Tips for Choosing the Right Self Storage Facility for Your Needs

Selecting the right storage facility for your belongings can feel intimidating. After all, what if you choose one that is too small for your needs? What if you pick one that’s too big?

If deciding which facility is just right for you has you feeling like Goldilocks, have no fear. We’ve gathered a list of tips and tricks to help you choose the right self storage facility based upon your individual needs. Let’s dive in!

Decide What’s Going in the Storage Unit

It is infinitely harder to select the right unit if you don’t have a clear idea of what’s going on. Take the time to start gathering items you want to store. Box them up (if you won’t need regular access to them) and create a pile in a spare bedroom or garage. Be sure to clearly label boxes with the contents should you need to find something while it is in storage.

Knowing what is going to live in your storage unit will help you select a unit that can accommodate all your belongings without overpaying for a unit that is too large.

How Will You Use the Storage Unit

People rent units for a variety of reasons, and how you plan to use your unit may determine the type and size of unit you need.

If your unit is nothing more than a holding space for all the extra stuff you had to clear out before listing your home for sale, and if you don’t plan on accessing anything in the unit until you move it out on moving day, you can get by with packing your unit from stem to stern with boxes and furniture.

If, however, you’re using the unit long-term to store things you’ll need to access, you’ll want to opt for a larger unit. You may want to leave space for shelving units and will likely want aisles you can walk between.

While it may be tempting to try to save money by cramming everything in a smaller unit, the hassle of having to unpack the space every time you need to access something will quickly become unbearable, and you’ll likely end up moving everything again for the added elbow room provided by a larger storage unit.

Pack Thoughtfully

As you’re placing things in your storage unit, put items you’ll use more often at the front of the unit, and items you don’t plan on removing until you empty the unit in the back.

Decide Whether You Need a Climate-Controlled Unit

As their name suggests, climate-controlled units regulate the atmosphere inside for temperature and humidity. Whether or not you need one will likely depend on where you live and what you’re storing.

If you live in a dry, arid location, items in a non-climate-controlled unit made from wood are at risk of cracking or splitting. If you live in a humid environment, the contents of your unit could succumb to mold and mildew.

While climate-controlled units are almost always more expensive, many renters find them to be worth the cost in the long run.

Consider the Location of Your Unit

Location matters…especially if you plan to visit your unit regularly to retrieve items from storage, so take that into consideration when choosing a facility. Just because the rent is cheaper on a unit outside of town, if you’re going to be making regular trips to the unit it is wise to factor in travel costs to the overall cost of the rental.

Shop Around

Pricing on storage units can vary wildly, so call several places and ask for quotes. Storage facilities sometimes run promotions, so be sure to ask when you call. And, if competitors are running a special deal, the facility that is closest to you may be willing to make you a deal to get your business.

Verify Your Insurance and Their Security

Call your insurance agency to find out if your current policy covers items in storage—not all policies do, so it is important to check. Some storage facilities offer an optional tenant protection program where, for an extra fee each month, the storage facility will pay for certain damages up to a specified dollar amount.

It’s also important to factor in the level of security you’re getting with the price you pay for your unit. In this case, the cheapest option isn’t always the best. Ask the storage facility about fencing, video surveillance, and any other security measures they have in place.

And when you decide it’s time to rent a self storage unit, we hope you’ll come visit us at Holloway Storage. Our team of experts can help you choose the unit that is perfect for the needs of you and your family. Not too big. Not too small. Just right.