Questions to Ask a Self Storage Facility Before Renting a Storage Unit

Are you looking to rent a self-storage unit?

Sure, it might seem simple enough at first. You pay a small fee, you transfer your possessions into a dedicated unit and you can it a day. This art of simplicity is likely why 1 in 11 Americans choose to rent storage space.

But, as it turns out, there’s a lot that goes into renting a storage unit. In order to ensure that you’re doing your due diligence and finding the best storage facility possible, there are measures you should take. Before you sign a contract and hand over the cash, you’re going to want to ensure that you’re asking all of the right questions

So, what are the questions to ask a self-storage facility before you lay down the money? Read on to discover every question you’ll want to be answered before renting a storage unit.

1. What Security Measures Are in Place?

First and foremost, what are the security measures that the storage facility offers?

More often than not, you’re storing items that you consider valuable and worthwhile. If this were not the case, you’d likely have rid yourself of these items. Either way, you want to have the utmost peace of mind that your storage items are safe.

Is there a security guard on 24-hour duty? Or, do they have security footage that is capable of monitoring each and every storage unit?

At the end of the day, you want to feel comfortable with who is able to enter the storage facility. Is access limited to paid customers only? Or, is the storage facility somewhat open to members of the public?

2. Are the Units Temperature-Controlled?

Do your storage items require temperature control?

If so, you’ll want to make sure that your storage facility offers temperature-controlled units. While this can prove to be more expensive, it’s an investment in the well-being of your items. Climate control helps to avoid problems such as mold, mildew, cracking, splitting, corrosion and even fading.

Remember, climate fluctuates throughout the year. Whether the temperatures are below zero or hot and humid, you want to have the confidence that your storage items are safe regardless of the outside weather patterns.

3. Are Different Sized Units Available?

Just how much stuff do you plan to have in storage?

When you’re choosing a storage facility, it might be helpful to opt for one that offers differently sized storage units. This way you can ensure that you’re only paying for the space that you realistically require.

It might also be helpful to store items that don’t require temperature-control in a smaller unit that doesn’t offer such a feature.

4. What Are the Access Rules?

It’s important to note that some storage facilities have very strict entry and exit requirements.

This might limit how often paying customers can visit their storage unit. While this isn’t commonplace for all storage facilities together, it’s best to ensure that you can enter and exit your storage unit freely.

At the same time, you’ll want to know the exact operating hours of the storage unit. Is this a 24-hour facility? Or, do you have to enter and exit between a strict time schedule and on certain days?

5. Is There a Minimum or Maximum Term?

For what amount of time are you looking to store your items?

Before you sign on the dotted lot, ensure that you know exactly how long your term is. At the end of the day, every storage facility is going to have different rules when it comes to minimum and even maximum contract lengths.

Does your storage facility allow for short-term storage? If so, it’s important to take note of the price increase that comes alongside such a rental term.

You’ll also want to take note of any maximum storage terms. Can you store your items in this facility on a long-term basis? If so, what the pricing options for doing so and can you lock-in your initial rate.

6. What Safety Systems Are in Place?

How safe will your items be in the event of a disaster?

If a small fire were to spark or a leak was to present itself, you want to rest assured that your items would remain as safe and secure as possible. This is especially the case if you’re storing well-admired items such as antiques, workplace items or family heirlooms.

This is why it’s vital for all storage facilities to have the necessary safety measures in place. Make certain that you inquire as to how many smoke alarms the facility has and if there is a sprinkler system in place in case of fire.

7. What Is Your Break-In History?

Like any house or commercial space, storage facilities can fall victim to break-ins.

If you want to be as careful as possible, be upfront in asking the staff about any break-in history of their facility. After all, some buildings and some locations are more prone to break-ins than others.

This is also likely something that you can ask your local police department about. Generally speaking, they should be able to provide details as to any break-ins that a storage facility has experienced.

8. How Do You Maintain the Facilities?

If you’re going to be keeping your valuables at this facility, you’ll want to be certain that they keep it clean, safe and free of pests and rodents.

In such a barren space, the possibility of rodents is a simple reality. This likelihood is something that most storage facilities have will to deal with on a somewhat routine basis.

This is why having a pest and rodent control program in place is so crucial. Always ask your storage facility what measures they employ to help keep rodents and pests to a minimum.

 

Renting a Storage Unit

Today, a growing number of Americans are renting a storage unit for their excess possessions. In fact, there are more self-storage facilities than there are Mcdonald’s restaurants here in America.

If you’re considering a storage unit rental, t’s important to ensure that you’re taking every step necessary to choose the right storage facility for you. For the items that you transition into storage, you want to have the utmost confidence that these items will remain safe and secure.

Before you seal the deal, make certain that all of the above questions are answered.

Are you looking to rent a storage unit? Contact us today to learn more about how we can help!