Storing Successfully Each Time

If you're trying to pick out a great storage unit, there are a couple of questions you need to ask your facility manager upfront to make sure they offer a quality service. Here are some important things to consider. 

What Size Spaces Do You Offer?

Some storage facilities offer a wide range of unit sizes to accommodate different people. You may need a full-size, walk-in unit, but if you have less stuff, consider looking for a smaller locker or shared storage unit. 

Is the Unit Climate Controlled?

If the unit is indoors, does the company guarantee that the building will remain a certain temperature throughout the year? If it's outdoors, do they at least do regular maintenance to help manage the climate issues you'll face, such as ice and snow?

Are the Premises Patrolled 24/7?

Find out whether there is a guard at all times of the day. If not, how does the company manage night-time break-in attempts? Is there an outside security company on duty to respond to any alarms that go off?

What Surveillance Do You Do?

You might look for security cameras as a benefit when choosing your storage units. It's helpful to visit the storage facility in person to choose a unit that is within the direct line of a security camera. However, this doesn't do much if the security cameras aren't monitored regularly. Some storage units will have a guard that's watching the security cameras on a regular basis, while others may outsource this task to another security company. 

How Do You Handle Pest Control?

While unpleasant to think about, you are sharing a space with many different types of people, and you can't always guarantee that bugs or pests haven't come in with someone else's boxes. The best you can do is approach your storage facility to see how they handle pest control, such as by spraying regularly for insects. 

What Deals Do You Offer?

Some storage units also offer deals on the first few months of your storage-unit rental. For instance, look for companies that offer a free first month of storage. Other units may give a discount if you agree to rent the storage unit for an extended period of time, such as six months or more. It's certainly worth negotiating for the best deal. But make sure that you consider the overall quality of the unit as well as the deals you can get.