Renting a storage unit is relatively straightforward; You find one that is conveniently located, pick the right storage locker, and store your things. Simple, right?
Wrong. There is more to renting a storage locker than you may think, and many people have lost hundreds or even thousands of dollars in wasted space or damaged belongings. Below are some of the most mistakes people make when renting a storage facility and how to avoid them.
Making a Decision Only Based on Money
While cost should be a significant factor in choosing a storage facility, it should not be the only one guiding your decision. Not all storage units are created equal, and whereas you may save 10-20% by going with the purely budget option, the decreased price means the storage facility can't pay for increased security, 24-hour access, or maybe even climate control. As the saying goes, you get what you pay for, so look beyond your bill to find the storage unit that is right for you.
Not Looking at the Overall Facility
Your storage unit is just one of hundreds of units in a storage unit facility at any one point in time, and it's the responsibility of the owner to make sure that all are maintained and protected equally. What this means is a strong perimeter fence that can't be broken into easily, surveillance cameras stationed strategically around the property, and a secure gate that monitors who is coming and going. Moreover, you should look at the how the environment itself looks. Is it clean? Are there holes in the parking lot, or does it look like the owner doesn't care? A poorly maintained area could be a sign that the your unit will be not very well protected, so keep this in mind as you make your decision.
Not Asking Enough Questions
When you're renting a unit from a storage facility, you need to ask as many questions as possible, especially since this won't be a decision you make regularly. Ask them about climate control units and how well the A/C units are maintained. Ask about their insurance policy; some require much more coverage than others. Ask them about whether or not there's 24-hour access, or if you can only retrieve items at specific times. The last thing you want to do is move all your items into a storage unit facility and then find out they don't have the amenities that you wanted.
There are many factors to consider when selecting a storage facility. If you have questions about what to look for in a unit, call a facility near you, such as Abes Self Storage, today.
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