Selecting the right storage facility for your belongings allows you to keep your items safe, accessible, and in good condition. As you deliberate on the ideal unit for you, it helps to prioritize your space requirements and personal preferences. Here are a few aspects you can evaluate as you choose a facility:
Security Features
Choosing a storage facility with adequate security measures helps protect your items from theft. Reliable storage facilities install security cameras that enable round-the-clock surveillance of the units; these cameras record incidents and allow staff to respond quickly. Facilities that incorporate access control features such as keycard systems, gated access, and biometric locks provide an additional layer of protection. Some facilities use electronic gate codes that restrict entry to people with a PIN. This feature helps to minimize the risk of unauthorized entry. Some storage units allow you to bring your own lock to enhance protection. With these measures, property managers can track who accesses the storage units.
Well-lit storage units enhance security and make recordings clearer, making it easier to monitor the units. Some facilities install motion-activated lights to help you safely enter, access your belongings, and leave. As you assess the fence surrounding the property, check whether the wall is high enough and topped with barbed wire.
Maintenance Schedules
An ideal storage facility should have clean and well-maintained driving lanes, common areas, and units. The state of a facility affects the condition of your belongings. Check whether the facility is free of pests such as termites or rodents; these pests can damage belongings. A professionally managed facility implements pest control measures and undergoes regular maintenance. It also includes proper drainage and well-paved areas to facilitate easy movement.
Facility Amenities
When choosing a facility, assess the available amenities. Storage units with climate control features help to safeguard your stored items. Temperature fluctuations and humidity cause belongings to degrade over time. Humidity can damage items such as wooden furniture, electronics, and musical instruments. For items such as artwork and photographs, climate control helps to prevent yellowing or fading. In your search for a storage facility, assess the sensitivity of your items and ask whether the units will maintain a stable environment.
Some facilities also offer online account access to make managing your unit easier. You can also check whether your facility offers amenities such as round-the-clock access, moving supplies, or on-site management. If you’re storing a vehicle for work or seasonal use, amenities like round-the-clock access and online account management make the process easier and more convenient.
Unit Sizes
Choosing a storage unit that matches the size of your belongings helps prevent overcrowding or leaving significant unused space. While looking for a unit, it can be helpful to evaluate potential changes in the amount of space you might require in the future. Taking inventory of your belongings and preparing a detailed checklist allows you to organize and track the items you plan to store. It may be necessary to measure the unit’s ceiling height and width to verify that larger items will fit comfortably inside the space.
Facility Locations
When choosing a storage facility, prioritize one close to your workplace or residence. This eases the logistics of transporting items between the locations. If you anticipate frequent visits to the facility, convenient access may be a priority, as it offers you the flexibility to access the units at any time. A facility located near major transportation routes, such as highways, provides more convenient access to your belongings and potentially reduces travel time.
Locations that are easy to access make it simpler to reach and manage your stored items. Facilities designed with wide driveways, ample parking, and vehicle-friendly layouts can enhance overall accessibility for different types of vehicles. When choosing a unit, selecting a facility that offers extended or flexible hours may provide additional convenience by allowing you more options for scheduling your visits.
Find a Secure Storage Facility
As you choose a storage unit, determine how long you will need it; some storage facilities allow you to sign up for long-term storage, while others offer month-to-month terms. Reputable facility managers are also available at some locations to help you find the right unit size for your needs. Find a storage facility near you today.
