Spring Decluttering: How to Choose Self Storage Facility
When it comes time to look for self storage, you should consider several important elements, as all storage is not created equally. If you are planning to store your items, they must be valuable to you, and you want them to be safe and secure at all times. Factors to consider when choosing a self storage facility include:
Security: Look for a storage facility with coded gates and elevators, a secure perimeter in good repair, individually alarmed units, video surveillance, ample lighting and an intercom system.
Climate Control: Look at the items you want to put in storage. Do they need to be protected from high/low temperatures, humidity and pests? Do you have anything that is temperature sensitive?
Overall Property Condition & Cleanliness: A lot can be said about the quality of a storage facility by how clean the units and the facility are. The state of the office should give you a clue about the overall cleanliness of the facility as well. A facility that is clean and well-kept shows that the manager takes care of the property, has pride in the facility and the company, and in turn will take good care of you.
Superior Customer Service: A good manager should be professional and fully explain and answer all of your questions. You want someone who listens to you, treats you as the most important person to them at that moment and has knowledge about the property and the industry.
Accessibility:Before selecting a storage facility, determine what your needs are for accessing it. Will you be accessing at night and weekends, or just occasionally? This is important because some storage facilities have access hours only during the daytime, with limited access on Sundays and holidays, so it is important to make sure the access hours are convenient for you.
Price: Many people’s first thought is to pick the cheapest storage unit to save money, but that is definitely not how you want to choose your storage unit. A higher, but competitive, price usually means a few things: there are more security features at the facility; the facility is newer and in better repair; there is an on-site manager 7 days per week; or the self storage facility has more options and features such as a variety of unit sizes and types (like climate control units for example), online payments and 24/7 rentals. Basically, you get what you pay for – don’t sacrifice security and safety just to save a few dollars.
Convenience & Amenities: There are several features that can make your storage experience easier. Does the facility have a moving truck you are able to use for your move? Does it have a bathroom you are able to use after office hours? Does it have ample carts and bins to move your goods? Can you manage and pay your account online, when it is most convenient for you? Does it have packing and moving supplies for sale?
Now that you know what to look for, go visit a storage facility look around and ask questions.
When you decide that particular storage facility is a good fit for you, ask the manager if you can
see the unit you would actually get and if you can put that unit on hold. Most storage
facilities should be able to hold a unit for at least a short period of time.
There are many things to consider when choosing a self storage facility. Remember, you will be storing your valuables at the facility, and you want them to be safe and secure when you are not with them. Price is important, however it is best to make your decision on the entire experience – from the condition of the facility and the security features, to the unit options and the presence of a property manager. With a little homework you’ll find a storage space that works best for you.
Rehoboth resident Timarie and her husband Blair Thompson are the owners of Delaware Beach Storage Center in Lewes, DE. Delaware Beach Storage Center is a brand new, state of the art climate controlled self-storage facility conveniently located just off Route 1, one mile north of Five Points. For more information on Delaware Beach Storage Center visit visit www.debeachstorage.com.
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Elaina D'Agostino
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It got me when you said that a higher storage unit price means there are several added features, like stricter security. If this is the case, then I don’t mind paying extra. After all, I am storing important family heirlooms, and I want them to be completely protected.
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Elle Jones
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I agree that money is crucial, but it’s preferable to base your choice on the complete experience, including the facility’s quality, security measures, unit selections, and the presence of a property manager. You can choose the finest storage option for you with a bit of research. After talking about self-storage facilities with my sister last Monday over dinner, I became interested in this. She needs a storage container to keep her possessions safe when she moves out in a few weeks and moves out. I promised to assist her to look into it and was delighted to find your excellent post here. Many thanks! I’ll forward this to her.
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Elina Brooks
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I need to get my furniture stored somewhere else when I get my house renovated this April, so I’m considering renting a storage unit for them. I’m thankful you reminded us to consider the items we’re putting in storage and determine the temperature they need to be in so that we can determine the climate control needed for the self-storage unit. I’ll keep this in mind while I look for a storage facility to contact for a booking soon.
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Elina Brooks
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I’m doing a bit of downsizing at home, so I need a mini storage rental where I can keep the rest of my things temporarily until I find somewhere else to place them. I appreciate your advice when you told us to consider units with climate control if we want to protect our items from humidity, pests, and certain temperatures that they might be sensitive to. I’ll keep this in mind while I look for a mini storage rental to reserve for my things.
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Olivia Smart
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Thank you for your suggestion to keep in mind things like price and amenities. My cousin has been telling me that she’s thinking about getting a storage unit for her home. I’ll be sure to share this with her to help with decluttering her home.
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Lily Bridgers
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Although I agree that cost is important, it’s better to make your decision on the whole experience, which should take into account the facility’s quality, security precautions, unit options, and the presence of a property manager. With little study, you can select the best storage choice for you. I became interested in this after discussing self-storage facilities with my sister last Monday over supper. When she moves out in a few weeks, she wants a storage container to keep her belongings secure. I agreed to help her look into it, so when I came across your fantastic piece here, I was thrilled to do so. Thank you! I’ll provide her this information.
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Lily Bridgers
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I appreciate how you mentioned figuring out your access requirements before choosing a storage facility. As you said, it’s crucial to verify sure the access hours are convenient for you because some storage facilities only offer daytime access, with restricted access on Sundays and holidays. I will forward this information to my employer so that she may use it to choose a self-storage facility for some of the things and unneeded furniture that are taking up so much room in our workplace.
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Lily Bridgers
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I appreciate your advice to consider factors like cost and facilities. I’ve heard from my cousin that she’s considering purchasing a storage unit for her home. I’ll be sure to tell her about this so that she can organize her home.
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Lily Bridgers
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I think I need to rent a small self-storage unit so that I may temporarily store the remaining items in my home while I look for a new location. I’m doing some downsizing. I am grateful that you advised us to think about climate control systems if we want to shield our belongings from moisture, vermin, and temperatures that they could be sensitive to. While I search for a small storage unit to rent for my belongings, I’ll have this in mind.
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Elle Jones
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You did a great job of determining your access needs before selecting a storage facility. As you pointed out, it’s important to make sure the access hours work for you because some storage facilities only allow entry during the day, with restrictions on Sundays and holidays. I’ll give my boss this information so she can use it to select a self-storage facility for some of the items and unnecessary furniture that are taking up a lot of space in our office.
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