Choosing a self-storage company isn’t necessarily a difficult matter, but it involves a bit more effort than merely settling for the first company you find online or in the Yellow Pages. While you could luck out and have a totally satisfactory move with most any professional storage company–industry standards have been raised considerably in the last decade or so after all–taking the time to choose the best storage company possible will reduce the risk of any mishaps.
The first thing to figure out is how often you plan to check up on your stuff or even pull some pieces out from storage. This will help you determine the most feasible storage company to hire based on distance. If you plan on checking up on your items frequently, or if you foresee a need to retrieve some items and store away others from time to time, you would be better off with a storage company located close to your home or place of work. Doing so will not only minimize your own travel time to and from the storage facility, but possibly reduce the cost of transport as well.
Although you might have fairly modest needs when it comes to space, it wouldn’t hurt to go for a storage facility that offers a wide range of different-sized storage units and spaces. While a standard facility should suffice for most purposes, you never know when you might have a need for more space for larger items. When the time comes, you would be better off going with the same company for larger storage space needs since this might allow you to save a bit on added space. At the very least, this will help you avoid the hassle of driving to or moving items from one storage location to another.
You might be looking for a storage company based on price, but you should consider other factors as well. There is something to be said about saving a buck on cheaper storage facilities to be sure, but they don’t necessarily provide the best value. While some facilities may have a higher fee, you might get better facilities and services in exchange.
Speaking of services, it would also be wise to look into the security features that the storage companies offer. Different facilities tend to vary widely on this aspect, with some offering only the barest security measures, which is often little more than storm fencing enclosing all the storage units. The best storage facilities will have a fully equipped and modern security system in place. At the very least, you will want to go with a storage company that provides around-the-clock human guards (preferably roving guards), CCTV cameras, alarm systems, and a linkup with the local police and fire departments.
You can expect to pay a bit more fore storage facilities that offer state-of-the-art features and services, but the cost is often worth it. Even with the little bit extra that you will have to pay, the cost of a better storage facility will pay for itself many times over in the next several months.
