How to Choose the Best Storage Facility

By Relocation.com Staff

Storage facilities have become more popular in recent years as our dwellings have gotten smaller and we've gotten more stuff. This article will help you choose a storage unit, and decide what should go there.

You won't be living there, but your stuff will, so scrutinize a storage facility almost as closely as you would a home.

Your Options

Many moving companies offer storage services. The benefits include one entity handling the move and storage, saving you on the effort, and possibly saving you money as well. The moving company will generally move the items into storage, and then deliver them to you when you want them and they're able to schedule it.

You can also choose a self-storage facility, where you do all the heavy-lifting (literally), loading up a truck -- which the storage facility will sometimes offer up for free -- and unloading your goods at the storage facility into a storage container.

Mobile storage is a hybrid offering: a large, portable container is dropped off at your home or business, you load the container, and the container is either stored on your property, or stored at a large facility with other storage containers.

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Location Location Location

It might seem obvious, but if self-storage containers are your preferred choice, consider using a facility close to home. This can save money and time if you make frequent visits.

With all options, be sure to take note of access times for your stuff. Some offer 24-hour access, others have more normal business hours, and some facilities, like mobile storage centers, require 24-hour notice to access your unit. So if you're having a 70s party, you might not be able to get your hands on that lava lamp in time unless you plan ahead.

Security

Investigate the security measures for the facility you wish to choose. How do they intend to store your goods within the unit itself? Are the security measures different during regular business hours versus after-hours? What kind of neighborhood is the storage facility in? Would you feel comfortable visiting at off-hours?

Size

Discuss your specific current and future needs with the storage facility. This will help companies offer you the most suitable unit for your budget.

Price

The price range depends on size, storage period, special needs, and the storage facilities' own marketing objectives. Special offers and discounts from the storage facilities will be fewer during busy periods, and storage companies will try to offer incentives to persuade you to commit to a longer rental period. You'll often find deals for the first month free, so look around.

Don't choose solely on price; security and other factors are key as well. Get recommendations from friends and family, and check with the Better Business Bureau for any complaints about a specific company.

Estimates

An estimate from a storage company is different from a mover's estimate, in that no extra charges can be added without the agreement of the customer. Before the storage company accepts your goods, they will supply you with a written estimate upon your request. The written estimate is usually free, but ask. The warehouse operator must inspect the items to be stored physically, and issue you a copy of the estimate.

Insurance is an important issue to investigate, especially if you plan to store high-value items. Storage companies offer their own, and it is recommended to find out about the facility's procedures in cases such as fire, flood, etc. Make sure you fully understand how the they are offering will cover any potential damage. Also, check with your own agent to see if you renters or homeowners will cover you.

Special Needs

You may be looking for a storage unit that provides climate control and/or other special storage accessories and needs -- humidity and extreme temperatures can wreck havoc with some of your goods, like furs. When you speak with the company's sales representatives, state your specific requirements so that they can find the best option.

What can I store?

Given the appropriate environment, almost anything can be stored for a certain period of time. It's easier to list the things you should not store: perishable food (don't want to attract pests), any combustible materials, plants, high-value items and firearms. Ask your storage company for specific items you can't store.

Do I Really Need This Junk?

When deciding whether to store your items, consider what you really need to keep, what can go and what may be needed some day. Keeping only what you really need will reduce storage costs and you won't have to move them again later. Here are some of the questions you should ask yourself:

Do I need the item?

Will I ever use this item again?
When did I use it last?
Does it have sentimental value?
Will you really ever repair the items that need to be repaired?
Clothing items -- if you have not worn a specific garment, will you ever wear it? Will Disco ever really be back in style?

Throw It Away, Give It Away, or Sell It

After you have made your final decisions regarding all the items, think about how to dispose of everything you have decided you don't need and will not store. Throw the items out, give them away, or donate them to various charities.

Remember to get a receipt for tax purposes. Another option is to hold a garage sale.