Find out how to choose the best self storage unit so that you can ensure your belongings remain safe.
Whether you need a storage unit for business or domestic use, the fact of the matter is that you want to get the best your money can afford. A secure self storage facility is able to offer you flexible and modern units with plenty of extra handy features. The problem is self-storage is so popular there are lots of businesses offering the service and they are definitely not equal.
When it comes to securely storing your belongings you really do want to be sure that you’re choosing the very best that you can afford.
To help you choose the best storage unit, here are the best questions to ask yourself and the facility:
What size storage unit do you need?
There are so many different sizes of storage units. You can get something as small as a gym locker and as large as a football field. Understanding your storage space needs is a really important starting point when you are looking for the right facility.
As a rough guide a garden shed or what is in a garden shed requires about 25 ft.², and a four bedroom home requires about 200 ft.². Understanding the size that you need is so important. If you aren’t sure, speak to the first storage facility about the amount of space you need and they can give you an idea of what it is you’re looking for. You can then reuse that information in future enquiries
How close does it need to be?
If you have to be able to get to your storage unit within a 15 minutes drive of your office, then you need to only look for businesses within that radius. The same goes with whether or not it needs to be within 30 minutes of your home. Narrowing down the desired location is a really useful way to narrow down the amount of facilities you can consider using.
What is it for?
Domestic and business storage facilities are similar but can offer different services. So it can be worth choosing a business or domestic use specific facility if you know that you need to use extra services like deliveries being taken for you, or moving services.
Budget. Do you have one?
It is worth considering whether or not you can afford some of the facilities that you are considering. You should never just choose the facility based on the cost. However if you do have a strict budget then you will have only a certain number of companies to choose from.
Do figure out what your budget would be and make sure you can pay for those services for the amount of time that you need them.
Large franchise or family owned?
There are some big differences between large companies or smaller local businesses. You may get to know the staff better at a smaller facility, and there may be a much better network when it comes to local complimentary services that you may need. With larger franchises you might have more options location-wise but you won’t get cheaper rates or better customer service. See our prices for a comparison. There are differences and it is worth considering which type of business you would prefer.
Do they have the basics down?
There are certain basic features that every single self storage facility should have. Excellent security should be at the top of the list. They should also offer great customer service, clean units, intact lock points, and overall legitimate practices including advice on insurance.
Any facility that does not have the basics down is not somewhere that you should consider placing your business.
The tips above can help you choose the best unit for your needs. Do take the time to understand what you need and to browse what is on offer. When you have narrowed your choices down to 3, call them up and talk to them and then make your decision based on your findings. When it comes to storing your precious belongings you need to be sure that they’re going to be kept in the right place.