Renting a storage unit is a smart move for many people. You may be moving to a smaller house and need a place where you can keep your extra belongings. Maybe, you need a place to store things while decluttering before a move. A storage unit will also come in handy if you are looking for storage space for your business. Regardless of the reasons for renting a storage unit, here are a few things you should know that can help you have a positive experience when renting a storage unit.
Do Your Research
Take some time to try out some facilities before you choose one. Find some options online and visit them. Ask questions about temperature and climate control, when you can access the unit, and most importantly, security.
For example, do they have 24-hour video monitoring of the entire lot? What type of lock is required on the available units? Also, consider the general cleanliness of the units and whether the customer service meets your requirements.
Facility Security
It is important that you choose a storage unit that offers all-around top-notch security. Before signing the paperwork, make sure your items will be protected by the following security features:
- 24-hour video monitoring
- Proper lighting
- Individual door alarms
- Entry-gate access code
- Fencing
- Secure locks
Plan ahead of time to check your items on a schedule. All people should also be properly vetted and knowledgeable in terms of all emergency protocols. Make sure emergency personnel are notified of the alarm to ensure that potential threats are quickly removed as well.
Costs
The cost of a storage unit depends on its size and the planned storage period. Many self-storage units offer monthly contracts. But you can get a discount if you sign up for a longer period.
Prices can also depend on whether the unit is located indoors or outdoors, whether it has rear access, and whether you need an air-conditioning system. When renting a storage unit location is also a prime factor.
Expect prices to rise in cities like Auckland and Sydney, whereas lower prices can be found in less crowded metropolitan areas. In order to avoid unpleasant surprises, it is best that you get storage units Auckland pricing and information first, so that you know what to expect. From there, you can choose a unit size that will fit your budget.
What’s Insured?
It is also worth learning more about what is insured when you rent a specific storage unit. Talk to your home insurance provider to find out if they include items in storage units.
Find out if the facility also offers its own insurance. You may have to pay extra for it, but the cost may be worth it if you have high-quality items in your storage unit.
Consider Access
It is important to consider how often you need to visit the facility, either to put items in or to remove them. If you do not need to regularly access the facility, it is worth choosing a location further from the city where the cost is lower.
However, if you store things that you often need to access, it’s a good idea to choose a location near your home. Remember to ask when customers have access to their units and whether the facility is accessible during public holidays.
Choose the Right Size
Some storage unit providers have a calculator on their site that you can use to determine the space you need. As you would expect, the larger space, the more you will pay for the storage unit. It is worth investing in shelves to maximize the space available in the smaller unit.
Wrapping Up
Think about your needs before renting a storage unit. Some people assume that they need the largest unit available, but you may not need anything very big. Hopefully, this article has given you a number of things to consider to help you in the long run.
