Knowing your items or valuables are stored safely gives you peace to carry your daily activities. If you have a small store in your office or home, you don’t have the right storage facilities for the items you just bought or gifted or even your car, you can get help from self-storage units. But you don’t choose any self-storage facility that comes to your mind; you must research to know the one with the best storage facilities. In this article, we will explain what is self-storage. In case you need additional information, we recommend will-stor.com.
Factors to Consider When Looking for a Self-Storage Unit
To choose the right self-storage facility, you need to know how a good self-storage facility looks like and how to select one. Here are some considerations to make when selecting a self-storage facility.
Location
Location is a very critical factor you need to look at when choosing a self-storage unit. You must select a self-storage unit within your home or place of work to ensure that you can access your storage facility when you want. However, the choice of location will depend on how frequently you will visit your storage facility.
Security
You must choose a secure self-storage facility to ensure your valuables or items are safe. Look at the security measures taken in the self-storage facility you want to pick and ensure they are up to standard. You need to examine whether there are CCTV cameras within the self-storage facility, security alarms, and physical security guards manning the facility.
Insurance Coverage
Insurance coverage is not an option when choosing a self-storage facility. You need to be guaranteed that in case your items are stolen or damaged, you can get compensated by the company. Check the insurance company they deal with to confirm it’s a good company that doesn’t have a lot of bureaucracy regarding compensation.
Size of the Storage Unit
The number of items you have will determine the size of the self-storage unit you will choose. If you have many items, ensure you select a large storage facility. If you are storing one large item that can be measured, take the measurements and give them to the self-storage facility providers to allocate you the right facility.
Charges
How much will you pay for the self-storage unit? This is a question you need to answer before choosing a self-storage unit. Many factors, such as the location, size, number of units, and companies, will determine the costs of the self-storage unit. First, find out whether there is a good self-storage facility within your region with better charges.
Time of Operation
Not all self-storage facilities offer 24/7 services. Therefore, you shouldn’t assume the company you choose will allow you to access your storage unit anytime. Instead, you must find out when the company operates and see if it’s convenient for you.
Types of Self-Storage Units
Different items are stored under different conditions, so it’s essential you know what you are storing. Know the appropriate conditions for the items to be protected from climatic damage. Knowing the right storage facility for your items will also save you some unnecessary costs since some items require special units that are more costly. Here are the two main types of self-storage units.
Climate Controlled-Self Storage
Some items need to be protected from extreme temperatures and hence have to be kept in storage units with favorable temperatures. These storage units are temperature and humidity-controlled, and only authorized users are allowed into these facilities. Items placed here are those made of paper, wood, certain metals, fabric, and other materials that high or low temperatures can damage. These storage units are usually costly.
Non-Climate Controlled Self-Storage
These are outdoor storage facilities where items are stored. Here they are exposed to heat, cold, humidity, or moisture. Items that should be stored here are outdoor furniture, heavy tools, automobiles, sporting equipment, and anything friendly to high or low temperatures. The downside of these storage facilities is that when there are extreme temperatures, the items stored are not protected and can be damaged if made of sensitive materials.
Final Thoughts
Self-storage units come in handy when you have limited space in your home or office. Storing your items, especially under climate-controlled self-storage units, will help you cut costs since they won’t be damaged, and you won’t need to buy the equipment meant to control temperature and humidity. You must always choose a suitable self-storage facility to ensure your items are safe and to reduce costs.
