The most common phone call we get is "Do you have any storage units available?". My response is always the same... "Sure, what are you looking for?". Inevitably there will be a pause for contemplation. That's where I start playing 21 questions. What are you storing? How many bedrooms? Is it a whole house or a closet worth of stuff? And on and on.
Self Storage isn't something we think about until we need it and the options go beyond the old drive-up mini storage farms we are all used to seeing.
The most important questions to ask are:
How much am I storing? Most websites (including ours) show graphics or photos of their units to give you an idea of what will fit into a certain size unit. Use these as a guide but remember that stacking (safely) and shelving can maximize your space. Channel your inner Tetris Champion!
Can my stored goods be left to freeze? Most people rent climate controlled units simply for the comfort of accessing their storage unit without worrying about rain, snow or freezing temps. Others, however store goods that would be ruined by freezing or high humidity. For those customers, a climate controlled unit is a must.
What is my budget? As a rule of thumb, conventional drive-up storage units are the cheapest, but are also the least secure and offer no temperature protection to the goods or the customers. Storage containers are only slightly more expensive than conventional units, but are much more secure with the proper lock and also do not offer temperature protection. Climate controlled units are approximately 50% more expensive than conventional drive-up units. They offer an added layer of security because they are housed inside a building and they offer protection from freezing temps and high humidity. Some climate controlled facilities (like ours) offer interior loading zones so customers can get out of the rain/snow if they wish.
How frequently am I going to access my stuff? For customers who need in their storage unit weekly or daily, proximity to home or work is an important factor. Also, you might want to rent a unit that is slightly larger than you need so you can leave a walkway to get to all of your stuff. For customers who access their storage unit less frequently, it may be worth their while to shop around to find a good deal even if it's further away.
Am I going to store anything with flammable liquids (vehicles, equipment..etc.)? If you are going to store anything with flammable liquids, a storage container is your only option with our business. We do not allow these in our climate controlled or drive-up units for the safety of our customers.
Once you've figured out what type of storage unit you need, it's time to get shopping. Thankfully, the internet has made finding a storage unit a lot easier than it was 20 years ago. From nationwide storage outlets to small family owned operators like me, it's easy to show our customers exactly what we have available in real time, all hours of the day and night.
There are certainly more factors to take into account, but that will be discussed in another post. Hopefully this information will guide you towards choosing a storage unit that meets your requirements.
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