There are plenty of reasons to use a storage facility: moving, downsizing, event storage, business storage, the list goes on.  Once you have decided to that you are ready to rent a storage unit there are a few important things you should do.  First, you will want to visit the facility and take a tour and then you will want to ask some pertinent questions.  The following questions should be asked before deciding on a storage facility.

 

Can I rent on a month-to-month basis or I am locked into a contract?

Everyone’s needs are different and sometimes these needs can change quickly.  This is an important question to ask, as it can vary from facility to facility.  Some people are looking for long-term storage while others might prefer a short-term option.  It is important to know the flexibility of the agreement before making any long-term commitments.

 

Is there a setup or administration fee or a deposit required?

You don’t want there to be any surprises when you go to secure your rental.  Ask up front about deposits and hidden fees so you can be prepared for how much it will cost.  Most self-storage units have some sort of setup fee and some do require deposits so this information is important to find out. 

 

Do you offer insurance for my belongings?

You certainly want peace of mind when you storing your belongings somewhere other than your home.  Storage facilities are sometimes to susceptible to weather damage and you want to be sure your items are protected in the event of inclement weather.  While most facilities might not provide free insurance, they should have insurance options available for an additional price. Many even require the purchase of additional insurance in order to rent the unit.  In the event the unexpected happens, you want to be sure your belongings are covered.

 

What kind of security do you have?

Again, it is important to ensure that your belongings are safe and secure while in storage.  You will want to ask about a security system so you can be sure your items are being well protected.  Furthermore, you might ask if the grounds are patrolled as this is also an indication that safety is a top priority of the facility.  You want to check and make sure the facility has a fencer or gate around it and you should ask how often the manager walks the site and checks on units.

 

Do you offer different types of storage?

Everyone’s needs are different and you might not even know what type of unit you need.  Be sure to ask what types of units are offered at the facility and what the differences are between each of them.  For example, many facilities offer drive-up access where you can pull right up to the unit and unload your items.  Some also offer indoor storage, handicap accessible units, and temperature controlled units.