Sometimes in life you just need a little extra space. If you’re a homeowner you probably understand. A Trulia survey found a third of homebuyers only regret one thing – not having more space. Maybe that’s why the Self Storage Association estimates that 10% of households rent a storage unit.
If you have found yourself in that position, you probably had a lot of questions. There are a lot of factors that make a storage facility unique. Price is always important, of course, but at the end of the day choosing a good storage facility comes down to three essential factors.
Size Up the Needed Space
The number one essential for storage units is size. If it is too small, fitting your belongings in the unit will be impossible. If it’s too large, then you’re paying for unused space.
There are two golden rules for choosing the size of your rental unit:
1. See the unit in person
2. Always go larger if you’re unsure
Before determining what size you need, go through your belongings and get rid of anything you no longer want or need. Next, box up as many items as possible. Sparefoot also recommends taking inventory of what you wish to store before deciding on the best size storage unit.
You can now make an accurate assessment of how much space is needed. Consider the square footage (length x width) as well as the height of the unit. When you call storage facilities, ask what size unit they recommend based on the items you have. Once you’ve narrowed your selection down to two or three facilities, visit the facility to see the units in person.
Look Into Security at the Storage Facility
Another important consideration when deciding on a storage unit is the safety of your items. Precautions should be taken to prevent both fire damage and theft. Look for:
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Gated entries
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Security guards
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Security cameras
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Sprinkler system
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Fire extinguishers
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Locking mechanisms on the storage doors
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How airtight the storage units are
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The construction material of the storage units
Ask the facility manager what steps are taken to secure the units. Also, pay careful attention to how renters are able to access the property. No matter where you decide to store your belongings, it’s a good idea to get extra insurance just in case.
Consider Accessibility
Access refers to two things:
1. Your ability to get around in the unit
2. Your ability to maneuver around the facility
The first depends on how often you’ll be accessing your belongings within the unit. If you plan to retrieve things often, you’ll need to clear some areas for walkways. You’ll also need to consider how far away the facility is from your home or workplace.
Access around the storage facility determines how easy it is to get to your unit. One thing to consider is the size of the vehicle that will carry your items. If there is low clearance or tight pathways, it could be difficult for a moving truck to maneuver through the facility.
Anyone who plans to rent a climate-controlled unit should look into the width of the hallways as well as the size of the elevators.
Need storage in Austin? The Square Cow Movers’ Austin storage facility is a safe, affordable place to store your belongings. If you find you need a little extra space after moving in, come visit us and check out our facility.
Original Source: https://squarecowmovers.com/look-choosing-storage-facility/