If you have decided to store some of your belongings at a self-storage facility, then these selected belongings are surely valuable to you and the last thing you would want is to have something bad happen to them due to your wrong choice of a storage facility. Price, of course, is one of the most important factors to take into account, but deciding on a self-storage facility based solely on how much you will have to pay for the service is definitely the wrong approach here. When you’re choosing the right self-storage facility for you, remember that the old axiom that you get what you pay for rings truer than ever before.
Besides price, here’s what to look for when choosing a self-storage facility:
Great security
Before you rent a self-storage unit, you must be absolutely sure that the storage facility in question has excellent security so that your precious items are safe at all times. Good self-storage facilities are equipped with a number of modern security features for guaranteeing the well-being of your items and your peace of mind.
- Surveillance system. You need a good surveillance system whose cameras monitor not only the exterior area but also the interior of the facility, including the hallways. This way, no authorized intruder or illegal activity will go unnoticed.
- Fence. The fence should surround the entire complex and be in good overall condition – no rust, no holes, no cuts and no broken supporting poles.
- Gate. Of course, the storage premises must be securely gated to keep unauthorized visitors away. Is there a keypad-equipped gate that only the right access code can unlock? It’s important to know that once you get inside the self-storage facility, especially after the official business hours, you will be as safe as your items stored in the storage unit.
- Storage unit door. The door to your self-storage unit should be in good condition with no visible problems whatsoever. It should open and close easily, and its seal should be tight when the door is closed in order to prevent water from entering the storage space. The door latch – the spot where you will place your personal lock, should look strong enough and in good working condition.
- Live guards. Some great self-storage facilities will also provide live security guards as an additional safety measure against any ill-intentioned acts. Inquire whether such security personnel will be available on site.
- Additional security. The presence of adequate fire prevention systems, fire alarms and fire suppression systems (for example, sprinklers) is a clear sign that you’re choosing the right self-storage facility for your valuable possessions.
Great overall condition
Here’s another set of essential features you should look for when choosing a self-storage facility.
- Structures. The storage buildings should look in good shape with no noticeable structural damage of any kind. Holes along the structure can be a sign of leaks or pest infestation so if you spot any holes regardless of their size, look for another storage facility.
- Cleanliness. The premises should be clean, tidy and clearly tended to. Scattered trash around the area means lower maintenance standards which can lead to a load of troubles for you later. You want a storage facility that is very clean and well-kept, period.
- Loading docks. Good storage companies provide high-quality loading docks to their valued clients. The availability of such loading docks, which should be appropriate for both cars and trucks, is a clear sign that your experience at that self-storage facility will be problem-free.
- Parking space. Looks for a storage facility that provides plenty of convenient parking places with direct access to the self-storage units.
- Access. Best self-storage facilities offer 24-hour unlimited access to their customers. But even if a storage facility has limited hours of operation, you must make sure that these business hours are reasonable enough so that the place will be open when there’s a high chance that you need any of your stored items.
- Good occupancy. A good level of occupancy is always a positive sign that your household items will be in good hands.
- Enough illumination. Light is essential for a good self-storage solution. You need a self-storage facility that is well-lit regardless of the time of day or night. The overall illumination should offer a great level of visibility so that you can avoid any types of injuries while you’re handling your stuff.
Great service
There are many factors to consider when choosing your self-storage facility, but if the on-site personnel are rude, ignorant or simply as useless as a screen door on a submarine, then you should just turn around and look for a great storage facility with polite, knowledgeable and really helpful staff. A friendly property manager is definitely another plus which you should consider when choosing the right self-storage facility for your valuable possessions.
In short, what to look for when choosing a self-storage facility? You need affordable price, first-class security, impeccable overall condition and excellent service. And most importantly, you need to tour the self-storage facility in person first and then to reach the right informed decision.
My husband and I are going to be renting a small apartment for a year and we think we are going to store our things in a storage unit like this one. I like how you point out the importance of finding a facility that has high security and many security features. That will help me have a lot of peace of mind that my things will be secure while we are gone. Thanks for sharing this!
My wife and I are about to make our first move and are very excited about it. We do have some important stuff though that we we aren’t going to bring with us right away, so we figured it would be worth finding a good storage unit. We at first had no idea what to look for in a good storage unit, but after reading this, we feel much better about finding one and will use these tips to help us out.
I just graduated college and am moving from my parents’ house to a small apartment. I won’t have room for all of my stuff, and I need a storage unit as I am moving out of state. I really appreciated your tips on checking out different aspects of each facility’s security. I never would have thought that some places have live guards. That would definitely give me peace of mind.
My parents are moving and need to find a place to store some of their things. Thanks for the advice about finding a facility that has 24-hour service so that you can always get to your belongings. Hopefully, we can find a storage service that also has good security.
I like the advice to explore the storage facility to see how well kept it is. If the fences are damaged, that can be a good reason not to use the facility. I also like the options that are available according to this list. Having a loading dock can be a vital aspect to make using the storage facility more easy.
I’m really glad you talked about adequate parking spaces in the storage facility grounds. That’s something I’ve never thought of, before, but it’s actually really important. If you have to park far away and lug all of your stuff over to your unit, you probably will not be as well off. Access is also a big deal; you need to know that you can get to your belongings at a moment’s notice. It would be a shame to have an emergency and not be able to get to your belongings in time for any reason.
I have been thinking about renting a storage unit to store some extra things in, so it is good to know what I should be looking for. I like that you mention choosing a surveillance system. You make a good point about how you need your things to be monitored to no type of intruder or other illegal activity will go undetected. Hopefully, I can find a safe, reputable facility to keep my things in.
I agree that access is a big point of concern if the facility and unit itself is hard to get to then the trips over there are going to be dreaded. I prefer if the facility is secure I just don’t want it to be out in the boonies.
I’m so glad you included great service in this list of things to look for in a storage company! This is something you don’t often consider when looking at storage facilities because if it’s a self-storage unit, you probably won’t be interacting with them terribly often. However, you want to make sure that when you do need help, they are ready and willing to offer it in a polite and efficient manner.
My brother bough a few dirt bikes this past summer and needs a place to store them during the upcoming winter months. You advised choosing a storage facility that has a good surveillance system. My brother loves these new bikes he bought, so knowing that there are eyes on them at all times would give him a lot of peace of mind. Thanks for the advice.
I agree that security is the most important aspect in choosing a self storage facility. I like that you mentioned to make sure the facility has cameras. That way, if somebody did break in, they could be easily identified. I am getting ready to move, and I need a storage facility for some of my stuff in the mean time. I will definitely be looking out for these features.
I didn’t realize how important it is to look at parking space at a self storage unit facility to ensure you have convenient places to park that give you direct access to your belongings. My sister is getting married next month. Hopefully, she can use this info to find a unit that can keep her unneeded armoir safe for a few months.
I like that you recommend to find a storage unit with enough illumination. I can see why this would be nice so that you can see where you are going. You might also consider asking how many of the units are empty so you can see how popular they are.
I’ve never thought of looking into a facility with live security guards as an option before. My belongings that were once my great-grandfather’s have some precious items to me that I want to take care of as much as possible, so having some extra security would be nice. I’ll look for a storage facility that has that as well as clean premises.
I loved when you mentioned how you should look for a storage facility that has surveillance cameras that monitor the inside and outside of the premises. It is important to remember that choosing a company like this can help you rest assured knowing your items will be safe. Personally, I would also want to read online reviews and ratings to make sure I understand what other clients have to say about their services and choose accordingly.
I’m currently looking for a 24-hour storage unit for my belongings and I want to make sure these are protected. Your article gives good tips on how to make sure the storage I choose has great security that will guarantee my peace of mind. Thanks so much!
I totally agree that a parking place near a storage facility is extremely important as you cannot simply transport lots of things to the necessary place and then carry it with your hands! I am moving to another country, and I will need to store some of my stuff in such a place. I will try to find a place which has a parking lot not to carry everything by hand later.
Thanks for your advice to look for storage units that are not damaged and are clean. I like how you said that there should be enough to space to unload and move-in all the things that you have as well. My husband and I are considering high-quality storage facilities to keep our inflatable pool and kids’ summer toys for this winter season.
My husband and I are planning on renting a self-storage unit while we are moving and we are wondering what kind of amenities we should be looking for. So I really like your advice to choose a facility that has parking spaces that are convenient by being pretty close to the units themselves. Since we don’t want to haul our belongings over a long distance, we will be sure to pick a self-storage facility that has parking that is conveniently close to it.
I thought it was interesting that you mention having live guards. My sister is looking to buy storage units but wants tips. I’ll be sure to talk to her about how beneficial live guards can be.
It’s great to know how to choose a storage facility. We want to store some of our extra things because we’re moving into a smaller home soon. I’ll be sure to find a facility that is really clean and organized, like you said. Cleanliness has always been a priority of mine.
I love how you detailed out how we can assess the level of security of a storage facility since it’s quite important for it will guarantee the well-being of our items and peace of mind. I’ll be sure to keep this in mind since I am looking into where we can keep our collected treasures through our journey around the world. A storage unit is ideal at the moment, I’ll look more into this to see if it’ll fit our needs. Thanks for the informative article about how to choose a self-storage facility!
Thanks a lot for mentioning how you should look for a storage unit that can let you access it anytime. It is important to remember that doing some research and compare the options in your area can help you find the best one for your needs. We are planning on renting a storage unit that can help us keep our outdoor toys safe, so I’m glad I found your page.
What got my attention was how you said that it’s best to look for a storage unit that has a good structural integrity because that will ensure that there won’t be any pests or leaks that can destroy my valuables. I’m planning to rent out a storage facility next month when I move back to my parent’s house. Considering how most of the items that I want to be stored away are family heirlooms, I want to be sure that they’re safe. Your tips will surely help me ensure that. Thank you!
Your advice about inspecting how clean a storage unit is before you choose it makes a lot of sense. Finding somewhere that is clean would show that they are concerned about their image. I need somewhere to store my RV during the winter, so I’ll have to find a clean unit to help out.
I like how you mention that a good self storage facility must have a good security system in place- We’re looking for some extra space to store furniture from our move, and will definitely look for somewhere near us with adequate security and safety so we can rest easy knowing that our things are safe.
It was really nice when you pointed out that the person needs to make sure that the door of the storage unit is easy to open and close and has no damage whatsoever. This will ensure that I will have an easy access to it as well as the idea that no one will enter without my permission. This is important because I intend to store away a few of the most important items to be there. I need them to be safe.
I like that you suggest finding a storage unit with a fence around it. I’ll have to keep this in mind as I search for the right storage unit to keep all of my old belongings in. Hopefully, I can do some research and find the best storage unit possible.
One of my friends will be moving to Idaho for her last year of college, but I don’t think she’ll be able to bring her stuff. Because of this, I’ve been wondering if getting a storage unit might be of benefit to her. It was helpful when you mentioned that she should take into account which kind of storage options a facility offers, as certain materials–like books–may need climate control. These tips could really help my friend find a great storage facility, so thank you for sharing them.
You mentioned that we should look for a storage facility who has a fence surrounding the whole complex. It makes sense that you would want this kind of security guarding your belongings! I am trying to clear some stuff up in my home, so I will look into renting a storage unit near me.
I agree that you want to check the security measures of a storage unit before choosing it. Finding something that will be safe and secure would be really helpful. My husband and I are looking for a storage unit, so we’ll have to check the security measures first.
I like that you pointed out that the facility must be easily accessed. As you mentioned, this will assure us that we can get things there no matter the time especially in emergency situations. I will keep this in mind when I look for a warehouse since we can’t fit our handmade products in our house anymore especially that they have been in demand this Christmas season.
It’s interesting that you mentioned the occupancy of the place being a good sign. I never would have thought to look at something like that. My husband and I have been looking for a self-storage unit to store some seasonal things and I think that this will really help us to narrow down our search. Thank you for the help!
I have been looking at getting a storage unit for storage as I am about to make a big move. I would have never seen great security as such a big thing- but it makes perfect sense. I would totally trust a company that had a lot of means of protecting my stuff. I would love to find one near me that can provide that kind of security.
My brother wants to store most of his stuff in storage because it’s taking up so much space in his room. It was explained here that a good self-storage has a surveillance system and fence. Furthermore, it’s recommended to go to trusted secure storage services for quality services.
I like your suggestion to assess the parking of potential facilities and choose one that has parking with direct access to the storage units. My husband and I want to use a self storage unit to reduce the clutter in our home and garage. I hadn’t considered the importance of direct access parking, but I can see how that would really simplify the loading and unloading processes.
I would love to get a storage unit. I think that would make things much easier and cleaner in my home. It would definitely be nice to find a unit that has a surveillance system. I want to make sure only authorized people are entering the area, like you said.
Thanks for the tip about finding a storage unit that is clean. It would make sense to find someone who is qualified and experienced as well. My husband and I are looking for a storage unit, so we’ll have to find something that is clean.
I like the tip that you gave to choose a storage unit that offers high levels of security. My wife and I have been talking about finding a storage unit for if we decide to move to a new home, and it would be important for us to know that we can find one that we can rely on. If we decide to move while using a storage unit, I will be sure to look for a unit that offers good security.
I like how you highlighted the fact that you should choose a storage unit that has excellent security so that your belongings will be safe at all times. My brother is going to be moving to a new house, but it is not going to be ready by the time his current lease is up. It may be smart for him to store some of his belongings in a storage unit until his new house is ready for him to move in.
Thanks for these tips on how to find a good storage unit. I agree that you want to find something that is safe and secure enough to help you out. My husband and I are looking for a new storage unit., so we’ll have to check their security first.
I love how you mentioned that one should look for a storage facility with live guards, as that will help deter criminal activity. One of my friends has a lot of stuff they need to store, so these tips could really help him find a great storage facility. Thanks for all the great tips on choosing a storage facility.
I love that you mentioned that you need to choose a storage facility that has good surveillance, so that you can keep your belongings safe from people who would otherwise take them. We are going to use a storage unit until our new home is done being built, so we are looking into what we need to look for. I hadn’t thought about it, but security will be an important aspect for us. When we look for a storage unit, I will be sure to ask about their surveillance coverage.
Thanks for mentioning that security in a self-storage facility should be excellent before choosing a unit to go with. My brother is thinking about getting a storage unit next month because his wife is contemplating getting rid of some furniture that they don’t have space for. It seems like a good investment for him to see if the compound is secure before renting space if he gets it.
I like that you mentioned making sure you can see the unit you will be renting before you pay for it. That way, you can make sure that you know what you are paying for in advance. I am trying to choose a storage facility for the summer while I travel. I will make sure to keep this in mind as I look.
It’s good that you point out that a storage facility is a great place to keep your extra belongings. I have a lot of extra furniture cluttering up my house, so I’m considering renting a storage unit to hold some of it. I’m going to look for a good storage facility in my area to use.
It’s good to know that you should find one with good security. My husband and I need to rent a storage unit. We’ll make sure to keep these tips in mind as we search for a unit to rent.
I’m moving into a new home, but I’m not sure what to do with my stuff while I wait to get my stuff transported. It makes sense that I would want to get a storage unit to store everything in! I’ll be sure to get one that’s the right size to fit all of my things.
It’s good to know that they should have a fence surrounding the property. My husband and I are planning on taking out all of the boxes we’ve been storing in our basement for the past couple of years, and putting them in a storage unit sometime this month. I’ll keep these tips in mind once we start searching for a self-storage unit to rent for our boxes.