Renting out safe and secured storage
units for short term and long term household storage needs is becoming popular
these days. If you are moving to another country, renting out a storage unit
may seem to be a better option than retaining the rented apartment. Similarly, when
there is a scarcity of space in your current home, then instead of crowding
your home, garage or other areas in your home with loads of items, it make more
sense to rent out a storage unit and move your goods there for safer storage. Storage
units can also be used for storing the seasonable items like winter clothes etc.
And if you are wondering about how to choose a storage facility or things to
keep in mind when selecting a storage unit to store domestic and household
items, then here’s the post worth checking. Today in this post, I am sharing a
9 of the most crucial and important things worth considering when choosing a
storage facility for short/long term storage needs.
Tips for choosing right storage unit
How to choose a storage unit – the right way
If you have to keep your domestic
household items safe inside the storage unit for long term, you got to choose
the right storage facility in the first place. And this is why it’s important
to know a few things about choosing a storage unit. As I have worked with
hundreds of moving and storage companies from all across India, I can help you
get it right.
And, here we go.
Location
First thing first, the location of the storage unit or the facility is important, and if it is nearer to your then that’s better. Well, the location of the facility and the proximity to your home is an important thing that you should consider when choosing a storage unit for short/long term storage requirements. if the facility is closer to your home, then apart from saving on both way transportation cost to move in/out your goods, you will have easier access to your goods as well.
The location may not be that big a factor in case of short-term storage, but in case of long-term storage purposes, it is best that you choose a facility that is not that far from your home. This is all the more necessary if you have plans to travel back and forth between your home and the storage unit in order to retrieve your items several times during the storage period.
Hour of operation
Next in the list of things to
consider when choosing storage unit, is the hours of operation of the facility.
It is important that you see to it that whether you will be able to access your
storage unit at times that is suitable for you, especially if you have a daily
tight schedule. Like for example, you may be free on the weekends but if the
storage facility is closed in the weekends, then you will not be able to access
your items when you are free. So, to avoid inconvenience, it is recommended
that you choose a facility that is available 24×7 for their customers.
Rates and payment terms
When you are choosing the storage
unit for long term purpose, there are some questions that you should ask before
choosing a facility. Like for example,
Does the storage unit
charge is weekly or monthly?
Will you get one month
storage facility for free?
Will you be able to cancel
the contract anytime as per your preference?
How much expensive is the
storage unit facility?
Well, finding out the answers to all
these questions will help you decide whether the facility and its rates and the
payment terms they offer are suitable for your needs and is within your budget
or not.
Amenities
Well, you need to be sure that the
storage unit that you are planning to rent out is climate controlled. This is
very much important for you especially if you live in a place which experiences
extreme temperatures. The climate-controlled units are always preferred because
they protect your goods from extreme heat, humid or cold weather. The
electronics and the furniture are more prone to weather related damages, so
unless they are kept in climate-controlled units, they may get damaged.
Among the other amenities that you
should take into account are the material of the storage unit and whether it is
located indoors or outdoors. If you are going to rent a storage unit for long
term purposes, then it is advisable that you go for one that is located indoors
and that which is made up of weather resistant steel.
Security
The security of your belongings
should be at the top of your priority list when you are renting out a storage
unit. Well, the good thing is most of the storage facilities provide good
safety measures and your goods are generally protected.
However, the extent of the safety measures provided will obviously vary from one storage facility to another. Like, some storage facilities may just offer you a lock and key while some other storage facilities may have additional safety measures like 24 hours monitoring, digital surveillance, a well-lit environment, electronic gated entrance, perimeter fencing etc.
So, while you are making the selection, make sure you are satisfied with the safety measures that the storage facility is providing. Do, read all the terms and conditions before signing any deal with the storage company you have chosen.
Check reviews
Well, you may have decided to go
for a storage facility that is a nationwide chain but that does not mean you
will not check the online reviews and the ratings for the exact location that
you have chosen. Unless you check the reviews, you will never be able to know
whether the facility that you are planning to go for offers its customers with
quality service or not. You will also be able to have a fair idea of the
various other important features of the facility. Well, choosing the right
storage facility is important so you might even consider going for referrals
from the trusted friends, relatives, neighbors etc. And while looking for
reviews online, just be a little cautious and see to it that the reviews are
genuine and it’s coming from real customers.
Insurance
In order to protect the domestic
household items you may be required to take additional insurance from the
storage facility. So, while you are making the selection, see to it that the
insurance includes protection of your belongings from robbery/theft, water
damage and other unfortunate accidents. Not only insuring your goods properly
will give you some relief but you will also be able to get proper compensation
in case your items get stolen or damaged in any way when kept in the storage
unit.
Size of the unit
Depending on the type of items you
are planning to store in the storage unit, you should choose the storage unit
size. Like for example, you need to see whether the storage facility is
offering you with storage unit size that is suitable for you. After all, you
need to pick the right size storage unit with the right storage features that
is best for your items.
You may be planning to store a
large item like motorcycle or a car, so unless you get extra large storage
unit, it will be of no use to you. On the other hand, if you have plans to
store only a handful of boxes, then going for a small and inexpensive unit will
be OK for you.
Maintenance of the facility
It is important that you consider
the physical appearance of the storage facility because they say quite a lot
about whether the owners take the business seriously or not. If you see a
well-maintained facility, then that is a good sign because that indicates that
the owners care for your items more than your money.
On the other hand, a poorly
maintained facility with lot of structural damages, like for example, molds and
then holes from where small insects and pests can enter is not at all a good
option to choose. You must also check the landscape. Be sure that the grass is
cut from time to time and then there is no trash or debris.
The simple thing is if you do not
get a good feeling once you visit the place, it is better that you avoid that
and find a facility that is well maintained.
Conclusion
Determining the right storage unit
that perfectly suits your needs will be of great help and value. We today have
many storage facilities which are good as you will have various options to
choose from, but having so many options may often confuse you as well.
So, if you have decided to rent out a storage unit to store your household goods for a long period of time, make sure you make the choice based on the certain important factors like the size of the storage unit, the environment, the hours of operation, the prices, the safety measures offered, the insurance options etc.
If you look for these important and
crucial things when choosing and renting out a storage unit, then you will be
able to get rid of many known and unknown issues, commonly associated with
storage facilities.
As far as checking whether the
storage facility you are going for is a trustworthy one or not, you need to be
a little alert. To avoid making wrong choice, it will be good if you go for
referrals from people you trust. If not, then make sure you research about the
storage facility well by seeing the online reviews and ratings, before making a
deal. Also, while conversing with the representatives, check how they speak
with you. Do they seem sincere and confident? If yes, then go for them.
Well, I hope with my recommended
list of things to consider when choosing a storage unit for long term, you will
be able to rent the best storage unit. I wish you all the best for that.
What else do you think one should
look for when choosing storage facility for long term storage?
And, if you found this article to
be informative and valuable, please do spread it among others so that more and
more people can get benefitted from it.
Until then, stay safe and keep your
belongings safe as well.
