If you have never used self storage before, it might be difficult to know how to shop for the right storage facility. There are a few things you should consider before renting a storage unit. After all, you will be storing your possessions for an extended amount of time.
Make sure you are choosing the right storage facility to ensure that your belongings will be safe, secure, and kept in good condition. It’s best to do a bit of research before choosing which storage facility to go with. Don’t just pick the first storage facility that google suggests.
Here are some things to think about when choosing the best storage facility:
What are you storing?
Type of Storage - Climate Controlled Storage or Unheated Storage
Location
Accessibility
Insurance
Security
Check Reviews
One of the first things you will need to figure out is what you will be storing. This will help you determine what type and size of storage unit you will need.
If you are decluttering and only storing a few seasonal items that you won’t need all year, you will probably only need a small unheated storage unit. If you’re moving and in between houses you might need a large storage unit that is climate controlled. You also don’t want to end up with a storage locker that is packed full, with no room to maneuver around. It’s good to leave yourself space to create aisles that allow you to access your belongings easily.
If you’re going to be storing furniture or valuable items, like electronics or family heirlooms, it is highly recommended that you choose a climate controlled storage unit. In outdoor storage spaces, your belongings are subjected to harsh temperatures which could ruin your items. Climate controlled self storage units are kept at a consistent temperature. This will help prevent your furniture from warping or cracking while it is in storage and allow you to retrieve your items in the same condition as you left them.
Drive up access, unheated storage units are great for most items you may be storing. They are much like a garage and you can drive right up to them for easy loading and unloading. They are also more budget friendly, so if you are not storing any temperature sensitive items, they are a great choice.
Another thing to take into consideration is the location of the storage facility you choose. If you plan on accessing your items in storage often, it might be best to choose somewhere close to home or your workplace. If you are moving, you should decide whether it’s best to store near your current home or your new home.
Check to see how often you can access your storage unit. Is it 24 hours a day, or only during office hours? This is something to consider if you are needing access to your belongings regularly. Another thing to look at is if the facility has multiple levels. If they do, are the upper levels easily accessible? Stairs can be difficult to navigate, especially if you are transporting large, heavy items. It’s a good idea to make sure you have access to a dolly or cart to help you load your things into your unit or vehicle.
Most storage facilities’ insurance policies will only cover the building in emergencies, not your belongings. It is a good idea to insure the items you are storing, especially if you are going to be there long term. Some facilities might also require you to purchase insurance for your belongings. Check with the facility to see if they have insurance policies you can purchase. Otherwise, you may have to go through a different company or your home owner’s insurance.
You’re going to be trusting a company to hang on to your possessions for a while, so you want to make sure they have good security measures in place. Look to see if they have surveillance cameras set up. Are there gates and codes you need to access the building? It wouldn’t be good if just anyone can access the facility.
Getting the opinion of previous customers will give you a better idea of how the facility is run. Look for comments on what the customer service is like. It’s good to know that the employees will take good care of you and your belongings. Also, check to see what people say about the condition of the building. You don’t want to store your things in a place that is run down and dirty.
Safe & Secure Storage
Exceptional Customer Service
Affordable Storage Pricing - monthly billing, no admin fees or security deposits
Easy Access
Climate-Controlled Storage Units
Online Storage Rentals & Payments
Affordable Storage Insurance Options
At Elite Self Storage, we are equipped with video surveillance and individual coded access. Our Elite storage facilities offer short term month to month storage rentals with no hidden fees and a FULL MONTH VALUE. Some of our competitors bill in 4 week cycles costing you more. You can also rent a storage unit online for easy contactless bookings.
Rent a storage unit online or give one of our friendly and professional storage rental experts a call to discuss your storage needs. You can rent a storage unit in South Edmonton AB by calling 780-452-8242 or in St. Albert by calling 780-459-6435.
Storage For Rent In St. Albert - Storage For Rent In Edmonton
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