It is so easy to rent a storage unit. You have too much stuff, you need a place to store it – problem solved, right? Not exactly. Behind those metal roll-up doors is a lot more than most people are aware of.
We can begin with the elephant in the room, which is that clutter does not occur to people who are disorganized. It is something that occurs to all. A larger family, an unexpected relocation, a set of inherited furniture of a grandmother, whom you cannot find it in your heart to sell – life accretes. Storage units are there so that real life will not fit in a four-walled box.
Choosing the appropriate facility, however? It is in that where people are prone to fall.
The first trap is size. Novices nearly always undergo too small. Their eyeballing of the living room, a crude estimation, renting, and arrival on the day of the move with a half a truckload that will not fit. The golden rule: hire a bigger size than you believe you will need. Always.
Climate control is like an option that you can do away with. You probably can’t. Silent destroyers are heat and humidity. Wooden furniture cracks. Electronics corrode inwards. Leather peels. Veiled pictures grow yellow and frail. When anything you are storing has real value (sentimental or otherwise) it is indeed worth paying more to have temperature control.
Security is an issue that should be looked at more than most renters. Inquire specifically regarding unit alarms, perimeter fencing and whether or not surveillance cameras are live or simply recorded to be reviewed after the fact. Certain facilities may appear to be safe on the surface, and in reality are porous.
The fine print bites most where pricing is concerned. The introductory rates are an old gimmick, appealing the first month, then gradually ramped up the third month. Pre-signing: It is always important to inquire about the rate increase policy. A facility, which is unable to provide you with a straight-forward answer to that question, is raising a red flag.
Accessibility is not given much thought until it becomes a day-to-day inconvenience. Drive-up units will be a revolutionary to anyone who is pulling stuff out on a regular basis. Waiting time in elevators is important in multi story buildings. These are not luxuries, but are convenient time-saving items that can accumulate at a very fast rate.
The truth of the matter is the following: a storage unit can only be as good as the consideration you put into its selection. Take a half an hour to make a personal visit. Ask awkward questions. Kick the tires about.
It will be appreciated by your future self, who will be able to park in the garage once again.