What Do I Need to Know Before Renting a Storage Unit?
If your home or office is no longer an orderly place because you have too many items, storage units are available as a solution. You can rent them to free up some much-needed space. Also, when the time comes for you to move, you can use them to keep your items nice and safe, so they are indeed beneficial and convenient. Just be aware of hidden pitfalls.
Instead of rushing out and picking the first storage facility you see, you should be selective, inquisitive and mindful of these eight points.
All Storage Facilities Are Not the Same
Every company has pros and cons. While one might provide roomy storage units with few security measures, another one may have small units but great customer service. Although locality is an important aspect to take into account, the facility down the street may be unsuitable for your items. Therefore, take the time to do more research so that you can find one that’s perfect for your needs. Try focusing on other aspects like pricing, cleanliness, storage space, and amenities. Your heirlooms or antiques will likely require a climate-controlled unit.
Price Is Usually Negotiable
Some facilities are better than others strictly because they have an easy-to-work-with manager who will negotiate with you. It comes down to your ability to put forth a good deal, which will more than likely involve you entering into a long-term contract. This is the case because long-term contracts give managers some assurance that they will get paid. Furthermore, committing to a facility increases your bargaining power.
If you prefer not to haggle, you should ask about military discounts and promotions.
Make Sure to Consider the Size
If you only plan on storing a limited number of items, the last thing you need is a gigantic storage unit. Use an online calculator to help you determine how much storage space is needed. In most cases, a 10-by-10 unit will suffice, considering it provides enough room for you to store furniture, bookcases, appliances, boxes, and even motorcycles.
Ask About Security
You are basically entrusting your belongings to the employees at the facility, so trust and security go hand in hand. This means that both elements are absolutely mandatory. A good facility will have a surveillance system, a password-protected gate, a decent amount of lights, a well-maintained property and a professional staff.
Now, even though you are the customer, you will still have to help secure the unit that you are renting. A good rule of thumb is to tell no one your unique access code. Also, get a first-rate lock and take inventory, so you will know if something comes up missing.
Know What Items Are Insured
When it comes to protecting your belongings from all threats, there is more to the job than meets the eye because a lot can go wrong while your belongings are in the storage unit. Arson attacks are very common, and thieves are always on the lookout for someone’s valuable possessions. Since the chances of you recovering stolen items are slim, it is in your best interest to work with an insurance company if the storage facility does not offer insurance options.
Ask About Rental Trucks
Before you transport your items in your personal car, ask the manager if there is a van or a truck that you can use. Some storage facilities allow customers to use their trucks without charging a fee. This is usually a one-time deal that lasts for 14 days, but you will benefit from it if you are looking to save some money and time.
If you choose a facility that does not offer such a deal, you should do research on companies that offer cheap truck rental services. Getting your items to the unit will be a lot easier if you choose to work with a professional moving crew. Like storage units, trucks come in various sizes, and choosing the right size will help eliminate the possibility of property damage.
Set a Deadline
Once you pack up and ship out the items that you want to store, you can make the same costly mistake that other people have made. That mistake is leaving your belongings in the unit for a lengthy period of time.
Every month comes with a new bill and before you know it, a new year will be here. If you do not want to end up spending thousands of dollars, set a realistic deadline. When that date approaches, clear out the unit, so the storage facility will no longer charge you.
Pay on Time
When you think about the benefits of using a storage facility, remember to stay focused. Those benefits can be costly, so you need to be certain that your budget is large enough to cover the added expense. Failing to pay the monthly bill can result in you losing your belongings. As a last resort, the manager has the option of auctioning off the items.