Essential Tips For Choosing the Right Storage Unit
Whether you need to stash your belongings until you move into a new apartment want to keep your college student’s items nearby. At the same time she goes back home or is cleaning out an inherited house, storage units are a versatile solution. Yet choosing a suitable unit can seem like a daunting task.
Size
Getting the size of your storage unit right is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Fortunately, many storage facilities provide easy-to-use storage guides to help you determine the right size for your needs. Then, you’ll need to consider whether the facility offers drive-up access – this option will help you avoid carrying heavy and bulky items up or down stairs to your unit. Also, consider investing in a step stool to make reaching boxes placed up high easier. This will also keep delicate items like mirrors and artwork safe. Putting frequently used items near the front of your storage space is a good idea.
Security
A storage unit can help people keep their belongings safe and free up space at home or in the office. While thefts do occur in some storage facilities, taking extra precautions and choosing the right size unit can significantly reduce the chances of them occurring.
Some of the most basic security measures a storage facility can take include fencing and CCTV cameras, which deter potential burglars and capture evidence in case of a break-in. Additionally, a good storage company such as Boombox Storage should use high-quality locks that are difficult to tamper with or break. They should also be able to provide customers with a detailed inventory of their possessions, which can help file insurance claims for any damage or theft.
Lastly, a storage unit should have on-site staff to monitor the cameras and respond to suspicious activity. This can ensure that the surveillance system is effective and provide peace of mind for clients, knowing that their belongings are being taken care of by a professional.
Finally, clients should plan how they will pack their items before they move them into a storage unit. This can save them time and money in the long run. For example, they should put any oversized items like furniture or furniture pieces at the back of the unit so that they don’t get damaged by heavier objects placed over them. In addition, they should place boxes that contain fragile items like mirrors or artwork upright instead of laying them flat in the storage unit.
Climate Control
When storing delicate items like electronics, wood furniture, antiques, valuable documents, and even some wines, you may need a climate-controlled storage unit to protect your belongings from extreme temperature changes and moisture. These units are located inside a building to limit outdoor access, and they have more insulation than standard units to prevent airflow and heat leaks that can damage your belongings.
Ask about the facilities’ climate control methods and standards when shopping for a storage unit. Some facilities may advertise climate control, but their methods could be as simple as running an attic fan, so make sure to get details in writing. Also, determine if the facility has climate-controlled units and if they are priced differently than non-climate-controlled units.
Choosing a storage unit is a big decision and requires some thought. Determining precisely what you’ll be storing, including each item’s size is essential. That way, you can choose the right storage solution and pack it efficiently for long-term storage. When loading, place things you need more often toward the front of the unit and those you use less frequently at the back. That makes it easier to gain access and won’t force you to move all your belongings to grab something.
Access
There are many reasons you should rent a storage unit. Whether you’re downsizing but aren’t quite ready to move, merging two households, or cleaning out an inherited house, having some extra space can be helpful. It’s common for people to store belongings that either hold monetary or sentimental value, such as artwork, furnishings, and other family mementos.
Finding the right one is crucial for your peace of mind and safety, regardless of why you need a storage unit. It’s best to make a list of everything you’ll be storing and then measure the more oversized items, such as furniture, to help you determine the correct size of unit you need.
The location of your storage unit is another crucial factor to consider. It may not be a big deal if you’re only using it for seasonal items that you’ll pull out each year and then put back into storage, but for most other situations, the longer distance you have to travel, the less likely you are actually to use your storage space.
You should also check the storage facility’s business hours to ensure they match your schedule. Some facilities offer 24-hour access, which can be a massive advantage for people who work odd hours or have a long commute to their home or office.