Renting a storage unit is an excellent way to keep your belongings safe without cluttering your home. Whether you’re using your storage unit to hold items for the long-term or just for a few weeks or months while remodeling, here are some tips to help you choose the best one for your needs.
Things to Consider When Renting a Storage Unit
Distance and Location
When storing your belongings, one of the biggest factors is how far the facility is from your home or office. This is especially important if you need to visit the unit often.
You’ll also want to consider the geographic location of the storage unit. When shopping, make sure the facility you’re interested in is not in a fire-prone area or flood plain.
Visit the Facility When Renting a Storage Unit
If you’re thinking about renting a storage unit, you likely intend to store items you consider valuable and don’t want to dispose of or donate. It’s essential to make sure the unit is as good as the company claims on its website.
Visit the facility and request to see the storage units to get insight into the security, maintenance, and safety. Additionally, a visit gives you a chance to ask any questions you may have about the features and policies of the storage facility.
Check its Reputation
One of the best ways to find out if a facility is recommended is by looking at reviews online. Read about other customers’ experiences when deciding among storage options. Online reviews might not be enough to help you determine the safety of a particular place.
The best recommendation might come from a friend, family member, or colleague who has rented a storage unit before. If they have personal experience with the space, they will be able to share the pros and cons of storing your belongings there.
Choose the Type of Service
When renting a storage unit, there are two types of storage services: self-service and full-service storage.
Self-service storage is best for short-term storage or when the items you want to put away are high-value items. Similarly, self-storage is better for belongings you can manage on your own. However, if you intend to store heavier belongings or many items, you may want full-service storage.
Full-service storage means the facility comes to your home, picks up your belongings, and takes them to the facility. The company will also return the items to your home when you need them back. Full-service storage saves time, and you won’t have to rent a moving truck.
Determine How Much Space You Need
Storage unit prices depend on the square footage you need. Typically, a bigger space will cost more. To save money, rent an area that’s just enough for your items.
Square footage isn’t the only thing used to determine the cost; the type of storage unit is also essential. Depending on the items you want to store, you may need to spend more on a climate-controlled unit. These units are best for storing items that may be damaged by humidity, moisture, or heat.
Following the tips above will help you choose the most suitable storage facility when renting a storage unit.
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