There are several reasons why you might be looking for a long-term storage unit. Perhaps you’re downsizing but aren’t ready to get rid of that special piece of furniture. Or maybe you’ll be backpacking through Europe and need to store your belongings in the interim.
Whatever your reason, here are six things to consider on your search to find a storage unit.
Before you choose a long-term storage unit, research the facility (bonus if you can take an in-person tour!), taking into account things like cleanliness, safety, the environment, and more.
When touring the facilities, asking yourself a few questions:
Answering these questions will help ensure the items you are storing are protected.
Now is also a great time to do a little digging and read reviews on Google, Yelp, and the like. How do customers rate the storage facilities? Do the reviews point to any red flags?
Some storage facilities aren’t open 24/7, so it’s essential to keep this in mind, especially if you need to access your belongings at specific times of the day. For example, if you’re busy Monday through Friday, you won’t want a long-term storage unit that’s closed on the weekends. For maximum convenience, we recommend choosing a storage facility that is open 24/7.
In addition to the hours of operation, keep the location in mind too. If your long-term storage unit is too far, you won’t easily access your belongings.
When choosing long-term storage, be sure that the facilities offer various sizes of units to meet your needs. After all, you don’t want to be left with too little or too much space.
At Storage Locker, we offer several long-term storage options, ranging from 120 square feet to over 2,700 square feet. Not sure which size you need? You can use our handy storage unit calculator to guide you or reach out to someone on our team for assistance.
This is a great time to take inventory of all of the items you will be storing in your long-term storage unit. And be aware of things you should not store. How you want to take inventory is up to you (e.g., a spreadsheet), but this exercise will help you determine what size storage unit you need and will help you keep track of your items.
When looking into long-term storage options, be sure to inquire about the pricing before you commit. Some storage facilities charge by the week, while some have annual payment plans with incentives for paying for a year upfront, so you will want to think about your long-term storage needs are. In addition, make sure you ask about the storage facility’s cancellation policy. If your needs change, having the peace of mind knowing you can cancel your long-term storage unit rental is a great bonus.
One of the most important things to consider when vetting your long-term storage option is the facility’s security. The good news is, most storage facilities offer various security features, but keep in mind that the extent of the security features differs. While one storage facility may have cameras located on-premises, another facility may have cameras, 24-hour onsite security, and more.
Another important factor to consider when vetting your long-term storage unit options is if the facility offers insurance. Storage unit insurance is what protects your belongings, even when they’re not in your possession. It’s important to factor this into your research as not all facilities offer this.
Storage Locker works alongside your homeowners’ or renters’ insurance to provide the best protection possible for your items. If you’d rather use ours, we offer insurance plans starting at just $10 a month!
Whether you need a short or long-term rental for your possessions, Storage Locker can help. At Storage Locker, we offer a wide range of storage solutions for customers. We’ve got you covered with affordable, clean, and secure storage solutions, no matter your situation.
Schedule a tour today and see how our storage units can benefit you!