If you are like most people, you have a lot of stuff. Maybe you are downsizing and need to get rid of some things, or maybe your home is just overflowing with belongings. Whatever the reason, you may be looking for a storage company to help you out. How do you choose the right one? There are many factors to consider, but we have put together eight tips to make the process easier.
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1) Select the right size facility.
Many people want to store their items in large transportable containers. This may be a viable option if you need storage for a long period. However, if you are storing items for only a few months of the season, renting a smaller space may be more cost-effective. An empty storage unit will not only cost you money each month, but it will also hurt your chances of finding tenants.
2) Look for weekly billings.
You will want to find a storage company that charges you the same amount of money each month. The cost difference is usually due to the added services and extra fees that are not included in your monthly bill. If there are maintenance fees, this can result in you having a higher cost per cubic foot than your monthly bill.
3) Look at the building condition.
Does the storage facility have staircases with cracks, pilling carpets, or musty smells? You probably do not want to store your items in a dirty facility. Find a storage unit that has clean and well-maintained areas. Also, look at the overall appearance of the building. If it is extremely outdated, you do not want to spend your money there.
4) Look at security.
Do the facility’s guards have guns? Is it monitored 24 hours a day with cameras? These are important questions to ask yourself. A facility with security guards can prevent theft and vandalism and add a layer of overhead for the company that owns the unit. We recommend checking out reviews of a storage facility before deciding on one to rent.
5) Are the rates reasonable?
You may think renting a storage unit is cheap because it is in an old building. However, you may be paying for something that has not been updated for many years. If the facility has high maintenance costs and charges a high rate per month, you will end up spending more money than you realized. Also, look at the cost per cubic foot. If it is way above the average rate, look at another facility.
6) Be careful of expensive insurance.
You may find a storage facility that offers insurance for your items, but be careful. Many of these policies will cost you more than the price of the storage unit itself. It is often not worth the charge, and it may just be cheaper to have an insurance policy for your things. In addition to this, you will also want to be aware of the “hidden” cost of renting at a storage facility. You may have high-security deposits and other fees that are quite high. To avoid this, look for low fees and insurance coverage when looking for a storage company.
7) Accessibility of the location.
You may find a storage facility close to your home or business. However, after a few months, you may need to move your items to another facility. This can be very costly and time-consuming if the storage company will not allow you to move containers from one location to another. A company like EasyTruck allows this type of transfer.
8) Allow one company to do the entire work.
If you are moving into a new place and do not have the time to store your items, you may hire a storage company. You may be able to find one that will do the entire process for you. However, make sure that they are reputable and have a good reputation in the industry.
These eight tips are sure to help you get the best storage facility for your needs. Look for a large facility with affordable and convenient access. Also, talk to other customers about their experiences with various facilities. This can be very useful in finding out whether the location you want is expensive or has hidden fees that will hurt your wallet down the road.
