Self storage is your best solution when you need more space. You can store seasonal items, extra furniture, business inventory, and much more. Before you decide on the type of storage that is the best fit for your needs and your budget, do you know what questions to ask? Read the following article to help you make an informed decision the next time you lease a self storage unit.
Are you tired of storing your seasonal wardrobe under the bed and your holiday decorations in random closets all over your house? Does your home need a visit from Marie Kondo so that she can guide you in the KonMari method of decluttering? Are you tired of living in a home that looks like the “before” in Hoarding, Buried Alive? We have a solution for you – lease a self storage unit.
Self storage can be the easy solution to your lack of space, and most facilities are secure, convenient, and have sizes and prices to fit any budget. Choosing a self-storage facility is easy, but choosing the “right” facility requires some thought. Before you make any commitments, you need to ask some questions that will help you make the right decision.
Questions to Ask Before You Rent Self Storage
Before you do anything, you should take a look at several storage facility websites. You can get helpful information from a well-designed website: locations, unit prices/sizes, amenities, and access hours, just to name a few. A high-quality, sophisticated website, packed full of valuable information, is the first indication that the property is a well-operated, professional facility. A comprehensive site should also have an FAQ page with answers to many of your questions.
After reading through the FAQs, you may feel more comfortable visiting a few facilities. The first question you should ask is “Can I Tour the Property.” Even after a tour, you may have unanswered questions. Below are a few suggestions to help you determine which self storage facility is the right fit for your needs.
Can I tour the property?
Make every effort to tour the facility before you make a decision. The tour should give you an idea of the level of customer service, an impression of the property, and a visual feel for the size of the unit that you need. Be sure that the property is well-maintained and that the management and staff are professional, friendly, and knowledgeable.
What are your security features?
Please keep in mind that even though most facilities have security features in place, no company should “guarantee” the safety of your belongings. Random events can occur that are out of everyone’s control.
In any case, storage facilities should be equipped with state-of-the-art features like 24-hour digital video monitoring, electronic gates with keypad access, vigilant on-site managers, and maintenance staff to keep the facility clean and in good working order. The property should have perimeter fencing and bright lighting, and managers should be actively monitoring the system and doing regular walk-throughs.
More advanced features may include individually alarmed “smart” units and wireless, cloud-based digital key management that allows tenant entry using only a smartphone. These are convenient high-tech additions to a property, but your items will remain secure without them.
What are your access hours?
Access hours vary by location but are typically from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. However, there are facilities that offer extended hours. During access hours you can use your gate code to access your storage unit. If you need to get into your unit outside of standard hours, look for a facility that has 24-hour access, or you can ask the management to make an accommodation. You want to be able to retrieve your items on your schedule.
What range of unit sizes do you have available?
Think about what you need to store. Are you storing personal items, or do you need business storage? Is warehouse or specialized wine storage a must for you? Do you need storage for a car, boat, or RV? Do you require extra high ceilings or extra wide doors? You can find most of this information on the facility’s website, but a team member should be happy to answer these questions and provide you with more detailed information.
Do you offer climate-controlled storage?
If you have belongings that are sensitive to temperature fluctuations or you live in an area that is subject to seasonal extremes in temperatures, you’ll want to protect these items in climate-controlled units. These units are more expensive but worth the time and money you’ll save in not having to replace your valuable or sentimental items.
How do you handle pest control?
Rodents and insects can cause permanent damage to your possessions. You should know how often the units are treated for pest control and the methods used.
How do I contact the staff if I need assistance after regular business hours?
Staff is usually present during regular office hours, but there should be phone numbers and emails available for after-hours contact.
Do you have restrictions on what can be stored?
There should be a complete list of restricted items in the FAQ section of the website. It should also be indicated on your contract. The office staff should be happy to explain what you are not permitted to store and why.
Do You Offer Online Account Management?
Online account management should offer bill pay and autopay options for your convenience. Be sure to verify which credit and debit cards are accepted.
Do I need insurance for my belongings?
Typically, a reputable facility requires documented proof of homeowners or vehicle insurance before a rental contract can be signed. Some storage facilities offer insurance through tenant insurance companies, but you should clarify your personal coverage with your homeowners’ or renters’ insurance agent. For more details read Protect Your Belongings with Self Storage Insurance.
Trust Your Judgment
Most trustworthy properties will be happy to answer any questions that you may have prior to renting a self storage unit. They will also guide you through the website so that you can find answers at your convenience. If the staff isn’t accommodating or you feel uncomfortable, move on to another facility
Take the extra time to find the right facility the first time. Once you’ve gone through the trouble of moving your items into storage, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll go through the inconvenience of moving them again.
