The popularity of storage units in the U.S. continues rising every year. Currently, the revenue in this market stands at more than 4.1 billion dollars. Unfortunately, people don’t know how to find the best self-storage facilities.
Getting a great storage area can benefit you in many ways. For one, it gives you ample space for keeping your belongings. You get security and protection for your stored items. Some facilities also accept deliveries on your behalf.
Moreover, you have the flexibility of canceling the storage unit contract at any time. All it takes is your decision to stop using the facility. You also won’t have to pay cancellation fees.
With these benefits in mind, how do you find the best self-storage facility? Keep reading to find out.
Tips for Finding the Best Self-Storage Facilities
The right storage space is one that meets your needs at an affordable price. It should be one that doesn’t make you anxious. Just put your things there and forget about them until the time you’ll need them.
Here are several tips for finding the best self-storage place:
1. Pick a Good and Convenient Location
First, look for a facility that’s in a good and convenient location. Thus, start your search in your local area before expanding to other areas. It should be in a safe area without a history of violent attacks and crime.
Make sure the place is easy to access on foot or by car. It should be clean and well-managed.
2. Research Facilities With Enough Space
Think about what you are planning on storing and how much space it will take. Consider getting a slightly larger space in case you need to add more stuff. Also, you should have enough space to organize your things or boxes where possible.
For example, you could be a student traveling to a new school or an employee relocating for a quick job. The storage facility should be able to handle your belongings while you are away.
You can use the storage space to keep your documents, wine, and office supplies. It could be the place where you keep your inventory, records, and equipment. Most commonly, people keep furniture, trophies, musical instruments, and other items.
3. Use a Website to Search for Storage Units
Instead of struggling to find a unit through Google, use a storage comparison website. Such a website will make the work easier because it lists all the storage businesses in your area. For example, if you live in New York, view here to see the storage options available.
The website lists the amenities such as climate control and drive up access. It also shows the size of the unit, the distance, and the price. Moreover, it lists the special offers given to those who book a space online.
Last, read the reviews of each of the storage areas. It will give you an idea about the services they are providing.
4. Ensure the Security is High
Since you don’t want to lose your belongings, make sure the facility is safe. It should have video surveillance, guards, passwords, locks, alarms, and proper lighting. This helps to expose or limit anyone who tries to break in.
Many facilities encourage their users not to store any money or jewels. These belong in a safety deposit box. The storage spaces are for items such as furniture and boxes of documents.
5. Get a Referral
One of the methods used by marketers to attract storage users is referrals. A facility may promise current tenants an incentive for referring someone. This can include offering discounts, gift cards, or unit upgrades.
The good thing about a tenant referral is you’ll get inside information. You’ll know their strong and weak points, which will help you make a decision. You might even learn about special offers that make signing up affordable.
Go to the storage units and talk to the Facility Manager. Question them about their services and whether you can get discounts. Choose the place if you are satisfied with the answers they’ve given.
6. Ask for 24-Hour Access
Ensure you can access the storage area at any time of the day or night. Depending on what you are storing there, you might need to access it unexpectedly. Thus, the place you pick should allow you to enter the lot and access your unit.
Moreover, you could be dealing with a case of seasonal storage. This is where you keep things locked up for a while depending on the season. For example, it can apply to sports team gear to something like wine.
7. Check for Extra Services or Amenities
The best storage units provide extra services or amenities. For example, you can get a place that takes deliveries on your behalf. You can also get a place that provides moving services for your goods.
Consider other places that offer indoor climate-controlled units. While such spaces can be expensive, they provide a good atmosphere for delicate items.
If you have large items, pick a place with units on the ground floor. Otherwise, you could have a tough time going up the stairs with your items. Or, you can ensure the unit is close to a cargo lift.
8. Compare the Prices
Another thing you have to consider is the cost of the storage services. Is it easy to sign up and is the entry fee acceptable? Are there going to be any hidden charges after you sign the contract? When is the payment schedule and what are your terms?
Plus, ask about whether the unit prices change after some time. You might be caught off-guard with an increase in payments.
Make a shortlist of all the storage areas that fit your needs. Then, compare their prices and decide if the one with a higher rental provides value for money. If you are lucky, you’ll find the cheap one offers the same quality of service as the expensive one.
Get More Business and Consumer Resources
If you use the tips above, you’ll be able to find the best self-storage facility. Pick one that’s close to your home or office, if possible. Ensure the place is secure, provides extra services, and offers full-time access.
Visit our website to discover more business and consumer resources.