Whether you’re renovating a home and need extra room for the workers to carry out their tasks, decluttering the house but completely undecided on which items to throw away or moving to a new home and there’s not enough space in your new home, being able to keep your belongings in a storage unit can help give you peace of mind.
Regardless of why you need a storage unit, you have to make sure that it’s secure enough to keep your belongings protected. With that in mind, here are a few tips on picking a safe storage unit for your belongings.
Narrow Down Based On Location
Storing your belongings at a local facility is very convenient. First, you won’t have to travel long distances to access the unit, saving you valuable time, money, and energy. Second, the reduced traveling distances ensure your possessions, even the more delicate ones, are less likely to get damaged. Finally, the longer the trip, the more likely your items will get damaged because of the cargo vehicle driving over rough roads. If you’re from Calgary, see if there are personal self storage Calgary companies with available units.
Check Based On Size/Duration Of Storage
If you have fewer items, a smaller storage unit will suffice. But if you have dozens of boxed possessions, ensure you choose larger storage units that can safely accommodate all the luggage. Aside from that, some storage firms offer short-term storage while others deal with long-term storage. Choose the appropriate one depending on how long you intend to keep your cargo in store and based on your available budget.
Check Service Features
Don’t be convinced by the storage firm telling you that your items are safe. You must confirm that they have stringent security measures in place. Below are some security features you’d want to look for:
- Presence of human guards at the facility round the clock
- Functioning security cameras at strategic points around the unit
- The space within the storage unit should be well-lit for safety purposes when moving around.
- There should be a well-secured gate for all units.
- Advanced locking systems and mechanisms to ensure that only the right people can access a particular area or storage unit
Another key consideration is temperature control. Some items, such as family pictures, books, or electronic devices, may get damaged if stored under extreme temperatures. Therefore, you’d want to go for storage units fitted with climate control systems, especially if the area frequently experiences extreme weather. Of course, this kind of feature will cost you more than choosing regular storage options, but it’s worth the extra protection for storing expensive belongings.
Cleanliness is also essential when choosing storage units. You can quickly gauge the level of cleanliness by visual inspection. For example, if you spot dirt and roaches or rats crawling around the storage units, you’d better keep off. Such pests can damage your possessions by nibbling and defecating on them. This is especially true for clothes and books.
Last but not least, make sure that the roof of the storage unit isn’t leaking. Rainwater dropping onto your belongings will make them damp, and that’s a perfect breeding ground for mold growth. Mold can damage items made of fabric, plastic, or paper and stain them with ugly black-green streaks and patches.
Check The Company’s Background
To assess the company’s reputation, you could read reviews of those who’ve rented the units before. A company with loads of praises should be your go-to option. However, avoid any firm attracting hundreds of complaints, as you’re also very likely to end up dissatisfied with their services.
You should also try to assess how good their customer service is. You’d want to work with well-trained personnel who have excellent professional mannerisms. This will make it easier for you to trust them with your belongings.
Another key consideration is insurance. Remember, the unexpected can happen at any storage facility. There’s always a chance that you could lose your belongings to theft or fires in the facility. In such instances, an appropriate insurance policy may help cover the damage, and you’ll get compensated for the lost or damaged belongings.
Compare Prices
Don’t just pick the cheapest option available to you right now. If you can, compare the prices of several storage firms. While you don’t have to break the bank while storing your belongings, picking the cheapest option almost always means you’ll end up with low-quality services. Instead, go for a service provider that provides competitive prices which are closer to the average; these are the companies that are confident enough that their storage units and services justify the price without being overpriced.
Conclusion
Looking for the right storage unit takes some research, but the safety of your belongings is well worth the effort. You can rest assured that your items are in the hands of a company that offers good facilities and good security.
