#selfstoragetips blogpost commercialstorage

[northweststorages-blog]

Check out our Northwest Storages Storage Blog for more storage tips, tricks, and information.  wwww.northweststorages.com/SeattleStorageBlog.html

[northweststorages-blog]

What You Need to Know About Self-Storage

The best self-storage options for your exact needs can be a daunting task. There are dozens of self-storage facilities in most areas, and each one purports to be the best for everyone. Big units, small units, heated, unheated, indoor, outdoor, gated, local, chain … But there are all sorts of things to consider when looking for a self-storage unit, and multiple things to consider to get the perfect self-storage unit for you. How can you make the best choice for YOU with so many options out there?  Well, you can start by taking a look at our suggestions, below, before you go on your search to find the best self-storage.

PRICE

Price is often the first, most important consideration when renting storage. And price is important, of course. Self-storage does nothing for you if you can’t  afford the monthly fee. Besides, you don’t want to overpay for a unit that doesn’t suit your needs, and a low price isn’t a good deal if you don’t have the exact unit you need.

On the other hand, is it worth paying a little more for better security, a more experienced staff, or a safer location?  Yes, it is. If you qualify for a senior, student, or military discount, be sure to see if the facility offers these and how to get them. Multiple space discounts are another benefit to check into, as are referral incentives, coupons, and available move-in specials.

You’ll also want to factor in any free items the facility might offer. Many places offer free months of rental, free move-in trucks, free locks, gifts on your first visit, and even giveaways and referral bonuses. All of these items can be counted as value-adds and increase the buying power of your storage dollar. Ask about free items and special offers before signing on the dotted line.

When it comes to price, self-storage facilities can vary widely, even within a neighborhood. Be sure to look at any unit before you rent it, and consult a guide to storage unit sizes to ensure you’re not paying for more or less than you need.

VARIETY

Do you need a very large, or very small space? Will you be storing a car, truck, or RV, and would you prefer to keep it inside or outside? Are you looking to store a houseful of furniture or just business files? Does the facility offer both roll-up and hinged-door access, so you can store larger items easily, if necessary? There’s no point in paying for a lot of space you don’t need, or for cramming things into a smaller space than is optimal, or in not being able to make full use of your storage unit. Make certain that the facility you choose has exactly the storage unit you need.

Most companies offer units ranging from small lockers to double-garage sized units. Some places offer even smaller, and larger, options. It’s a good idea to make a list of the things you’ll be storing (types of furniture, number of boxes, specific large items, for example) and bring it with you when looking at spaces. Be sure the facility you choose has the storage space you need, and options for changes in your circumstance. For instance, if you decide to store additional items, is there a larger space available or would you need to go to a different storage company?

Make sure that the variety of spaces offered at any storage facility will meet your needs and will be able to meet any future needs you may be able to anticipate; you won’t want to have to vacate a space, pack up your trucks and cars, and move on down the road just a few months after you move in!

LOCATION

Of course you want a convenient location, however, the closest unit may not be the best for you. An extra mile or two in distance may offer a much better situation for your self-storage needs. For instance, a facility located very near the ocean might not be the best place for outdoor storage, and driving a little further inland may be worth the time and trouble. You may not want to drive twenty miles to your storage unit, but would ten be worth it to save money or to get the size of space you need? These are things to consider.

Consider, too, whether a few extra miles are worth traveling for better security and safety. If you’ve found a space in a questionable neighborhood, or in an area given to burglaries and break-ins, convenience may not be worth the risk to your stored items.

Another aspect of location is the proximity of your storage location to other services you make use of. If you can stop by the storage unit, check your mailbox, fill up your gas tank, pick up a pizza, all in the same area, you’ve just saved yourself a lot of time, which is a total win!

SECURITY

Of course you have a lock on your unit, but what other security features should you be looking for? Self-storage facilities offer a variety of security precautions, and the more the better! Yes, more security - especially high tech measures - may increase the price of storage slightly, but a few extra dollars can mean more peace of mind for you.

Look for off-site recording of video cameras, well-lit properties, gates with computerized access and personalized codes, regular security patrols, and a willingness to keep illegal activities off the premises. High fences, razor wire, individually alarmed units, and active, involved management are signs that a facility takes the security of your property seriously.

Realize, of course, that more, better security can result in slightly higher pricing for self-storage, but a little more money now is better than having to replace losses later! Look around the facility you’re considering and ask questions; you want to be able to relax, knowing your belongings are safe in your storage unit.

SAFETY

In addition to security, you need to consider safety. Is your prospective storage unit located in a floodplain? Is the neighborhood a high crime one, given to various crimes against people and property?  Do weather and climate often create slippery, icy, or otherwise dangerous conditions for people accessing their units? Trees may look nice, but are they well maintained or are they likely to fall on your car while you’re on the property? These are valid questions to help you determine if you will feel safe while you’re at the storage facility. Look for well-maintained grounds, flat, even walkways, and equipment in good repair, before renting.

ACCESS

All the convenience, security, and low prices in the world won’t mean much for your self-storage experience if you can’t get to your belongings. Check that the facility’s access hours will work for you. If you work all week, and your storage unit doesn’t allow access on Sundays,  you might want to look elsewhere. If your unit is available every day, even holidays, are the hours workable for you?  If the hours are extremely limited or occur during normal working hours for you, the benefits of self-storage are also going to be limited for you. If 24-hour access to your property is important to you, be sure to ask if it’s offered; some places can accommodate this and some cannot. Just be careful to find out when you can get to your property and ensure that those hours and days work for you.

ADDITIONAL SERVICES

Do you need a mailbox to go with your storage? Are you a business and need to have deliveries made to your storage facility? Do you have enough boxes to hold the belongings you’ll be storing? Many self-storage facilities offer services and good beyond just a unit and a lock. Some amenities and merchandise you might look for include:

Sales of storage and/or banker boxes

Commercial delivery acceptance

Shelving sales and assembly

Mailboxes

Fax service

Copy service

Moving supplies such as bubble wrap and tape

Storage advice and problem-solving

Most self-storage facilities today offer a great many amenities, security measures, and unit sizes. Asking the right questions, and knowing what answers to look for, can help you get the most for your storage dollar. Self-storage can make your life easier, less cluttered, and more enjoyable if you’re sure to get the unit you need at the right price and in the right location. http://www.buyseattleboxes.com/SeattleMovingBoxesBlog.html?entry=yes-you-can-save-money