Those of us living in urban areas often find ourselves in need of extra space. Whether you’re downsizing, staging your home for sale, or just trying to declutter, it can be difficult to know where to store all your belongings. But have no fear: self-storage services are here!
Self-storage services provide a convenient and hassle-free way to store our stuff. Not only do they offer an easy way to make room for new items, but they also give the peace of mind of knowing that your things are protected from weather and theft.
But with so many different options available, how do you choose the right one? In this guide, I’ll share all the tips you need to pick the best self-storage service for your specific needs.
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What to Consider When Looking for Self Storage
Whether you’re looking to store a few extra items, or wanting some extra space to call your own- self storage services are the perfect solution. But with so many of them out there, how do you choose which one is right for you? Consider the following points when selecting what service is best for your needs:
- Accessibility – Depending on the location of the storage unit, it’s important to make sure that it’s easy to access. Look for units near major roads and highways, that offer 24/7 access with adequate security measures.
- Size – Check the size of the unit you’re considering and make sure it meets your needs. If you have large items like furniture, check the size of doorways and elevators handling the delivery of your items.
- Amenities – Find out what amenities are offered by each self-storage service provider. Are there temperature controls? If so, check if any additional costs apply for these services.
With these considerations in mind, it will help narrow down your choices when finding the perfect self-storage service for you.
Types of Storage Facilities Available
Most self storage facilities offer a variety of options when it comes to the type of storage facility you can choose from. It’s important to understand the differences between these options in order to choose the right one for your needs.
The three main types of self storage facilities are climate-controlled, standard, and car/RV storage units.
Climate-Controlled Storage Units Climate-controlled units are ideal for items that need to be stored in a consistently temperature-controlled environment. These units are perfect for storing sensitive items, like electronics or even instruments, since they are not subject to extreme temperatures or humidity levels.
Standard Storage Units Standard units offer basic protection from the elements and provide secure access with your own personal lock and key. These units are a great option for those who don’t necessarily require climate-control but still want access to their stored items at any time of the day or night.
Car/RV Storage Units Car/RV storage units offer outdoor parking for cars and recreational vehicles, such as boats, RVs, and trailers. These facilities typically provide 24-hour access with strong security measures in place to protect your car or RV from vandalism or theft.
Choosing the right self storage facility depends on what you’re looking for and what you need to store. Keep in mind that each type of self storage offers different benefits so it’s important to compare your options before making a final decision.
Where to Find the Best Self Storage Services in Your Area
Searching for the right self storage service for your needs is not always easy. The good news is that finding the best self storage service in your area does not require hours and hours of research.
The first step in finding the best self storage service is to ask friends and family for recommendations. You should be able to get some good advice from people who have used self storage services in your area. Ask questions about their experience with the company, such as how clean and secure it was, how customer service was, if prices were fair, etc. This will help you narrow down your options.
You can also look online for customer reviews on various self storage services in your area. Check out sites like BBB or Yelp to read what people have experienced or to see if any of the companies have accreditations or awards that make them stand out from the pack.
Doing some research will enable you to see which services have the most favorable reviews and which ones seem to be a better fit for you based on size, location, price points, customer service ratings, and other factors that are important to you when choosing a self storage unit.
How Much Space Do You Need?
The next thing you need to consider when picking a self storage service is how much space you need. Do you need a smaller unit for just some boxes and furniture, or are you needing something bigger to store an entire home’s worth of belongings?
Depending on the size of your items, there are different options available. Some places offer units specifically designed for storing bulky items such as mattresses and appliances, while other places offer lockers that are better suited for storing small items and documents.
It’s important to consider how many items you will be storing, so that you can choose the right size unit for your needs. Here are some rough estimates to help in your decision making:
- Small locker: 5’x5′ – ideal for up to 60 boxes or 3-4 pieces of furniture
- Medium unit: 10’x10′ – ideal for up to 200 boxes or 10-12 pieces of furniture
- Large unit: 10’x20′- ideal for up to 400 boxes or 20-25 pieces of furniture
No matter what size unit you end up choosing, make sure it’s big enough to accommodate all of your belongings easily. If in doubt, it might be best to go with the bigger option!
Security and Accessibility of Self-Storage Services
Security and accessibility are key when it comes to choosing the right self storage service. How secure are the facilities, and how easy is it for you to get to your belongings when you need them?
The great thing about self-storage services is that they tend to provide both a high level of security and accessibility. Most services offer secure gates with passcode access so you can get in when you need to, as well as CCTV surveillance systems and 24-hour staff so you can rest assured that your belongings are safe.
You’ll also want to make sure the self-storage facility offers flexible access hours, so that if you need something urgently during the day or in the middle of the night, you should be able to get it without any hassle. Many of these services now offer online booking systems and options for payment online so that you can access your storage unit whenever you need to.
When choosing your self-storage service, make sure they tick all of these boxes:
- Quality security measures
- Easy access hours
- Online booking options
- Flexible payment systems
Tips for Saving Money on Self Storage
If you’re looking to save some money on self storage, there are a few tips that can help.
- Consider alternative storage options such as climate controlled units or those offering outside access. These can often be more affordable than traditional self-storage units.
- Pack your items in advance and choose the right type of container for your needs (e.g., a rolling rack for larger items or plastic totes for easier carrying of smaller items).
- Ask about discounts – many self-storage facilities offer discounts for students, military personnel, and seniors.
- Consider short-term contracts or month-to-month options if you only need to store your items temporarily. This will save you money upfront while keeping the monthly cost down.
- Ask about any additional fees that may be added to your bill such as insurance costs, late fees, etc., before signing your contract to avoid any surprises later on down the line.
- If you’re storing multiple items, opt for a larger unit instead of two smaller units – this will often be cheaper in the long run as most facilities charge by volume rather than per item stored (plus it will save you time too!).
Conclusion
When it comes to self storage, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Every situation is different and requires different considerations. However, by understanding your needs and selecting a service based on location, price, security, and convenience, you can confidently choose the best self storage for your needs.
To get the most out of self storage, take the time to evaluate your options and make sure the service you choose meets all of your requirements. Make sure to read reviews, ask questions, and visit the facility in person if possible. Once you’ve made your selection and moved in, you can rest assured knowing that your belongings are safe and secure.
