How to Pick the Best Storage Facility

A self-storage facility is a great solution for anyone who is about to make a big life change particularly involving moving. If you are about to move in with someone downsize your home to an apartment or simply move to another home, then renting the best storage facility to store some of your important items can be an excellent solution to any of your space problems.

A storage facility has plenty of benefits like making the moving process easier for you and helping to keep your place free of any clutter. Getting the best storage facility does not take too much effort on your part but there are various kinds of storage units available each tailored to your specific needs. You may be looking for climate-controlled storage or simply a place to keep your special memorabilia collections. People make use of storage units to organize their valuables or hang on to their important items without taking up too much space at home.

You will need to find trustworthy and convenient storage facility where you know that all your things will not only be accessible but also safe. You have to know how to pick the best storage facility to ensure your things are in a good place.

Types of Storage

Before going hunting for the ideal storage facility, you have to specify your requirements and needs.

Climate Control

Climate controlled storage units are somewhat more expensive to rent but if you are looking for long-term storage for your fragile items or if you stay in an area with intense temperature fluctuations, then you should think about paying a bit more so that your prized possessions are safer.

Storage Unit Size

It can be tricky trying to identify the best storage size unit to fit your needs. Renting a storage size unit that is too big means you will be wasting money while choosing one that is too small means your things will not be able to fit. If you want to avoid such problems, you need to make a detailed list of all the things you want to put in storage and ask different company specialists for quotes and advice.

Types of Storage Facility

Traditional storage facilities allow you to store your extra belongings safely until you need them. They are excellent for holiday decorations, off-season, or for precious items that you have no space for in your home. Self-storage facilities are ideal for people looking for some extra space for their things. The specific policies and rules are different with each storage company but a self-storage facility allows you to gain access to your storage unit whenever you want. Storage in transit is another option that allows you to keep your things in a moving truck. You can choose this option for a couple of days or longer depending on the circumstances at hand. This is a suitable option for anyone looking to have his or her belongings accessible.

Location

If you find a storage facility that is located conveniently within the city limits, it will be more expensive compared to a remote one. It will be unwise to pick a storage unit that is far if you will want to access your things on a regular basis. You will end up wasting a lot of time on transit and you will also have pay for constant vehicle maintenance and the fuel required. However, if you only need to store your belongings on rare occasions, then a good storage facility situated in an affordable area can be beneficial and cost-effective for you.

The Facility’s Condition

Another way to determine the best storage facility when picking one is if it is in excellent condition. This will give you a clue as to whether you will have a problem-free experience with the storage company and whether it is trustworthy. When looking for the best storage facility you need to check for the following:

The storage building should be in good condition and be lacking any structural damage like cracks or holes in the foundations, roofs, or walls.

The premises should be well-kept, tidy, and clean. Messy driveways, dirty surfaces, and scattered trash could translate into lower maintenance standards by the storage company not to mention potential risks like increased fire hazards.

There should be helpful equipment like loading docks available for clients to use at their convenience.

There should be direct access to their storage units and lots of convenient parking places.

There should be proper visibility levels at night and during the day thanks to sufficient illumination so that you will not have any issues handling your items.

There shouldn’t be low occupancy of the storage facilities because too many empty storage cells could be an indicator that something is wrong with the storage facilities.

The on-site manager and staff should be well-informed, courteous, and responsive for all the operations of the facility.

Security

If you do not mind paying for the best storage facility, this means your items are very important to you so you will definitely want them to be secure and safe. In order to prevent any potential damage, theft, or accidents with your stored items, the storage facility should be equipped with specific security features.

Storage Unit Features

There should be an appropriate ventilation system in the storage facility or suitable gaps in the walls to prevent mildew buildup and to allow for air circulation. The floor should be raised slightly to keep water from getting into the storage unit. The door should be solid and have a sturdy latch equipped to allow you to place your personal lock.

Fire Prevention Equipment

Sprinkler systems, fire alarms, and smoke detectors should be installed in the storage facility to prevent or decrease the risk of a fire.

Live Guards

Security guards will offer the best possible protection in the event of any danger to your goods.

Gate

To keep unauthorized persons away from the storage facility, there should be a gate with the secure security measures.

Fence

The whole complex must be surrounded by a strong fence that has been properly repaired.

Surveillance System

There should be modern security cameras and alarm systems installed to record and monitor any activities going on around the complex and within the storage buildings.

Accessibility

Standard weekday access might or might not be sufficient for you depending on how frequently you will need access to the storage unit. When looking for the best storage facility for your needs, keep in mind that not all facilities will give you access around the clock to make sure you research the accessibility conditions for different storage companies before choosing one. Look at the business hours of any facilities you are considering and see if they will fit your schedule. Make sure you also check whether you can get on-demand access as needed.

One of the most important things to keep in mind when looking at how to pick the best storage facility is that should never pick a facility without visiting it in person first to find out all its weaknesses and strengths. This will help you arrive at an informed decision and to ensure all your beloved possessions are in good hands. The last thing to consider when choosing the best storage facility is to confirm that the storage company offers sufficient damage and theft insurance coverage for your belongings to give you peace of mind.

Ready to Choose a Storage Facility?

Contact Alpha Moving and Storage for more information about their storage facilities and what they offer.