Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Making Self-Storage a Success

Whether you are moving, downsizing, de-cluttering, or just want to use self-storage to hold valuables, there are a few key aspects to make it worth your while and a success.

Storage space is an extra expense to figure into your budget. When figuring a storage space into your expenses, the first key to self-storage success is to do your homework. Investigate your options, speak to customers, managers, and friends regarding their experiences, facilities, and costs. The last thing you need when entrusting your valuables to an industrial storage company is high cost, poor service, and low security or regard for your belongings- ultimately you.

When conducting your homework, you should look for excellently kept facilities; ask to view a storage space. As you inspect, look for problems such as misaligned doors, dented doors, weakened security or lack of security. Conversely, what you should look for is a cleanly kept facility, nothing should be in disrepair, and the lock system is solid with no room for anyone to use a tool to pry it open or bypass the system if it is an electronic entry system. Internally your storage space should be clean, well maintained, with no pest problems. Look for signs of bats, rodents, bugs (think moths, bed bugs, lice, or the like from previous renters who may have stored vessels that hosted and fed such insects), or various other critters. These pests can cause major damage to your belongings, and most storage spaces do not come with a clause for replacement or repair of personal goods stored on the company's property due to infestation.

Look into and have no hesitation about asking for a complete breakdown regarding the security features of your prospective self-storage providers. Things that are arguably vital features are options such as 24/7 bright lighting. It is never a good idea to be moving valuables, organizing them, or trying to access them in dimly lit conditions. Dim lighting allows hazards to be missed- hazards which could result in personal injury, damage to goods, or dangers to the property. Without bright lighting there is also the risk of prowlers lurking, observing, or worse, becoming aggressive against self-storage tenants.

Ease of access to your storage unit is another safety and convenience feature. Quick, dependable, and unique access to your unit is a must. If at all possible, you will want to invest in a storage facility that allows access by an electronic code that you can choose and is unique to you. Having this level of accessibility will drastically cut down the chances of theft, prowling, and worry. Ask if your facility has individual door alarm systems; this alarm set up will alert management or on-site security when a door is open, and alert the local police department if it is after hours.

Finding a balance between cost and security may be forefront, but never compromise one for the other. To make self-storage a success, it will be imperative to ask around. Getting hands on with your self-storage options will ensure that you obtain the right fit for your needs and your wallet.

Christine Layton writes for Access Self Storage, which offers storage units throughout Metro New York and New Jersey, including Access Self Storage of Franklin Lakes. All facilities offer plenty of free extras, including door locks, door alarms, a moving truck and a rate-lock guarantee for 1 year.
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1 comment:

  1. These people always help you to estimate the size of the unit you will need for your items. They are friendly and trustworthy and provides great advice about storing and moving items
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