There are numerous reasons to use a self storage facility. You will be between homes and staying for a hotel or with friends for the time being. You might need to move into a smaller place for a little while, and don't want to do away with your furniture and ...

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There are numerous reasons to use a self storage facility. You will be between homes and staying for a hotel or with friends for the time being. You might need to move into a smaller place for a little while, and don't want to do away with your furniture and then have to buy all new things if you have more room again. Or you could just have too much stuff and risky hands storage space at home.

Whatever your reason, you will need to know how to choose a self storage facility that suits your needs. Here are some things to consider.

1) How much space do you require?

self storage facilities usually offer units in several different sizes. As an illustration, a small-size storage unit is normally about five feet by ten feet, which would hold the contents of your one bedroom apartment if jam-packed tightly. Ten feet by ten feet is another common size for self storage units, which enable it to hold the contents of a two-bedroom apartment or home. Garage-sized storage units are also common, and they are used for larger homes and/or automobile storage.

Once you have determined how much space you will need, the first question you should ask each storage facility is what size units they have available. Using this method, you will be able to immediately eliminate any facilities that don't have the size you need.

2) How long do you need the storage unit for?

Just how long for which you are meaning on storing your stuff can make a big difference when choosing between storage units. As an example, if you are only about to store your stuff for a couple of months, you will probably would like to pay closer attention to charges and contract terms. On another hand, if you are planning on long-term self storage, then the amenities each facility offers may weigh a little heavier with your decision.

3) What features are most critical to you?

When you start looking at storage facilities, you should know which features you are willing to give up, and which you simply have to have. For instance, if you are on a tight budget, price will probably be one among your deciding factors. Someone who works odd hours might require a self storage unit that doesn't lock down at 8 o'clock every evening. Location is another thing some people aren't willing to negotiate upon, especially with current gas costs.

4) Is the monthly fee a move-in special, or a continuous rate?

Many storage facilities offer move-in specials in order to entice potential customers. Their goal is to make you sign the papers without continuing to search around. Be sure to maintain this mind, and don't permit them trick you: Ask how much time the move-in special will very last, and how much the typical rate is. If you will likely need to use the storage unit for more than just a couple months, you will probably want to compare regular rates together with move-in specials.

5) How much is the deposit, and what are your terms?

Some self storage facilities require a deposit. When you are comparing prices between units, make sure you ask how much the deposit is, and what the terms are so you can get it back after moving away.

6) What are the conditions for moving out?

Even should you won't be moving your stuff out of self storage for a while, you will want to know a facility 's terms before committing to help anything. Most self storage facilities rent space month-by-month, so that you can leave at any time. However, you will usually have to notify the facility 30 days in advance.

7) What happens for anyone who is late on a payment?

No one likes to think that they might not be able to pay their bills punctually, but things do happen. You should definitely find out what the self storage facility 's late policy is. Usually you can be charged some fees according to how late you happen to be, and if you wait a long time to pay, your belongings will be sold or otherwise disposed regarding. Ideally, you will want a grace period of two months before this happens - that way, if you fall behind you should have time to get caught upwards without losing everything.

8) What amenities does the self storage facility offer?

There are many of amenities offered by self storage facilities. A number of are climate-controlled, meaning that these are kept at a certain temperature (and sometimes a particular humidity, too); this type of environment is ideal for valuable items or collectibles that could be damaged by extremes in heat or abrupt changes in moisture. Many have fences, gates, and security systems to defend customers' belongings. Extended hours, particular padlocks, and on-site management are other amenities self storage facilities may offer.

9) Are you allowed to take the contract home along with you?

Reading the contract for the 1st time during the sign-up process is dangerous for two reasons. One, the manager's office is generally wii environment for concentrating on difficult-to-understand legalese. A couple of, the manager is usually waiting that you should finish and sign, which puts a great deal of pressure on you. Perhaps as a variety of these two factors, many people quickly skim the document, and sign without fully understanding what there're agreeing to.

If you will take the contract home with an individual, you will be able to take your time reading it. Another advantage is the ability to compare contracts between different self storage facilities. The contracts will likely be similar in many places, but this way also you can make sure you don't agree to unfair terms that you might avoid by taking your small business elsewhere.

Final Tips for Choosing a self storage facility

The best way to choose a self storage facility is to consider all your options carefully, and then choose one that works best for you. This is easier said than done, however. When you are touring a storage facility, the manager's sales hype usually sounds very convincing, and the move-in special very enticing - that's exactly the point.

Cite This Article as

adelaidb52, "Choosing the right Self Storage Facility", MachPrinciple, August 13, 2014, https://machprinciple.com/post/choosing-the-right-self-storage-facility