How to compare storage facilities
Finding perfect storage can be surprisingly difficult. You need to consider many things before you decide on a specific facility. Of course, price and location are the first issues that people think of. However, renting a storage unit is more about protecting your stuff. That is why conditions in the facility should be your first priority. Is the facility clean and well maintained? Are there any moisture issues? Do they have a security system? These are just some of the questions you need to answer before you decide to rent a unit. Unfortunately, there is no perfect storage. And every facility has its own strengths and weaknesses. In order to find a perfect one, you will have to compare storage facilities. And here is our professional moving advice on how to do just that.
You need to visit a facility if you want to know more about it
Finding a storage facility is easy. You go online type in storage near me and you are done. You will get a ton of results and all you have to do is choose the one that is closest to you. Right? Well, if you are looking for short term storage. For example, you need to paint your home’s interior and you need to empty your home for a few days. Or you are moving your business, and you need a place to store your old furniture until you sell it. In those and similar cases it is ok to rent storage that is closest to you, at least for convenience.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a long term storage solution, a place that will offer perfect conditions for your items. Then, you will have to look beyond convenience and cost and many other factors will be involved. So you will have to check every facility thoroughly. Unfortunately, you cannot do that online. You have to visit storage in person in order to get a true sense on how it looks.
Set criteria before you start comparing storage facilities
So when you are trying to compare storage facilities, you will start by setting your criteria. Things that are most important to you. Will it be the price, location, or safety, you decide. Think of some scoring system where you will give points to every facility that will help you to decide in the end. If you can’t figure out what is most important to you, do some online research. Learn about different situations that can happen in storage, read some ultimate moving guides, or find a storage-related forum and learn from there. However, price, location, condition, and safety should be the most important questions.
Finding the most affordable storage
Price is usually the most important thing people are concerned about when comparing storage facilities. And that is completely understandable. When you are trying to find the cheapest solution you need to consider a few things. How much space you are getting for that price? Other facilities might offer a slightly higher price but significantly more space. Some facilities will offer a better price if you are in a mood for a long term commitment, for example. Maybe you will run into a warehouse that offers some kind of a special deal. There are so many different situations and options that you might run into when you are thinking about the price. So prepare to do some serious calculating when you return home.
Deciding on the storage because of location
Location is another factor that many people find very important when trying to compare storage facilities. Of course, everyone would like to have storage a hundred yards away from home. However, many times that is not possible. Moreover, sometimes you might have a storage facility just around the corner. However, what if your closest storage is a dump hole, infested with rats? Will the location be so important then? Professional storage tips say that location can be an important factor but only when other things line up. Other things like conditions that the facility will provide.
Compare storage facilities with regards to moisture levels
When it comes to the facility’s conditions, there are more than a few things to consider. First, let’s take a look at what are the biggest threats in storage. Moisture is probably the thing that can affect your items the most. Of course, some items made of wood or electronics are in the biggest danger here. However, moisture can also affect cloths, metal, tools, different types of equipment, and more. That is why you need to make sure that your storage doesn’t have moisture issues. When you enter a facility, pay close attention to walls. Signs of moisture are chipped off paint or parts of the wall, paint blistering, mold, or bad smell. Once you are inside your unit, check all those things again.
Make sure that your storage is pest-free
Another thing that you should pay attention to is pests. There are many kinds of pests that can endanger your items in storage. Of course, rats and mice and the first thing that will come to your mind. However, do not forget about bed bugs, termites, or carpenter ants. So while you are inspecting a facility, talk to management about it. See whether they take certain actions to control pests. But also try to see if there are any rodent bait traps scattered around the facility. Those are small boxes that are usually positioned against the wall in and out of the facility. If they have them they should be easy to spot.
You need a safe place to store your items
Finally, there is a security issue that you need to think about. Especially if you will be storing items of value. Of course, storage facilities are not banks. And you cannot expect to find special forces guarding it. However, a reputable facility should have at least some type of security system installed. That can be a surveillance system, alarm, security guards, safety locks, or combined.
Good luck comparing storage facilities
That is how to compare storage facilities. Hopefully, with this knowledge, you will be able to determine which storage is the best for you. And your items will rest peacefully knowing that you took all measures of precaution to find them a nice home.