So, you’ve finally decided to take the plunge and rent out a storage unit for your belongings. It’s a smart move, but choosing the right company is key, lest it turns into another long-term commitment! Easy Truck is a moving company that offers its customers a different moving experience. The company’s clear goal is to offer its customers a seamless storage experience without hassles. Here are a few tips to ensure that you get the best deal from your storage experience.
1. Location
Always check out a storage facility before agreeing to rent. Is it in a safe neighbourhood? Are there heavy traffic areas nearby? Are there any abandoned buildings nearby? If you can get a tour of a facility, ask the staff to show you all the entrances and exits and the security measures taken to keep your belongings safe.
2. Personal Service
Personal service is everything–after all, your possessions are in someone else’s care! Ensure that the company has a local office that can be easily reached by phone and email. Pick up the phone and call them–you’ll want good service from people who know their job and care about their customers’ needs.
3. The Right Size
Storage units come in all shapes and sizes, from large warehouse-sized units to small portable ones. Like that provided by many of the larger companies, weekly storage is generally at a higher rate, but the convenience is worth it. If you don’t use the unit for a few weeks, it can be inconvenient to rent but would still be worth the cost if you eventually need to utilize it. One of the smaller companies may have lower rates but will likely require that you rent the unit for months or years. Smaller units are also less secure and are more susceptible to damage due to improper usage–keep this in mind when deciding on a size!
4. Insurance
All storage facilities take out insurance, as mandated by law, on your belongings. However, not all insurance is created equal! Make sure that the company has a quality policy in place so that you can rest easy knowing that your items will be secure and well-protected. A good storage facility will have security cameras and an alarm system on site. They should also have fire extinguishers and a sprinkler system to make client items safe from the threat of fire.
5. Price
Prices vary wildly by state, size of the unit, and duration of the rental. If you can rent a storage unit for a month or two to see how you like it, then it’s well worth the higher price. If you’re looking for long-term storage, find the company with the best service and lowest rates so that your monthly bill doesn’t break your budget!
6. Customer Service
Find out how quickly you can close an account, how easily you can get the unit back and your belongings back, and how long it would take for your units to be returned at the end of a rental period. If you rent for several months with many companies, you’ll likely be stuck with having to return some of your stored belongings–make sure that these are simple processes so that you’re not inconvenienced during your time as a renter!
7. Security
If you’re looking for security and safety around your property, look no further than a storage company. Many of these companies have been around the block and know what works for security. They take measures to keep your belongings safe from would-be thieves, as well as damage due to natural disasters. Choose a company that takes these measures seriously and will take care of your items in storage!
8. Climate Controlled
If the items you are storing are temperature sensitive (and many items like to be kept at room temperature, regardless of the season!), ask about the climate-controlled units. These rooms generally have less ambient temperature variation, are more secure, and are more effective at keeping your items safe from damage. If you can afford this fee for a storage unit, it’s well worth it to ensure that your valuables are well-protected!
Storage companies have many services which can help you out of a bind, but it’s smart to do your research before picking one. Make sure that you’re going to get what you’re paying for–either from personal service or from the security of a great insurance policy.
Author’s Bio: Lisa Eclesworth is a notable and influential lifestyle writer. She is a mom of two and a successful homemaker. She loves to cook and create beautiful projects with her family. She writes informative and fun articles that her readers love and enjoy. You can directly connect with her on email – [email protected] or visit her website www.lisaeclesworth.com
