb. It should be topped with barbed wire to discourage attempts to infiltrate the perimeter.

2. Heavy, secure doors seal the center. Keys, codes or even biometric door locks safeguard your stuff.

3. A professional security guard should be on site at all times.

Unit Sizes and Climate Control Features

The amount of belongings you have will determine the unit you need. Some self-storage centers offer units as small as 24-square feet. If you are storing furniture or a vehicle, you will probably need a unit that measures at least 300-square feet.

Also, if you are storing sensitive items, such as musical instruments, look for a unit that has climate control. You can request to have an air conditioned or humidity-regulated unit.

Hours of Access

Determine how often you will need to visit your items.

Some people store their belongings for several months. They may only need access to them once or twice during that time. Other people might need to visit their unit several times a week.

The hours of operation should fit your schedule easily. If your schedule is unpredictable, you might consider using a storage center that is open 24-hours a day.

Price

Don’t search for a bargain. Price should not be your only consideration. After all, if you choose an inexpensive facility, they may be cutting back on important aspects. Maybe they don’t have as much security as other facilities. Maybe the building is not maintained well. Selecting a facility based solely on a low price may cause you to pay in other ways. It is not fun having your items stolen or damaged. Of course, within a storage facility, a smaller unit will be cheaper to rent than a larger one. But if the overall prices are lower than average, be very cautious.

The best way to find a good storage center is word of mouth. Ask your social network for recommendations. Advertisements, the Yellow Pages and even the internet are good sources of information. Be sure to check out several companies before narrowing your search.

Start early, take your time and follow your intuition. That way, you can’t go wrong.