Things to Look Out for When Choosing a Storage Unit

StorageArea Self Storage

Share The Article

There might be many reasons why you need to lease a storage unit. Perhaps you are going traveling and need somewhere to keep your things until you return? Mabe you’re moving house? Or, you could be doing some renovations on your property? Plus, some businesses choose to use them to help keep their offices more organized and as a safe place to store their products until they are ready to be sold. Whatever the reason, a storage unit can be the ideal solution when you have limited storage space at home or work. However, not all storage units are the same, and some facilities will be better than others. This is why you should always look out for the following before you sign a lease.

Security

A good storage facility will offer at least the basics when it comes to security measures, such as a security fence/wall around the perimeter and CCTV. However, some facilities will be better than others, such as having a security team on-site and perhaps even 24-hour security guards and surveillance. You want to have peace of mind that your belongings are safe when left in your unit, and although you should always get yourself a quality, strong lock to put on your unit door, think about what other measures are available on-site and how comfortable you are with them.

Location

Another thing to keep in mind is where your storage unit is located. You might not need to go to your unit every other week, but the further away it is from your home, the harder it will be if you need to access your unit in an emergency or to find the time to make the drive to get the items you want out of it. The storage facility you use doesn’t have to be right next door, but you should try to find one that is no more than 30-40-minutes away from your house. This might be more challenging if you don’t live in a big town or city, but there are storage facilities located all over the place. You can search for your nearest storage facility online.

What Kind of Unit Do You Need?

There are various kinds of storage units you can lease, and it’s important to understand the difference to make sure that you’re getting the right one for your needs. For example, a climate-controlled unit is ideal for items that are sensitive to temperature changes. These include batteries, clothing, upholstery, leather, wood, or even certain metal furniture. Household appliances and electronic devices will also benefit from a climate-controlled climate, as well as artwork and important documents and paperwork. If you are looking for somewhere to store a car, then there are specific storage units you can lease that are big enough for vehicles. There are also storage units for boats, and some facilities will offer either indoor or outdoor storage. The former might be preferable for those who want to provide additional protection for their belongings against the elements, whereas the latter is more suitable for those who will be driving up to their unit to move items more regularly. If you’re not sure what kind of unit would be best for your storage needs, ask the management team at the facility you’re viewing to give you some advice.

Cleanliness of Storage Facility

When you are trying to choose the right facility to lease a storage unit in, pay attention to how well the place appears to be maintained. Once you sign the lease, you will be responsible for maintaining your unit, but the management team will still be responsible for the rest of the site. If you do notice any problems with your unit, report them immediately and take photographic evidence if you can. You should do this before you move your items in, too, and keep any written communication and photos as evidence so they can’t claim it was damage you caused. If the facility looks as though it is not being taken care of properly, you may want to look elsewhere.

Terms of Lease

It’s always smart to read the fine print when you sign any kind of contract, but make sure that you are paying attention to the terms of your lease. Most storage facilities will offer flexible and rolling contracts so that you’re not fixed into anything longer than you need to be. However, all facilities will have slightly different sets of rules, regulations, and charges – including late fees. Make sure that you are happy with the terms before you sign a lease and that you can afford to make the monthly payments. If you fail to make these payments, you will incur late fees, and if these are also not paid along with your rent, after a few months, your property can be taken by the management company and is often sold off at auction or removed.

The Size of the Unit

Once you know what kind of unit you will need (e.g., climate-controlled), you will need to figure out how much space you will need. Storage units do come in various sizes, and you can upgrade to a bigger unit at a later date if you need to. If you’re not sure about how big your unit will need to be, again, ask the management team and tell them what you’re planning on storing and a rough estimate of how many items you have. They should be able to give you further guidance.

The Price

The type of unit and its size will all impact the price of your rent, and again, different facilities will charge different prices. It’s important to make sure that you can afford your storage unit, whether it’s a short-term lease or not. Use comparison websites to find the best deals on self-storage near you to help you manage your budget more effectively.

If you require a storage unit for business or personal use, remember the points above when you start looking at them to help you choose the right one for you.


Share The Article