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Storage facilities are a great and convenient option when you have a lot of extra stuff that you don’t want to keep in your house or if you want to get rid of all the clutter in your garage. You won’t be living there, but your stuff will.
So, when looking at a storage facility for your new home, you should be asking some tough questions. Our research team at Mover Junction have compiled all the right questions to ask to make finding the right storage facility a breeze.
How To Choose The Right Storage Facility For Your Items
Let’s get started.
What Are My Storage Options?
Some moving companies offer various storage services. This gives you the benefit of having just one company handling the moving and storage, saving you time and money.
If you hire a mover that provides storage services, they will move your items into storage, and then deliver them to you when you want them. You’ll have the option to schedule the moving and storage as you want.
You can also choose a self-storage facility, where you do all the work: loading up a truck and unloading your goods at the storage facility into a storage container. We’ve written some user-friendly guides that can help you make the most of any storage facility you choose. Here they are:
How To Choose The Right Self Storage Unit
What To Consider Before Renting A Storage
How To Organize Your Self Storage Like A Pro
Mobile storage is the third option. This involves requesting for the services of a moving container company such as PODS. Once you choose this option, a large container is dropped off at your home or business, you fill it, and the container is either stored on your property, or at the storage company’s facility until you’ll need the items.
Do I Really Need This Stuff?
This perhaps isn’t related to storage, but it’s important to ask yourself whether you really want/need the stuff you’re storing. Do you really want to move tons of items, and then pay to store them, even if you hardly use any of them?
Are you ready to pay for storing items you no longer need or would you rather have a garage sale or even donate them to get rid of them?
When deciding what to keep in storage, think about what you really need, what you can let go of and what may be needed some day. Keeping only what you really need will reduce storage costs and you won’t have to move them again later.
Here are some of the questions you should ask yourself:
- Do I need it?
- Will I ever use it again?
- When did I use it last?
- Does it have sentimental value?
- Will I use these clothes again? Do I really think you’re gonna wear those bell bottoms again?
Pro tip:Don’t pay to store items you no longer need. Hold a garage sale to get rid of irrelevant items and use the money to pay for storing useful items.
Is This the Best Location?
It might seem obvious, but consider using a facility close to home. This can save money and time if you make frequent visits.
With all options, be sure to take note of access times for your stuff. Some offer 24-hour access, others have more normal business hours. Some facilities, like mobile storage centers, require 24-hour notice to access your unit.
How Secure is The Facility?
Inquire about the security of the storage facility you are interested in. How do they intend to store your goods within the unit itself? Are the security measures different during regular business hours versus after-hours?
What kind of neighborhood is the storage facility in? Would you feel comfortable visiting at off-hours? Do they have surveillance cameras and enough security personnel to stop a break in? you’ll have to consider all that and more. Take a look at the various things to consider before renting a storage unit.
How Much Space Do I Need?
Discuss your specific current and future needs with the storage facility. This will make it easier for the company to offer you the most suitable unit for your budget. You should learn about the various storage space, sizes and what they can accommodate before renting.
How Much Is it Gonna Cost Me?
The price range depends on size, storage period, special needs, and the storage facilities’ own marketing objectives. Special offers and discounts from the storage facilities will be fewer during busy periods.
Storage companies will try to offer incentives to persuade you to commit to a longer rental period.
Pro tip: Don’t choose a storage facility solely on price. Security, maintenance, access hours, insurance, and customer support, etc. are other key things to consider.
Am I Covered by Insurance?
Insurance is one of the key things to consider before choosing any self storage facility especially if you intend to store any high-value item. Storage companies usually offer their own insurance, and it is recommended to find out about the facility’s policies in the event of fire, flood, and theft, etc.
Make sure you fully understand how the insurance they are offering will cover any potential damage. Also, check with your own agent to see if your renters insurance or homeowners insurance will cover you.
Special Needs
You may need a climate-controlled storage unit for storing delicate items that can be damaged by weather and extreme temperatures. Climate-controlled facilities are not affected by the natural temperatures outside the unit. Rather, the temperatures are monitored and controlled by the facility.
If you intend to store items that can be affected by moisture, humidity, and extreme temperatures such as furs, antiques, chairs, wines, and books, etc. choosing a climate-controlled unit will be your best option.
Tell the storage facilities representative what you intend to store and ask about the most suitable options for your item.
Note: Not all storage facilities offer the climate-controlled option. Request for Free Storage Quotes and we can help you find the best for your items.
What Can I Store?
Given the appropriate environment, almost anything can be stored for a certain period of time. It’s easier to list the things you should not store: perishable food (don’t want to attract pests), any combustible materials, plants, high-value items and firearms.
Ask your storage company for specific prohibited items. Here’s a list of 10 items you should never store in a storage facility.
