Factors To Consider When Renting A Storage Unit

Whether you want additional storage space for your possessions, seasonal equipment, or company inventory, renting a storage unit is an easy and efficient way to keep your stuff safe and secure.

Renting a Storage Unit

However, with so many storage options available, it’s important to vet your options thoroughly before choosing one. Here are some features and factors you should consider.

#1 Location

Where do you live or work? How conveniently you can get your items when you need them will depend on the facility’s location. It’s also important to consider how frequently you’ll need to access your storage unit, so choose the location wisely.

If you need additional storage for business purposes, pick a storage facility that is conveniently situated close to your shop or office. This will reduce the time it takes to get there and the cost of transportation for you to get to your inventory or equipment when you need it. A nearby facility might also be a safer option for your business goods.

The same is true if you want to rent additional storage for personal use; ensure it’s closer to your home. Additionally, having a facility near your house might be more practical in case of an emergency, such as retrieving equipment for sudden home repairs.

#2 Size

The unit size you select must be sufficient to contain all of your possessions. Most storage facilities have units in various sizes, from small lockers to huge rooms. Some are even large enough for parking more than one vehicle. It’s crucial to consider your storage needs and select a unit that satisfies all your requirements.

If you’re unsure, it’s better to select a unit than a smaller one, or you could rent an all purpose storage unit. You will have more freedom to keep various items and won’t have to worry about running out of space with the latter. Similarly, a smaller unit can be more economical if you don’t have much to store or won’t need to rent one for too long.

#3 Security

Burglaries in storage facilities are not unheard of, which is why security should be one of the most important things to consider when renting a storage unit. Since your items have value, you want to ensure they’re safe from threats like theft.

Choose a storage facility with appropriate security measures, such as 24/7 surveillance and biometric security. Look for security cameras around the property, including the access and departure points as well as the storage units themselves.

Gated entry is another security aspect to look for. The building should have a gate with a password or key card to open it. This adds another layer of defense against theft and vandalism by restricting access to those authorized to be on the site.

#4 Climate control

Changes in temperature and humidity can potentially harm antiques, musical instruments, works of art, and objects made of wood and metal. For instance, excessive humidity levels may make paper soggy and moldy, metals rust, and wood warp.

These kinds of things are susceptible to harm from extreme temperatures. Hence rent a facility with climate-controlled units to protect your valuables from elemental damage.

In a climate-controlled unit, the temperature and humidity levels are regulated 24/7. This helps protect your possessions from rusting, rotting, expansion and contraction, and other forms of damage. These units also prevent mold from growing and pests and dust from entering and running your belongings. If you live in a city that has extreme weather, this feature should be at the top of your list to consider.

#5 Access hours

When renting a storage facility, access hours should be taken into account. You may need access to your unit at particular hours, depending on your schedule and requirements. Therefore, picking a facility that provides access during times that suit you is essential.

Some storage facilities provide access every day of the year, allowing you to access your unit and retrieve stuff whenever you need to. This choice is great for people who frequently need access to their stored products as well as for businesses that might need to access their inventory beyond regular work hours.

Other facilities only allow entry during certain times of the day or regular business hours. If you anticipate using your storage unit frequently, select one with flexible access hours.

It’s also crucial to keep in mind that certain facilities can place limitations on how frequently entry is permitted or demand advance notice before entering your unit. When choosing a storage facility, be sure to inquire about any limits or needs regarding access.

#6 Tech integration

Technology is also reshaping the self-storage industry. Services providers are now making their facilities more tech-savvy and enhancing the customer experience. For example, there are kiosks for checking in and out, and signing up for services.

Some service providers also provide biometric locks for better security and access to online security features that allow you to monitor your unit from your phone. You can even keep track of your inventory on cloud services shared by the facility.

Opting for a digitally-savvy storage provider will make life easier for you since you will be able to manage your unit from your smartphone.

Conclusion

As a result, leasing a storage unit may offer a practical and safe answer to your storage requirements. Before making a choice, you must carefully weigh all the available information. When renting a storage unit, it’s important to consider the unit’s location, size, security, climate control, and access times.

By considering these things, you can pick the best storage facility for your requirements and ensure your stuff is safe from damage.