The decision to use a self storage facility for your “extras” is a relatively easy one. Storage units are convenient and inexpensive and usually do a great job keeping your things safe. However, not all self storage facilities are created equal and not any old one will do when it comes to storing your possessions.
Consider Your Needs
It’s always wise to think about why you need a self storage unit in the first place, before you start searching. Depending on what you need to store and for how long, the features of the ideal unit for you may vary.
Things like quality security and controlling the climate inside the units is important for everyone. But if you have a firm grasp of your storage needs ahead of time, you’ll know what type of facility will be the best fit.
Experience
Experience doesn’t necessarily mean that a business does a great job every time or has quality products and services to sell, but it does create a history for you to see. An experienced self storage facility will help you to see if there is a proven track record of success, of failure or something in between.
Look for Different-Sized Units
As often happens, your storage needs may change after you’ve been in there for awhile, so a business with different-sized units is always a benefit. If you end up removing or adding more items to your unit after several months or even years, having the option to switch to a different one in that location is a nice option.
Competitive Pricing
The price may not be the first thiong on your list if you are storing valuable or sentimental items, but it’s still something to consider. You shouldn’t really look for ‘cheap’ storage places, but competitive pricing is important. If you disregard the cost and end up keeping your belongings there for years, the price tag could be enormous.
Good Reputation
The reputation of a self storage facility sort of ties in with the experience and track record factors. Things like online reviews, word of mouth and website testimonials can help paint a picture of whether a facility is reputable or not.
Close Enough to Visit
In all likelihood, there will be times when you need to visit your unit. It may not happen often, but when you do it’s nice to have one that’s relatively close by. It doesn’t necessarily have to be down the street or even in the same town or city, don’t go too far from home. If your situation changes and you need to make frequent visits for some reason, the close proximity will be appreciated.
