What You Look For When Renting A Storage Unit
Investing in storage units is a great way to deal with extra clutter around your house. You can store seasonal items, antiques, collectibles, important paperwork, furniture and much more. However, you want to make a few considerations before you invest in the storage unit. Over time, the cost of the storage unit can mount. Make sure you find a facility that fits your storage and access needs. This article will explain what to look for when shopping for a storage unit.
Checking out the Facility
First, you should always go to the storage facility before you make any decisions. You could get quotes and see prices online, but you will never really know the quality of the facility until you see it in person. Furthermore, you should ask to see the actual unit that you are considering renting. Look around the unit to make sure that it's clean. Cobwebs and rodent droppings are immediate red lights. You also want to make sure there are no holes in the walls. You want to be able to store your stuff without the fear of rodents, pests, insects and termites.
Easy Accessibility
Many storage units have multiple levels. Usually, units on upper levels that need to be accessed via stairs or elevators are more affordable. However, the small price difference might not be worth it if you plan on accessing your things often. This is especially true if you plan on storing large objects like furniture. The best units are those that you can drive your car right up to. However, these are usually the most sought after and expensive units within the facility.
Temperature Control
Having a unit in a facility with temperature control is something that you want to consider. You will definitely be able to find a cheaper unit at a more primitive building that does not have air conditioning or heating. However, do not want to risk storing your stuff in too hot or too cold environments, especially if you have valuables, antiques and heirlooms. Wooden and paper products are particularly subject to damage from the extreme heat or cold.
On-Site Manager
While the location of your storage facility is very important, you also want to make sure that it has some sort of management on site. Some units have full-time managers that actually live on the property. These are definitely the best option if you trust the management staff. More commonly, storage facilities will have an office that is open during normal business hours. You definitely want some sort a manager at your facility so you can reach them during set hours. Basically, it is very important that you trust the managers of your storage facility.