Top 5 Things to Look for in a Long-Term Self-Storage Facility

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There are a lot of different self-storage facilities out there, and some are definitely going to be better than others. When it comes to storing and protecting your precious property, it’s absolutely essential to make sure that the facility you partner with has the capacity, safety, and security your belongings need. 

If you’re considering using a local self-storage facility, make sure that it checks off all these boxes before you start to move yours! 

Security

The first thing that you should look out for when choosing a self-storage facility is the safety of the area. It’s vital that you look into the surrounding location and neighborhood to see if there is a high crime rate. If there is a high crime rate, then it doesn’t matter how secure your facility is because there is still a very high chance of your locker being targeted by thieves. 

Once you’ve researched the safety of the area, then you need to focus on the facility itself. It’s helpful to look into the locker or container you are going to be renting. Does it have a sturdy lock, or do you need to bring your own? Who else is the storage area accessible to? Are there any obvious security flaws you can see? 

It’s also a good idea for you to look into the services provided. Do they have guards patrolling? Do they offer units which are temperature-controlled? What about security cameras and ID checks? Security measures like these will help you to keep your unit and property as safe as possible.

Customer Service

Secondly, you have to make sure that the customer service of that facility is of a high-standard. If you run into any problems, then you need to know that the company is there for you and that they are going to help you with any issues that may come up. 

Potential issues could include your lock jamming, the door not opening properly, storage insurance, or theft . If you want to help yourself here, then try and contact the company in question and ask them what kind of support they provide for their customers. 

Cleanliness

If there are leaks in the units, dirt, or anything else of the sort then this could ultimately end up harming the items you are trying to store. This is especially the case if you are trying to keep your electronics safe. 

If you want your belongings to stay unharmed by mold, mildew, or rust, make sure that the unit you rent is clear of water or bug damage. It’s advisable to regularly inspect your unit to make sure that it stays clean and hospitable for your belongings. If you intend on using a temperature-controlled unit then it is a wise idea to see what measures they have put into place.

Price

Obviously, some units will be more expensive than others. If you want to make sure that the unit you are investing in is not overpriced, then it helps to find out the pricing beforehand and compare with other facilities. If the unit seems abnormally cheap then this could work against you and your belongings. 

If you aren’t quite sure on the pricing or if the company has not listed their prices openly, then call the company to ask yourself. If the company is not listing the terms properly or if the prices seem somewhat concealed, then this can be a red flag. 

If you want to get the best result out of your unit then make sure that you can pay by credit or debit card, or online if possible. This will help you to stay on top of your bills and any other expenses.

Transparent Terms

Lastly, it helps to look on the website to see if there are transparent terms and conditions. You have to check to see if there are any strange requirements that are not industry standard and you also need to make sure that you are clear on when you are going to have access to the storage unit as well. 

If you do this, then you will soon find that you are able to come out with a much better experience overall. If you want some help choosing your unit or if you need some clarification, then the storage company should be able to help you. If they seem reluctant or if they appear to be talking and trying to avoid the question, then this could mean that they are not the company for you.

Of course, if you do not choose the right company from the get-go, then this could mean that you end up wasting time and that you end up having to seek out another unit later on. Use these tips to find the best place for your belongings. 

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