Renting a self-storage unit is essential if you’re moving across the country or just don’t have enough space for all of your things in your home. One thing you might notice when getting ready to rent is that there are many companies you can choose from. To determine which is best suited for your needs, it’s important to ask the rental facility a few questions. By doing so, you’ll have confidence that you’re renting from the right place.
1. What are the Fees?
Even if you’re booking with a company that is offering a special, it’s important to understand what fees you’ll pay to move in. Additionally, you’ll likely incur fees on a monthly basis, which can mean spending more than you planned. By having someone at the facility explain the costs and fees, you’ll have a better idea of what the monthly total will be.
2. What are Your Hours?
This might be one of the most important questions to ask, especially if you’re moving a long distance and plan on arriving extra early or late. While some self-storage units are open 24 hours a day, this isn’t always the case. It’s best to know for certain what the hours are so you can access your unit without trouble. If the facility is in a gated area, you’ll want to ask about tenant access and whether you can gain entry with a key or code.
3. What Sizes and Configurations are Available?
If you are moving and can’t go to see the rental unit before you arrive physically, you must ask how big the units are. While you might be able to fit a lot of things into a small unit, this is largely contingent on you being able to stack very well. If you don’t think you can do that or simply need to get things in quickly, you might want to opt for a bigger unit. Your moving company may be able to help you determine the best size unit given your volume of items.
4. Are the Units Climate Controlled?
Most facilities now offer climate controlled storage units, although it’s possible you will run into some that do not. By asking this question, you’ll know whether or not your belongings will be in a room that has a reasonable temperature and humidity level. Units without climate control tend to experience extreme conditions, which could ruin some of your items.
5. Should I Buy Insurance?
Even if the things you’re storing aren’t valuable individually, as a whole, they likely add up to quite a bit of money. That’s why it’s recommended to make sure you have insurance on your unit. Most facilities will offer this at an extra cost, although some do include it in the price.
Read through the terms of the insurance before signing and don’t forget to check with your auto insurance company to see if they offer self-storage insurance as well.
Finding a Great Storage Space
Renting a good self-storage unit will ease your stress and ensure you have a reliable place to keep your items. Whether you need this temporarily because you’re moving or for a longer amount of time, it’s always beneficial to do your homework first.
This will make it clear which company offers more and which may be the most ideal for what you want and need. With that, your things will always be safe and in the spot you need them.