Essential Tips for Choosing a Storage Facility
Are you seeking a place to keep your stuff during moving, while downsizing, or simply desiring more space? It is important to select a storage facility wisely so that all your items remain safe and taken care of.
Location and Accessibility
A perfect storage building should be conveniently situated near your residence or workplace for easy accessibility. This is crucial because you might want to drop off or pick up your things regularly.
Confirm how close the nearest facility is from major transport routes. This will help you save time during loading and offloading of goods from trucks.
Additionally, consider choosing a storage facility that offers 24/7 access. This way, even when staff members are not on-site, there are keypads or other secure entry systems that allow you to access the facility at any time, ensuring convenience and security without requiring staff assistance.
Security
One of the top priorities for picking a storage facility is safety. After all, you want assurance that your belongings will not be stolen, damaged, or misplaced. So, what security features should you look for?
Start with secure perimeter fencing, controlled gate access, security cameras, and bright outdoor lighting. These deter potential thieves and vandals. On-site staff and security personnel also play a pivotal role in maintaining safety standards and responding rapidly to any security issues.
Unit Size and Customization
Carefully assess how much space you require. A common mistake is choosing a unit that is too small, making it impossible to fit everything inside. Conversely, an oversized unit is needlessly expensive.
Take measurements of the items you intend to store to determine the appropriate dimensions. It may also be possible to find units with interior shelving, partitions and racking to efficiently organize your goods.
Insurance Coverage
While security measures are intended to safeguard your belongings, unforeseen incidents like fires, floods or theft can sometimes still occur. That's why it's wise to use storage facilities that provide insurance plans. They cover loss and damage to protect the value of your possessions.
Compare facilities based on their offered insurance coverage. Some basic plans are included standard with rental fees.
In most cases, extra protection can also be purchased for high value items. Just ensure you fully understand policy deductibles, claim procedures, and any limitations exclusions before committing.
Climate Control
For storing sensitive belongings like electronics, documents, artwork, furniture, etc., temperature and humidity regulation is a must. Climate controlled units maintain optimal air quality. While usually not guaranteed, the unit being climate controlled helps to prevent mold, mildew growth, and material degradation that can render your possessions unusable.
Some facilities even allow you to personally set your unit's climate parameters to your exact requirements. The improved preservation of your goods makes the extra rental costs worthwhile.
Cleanliness and Pest Control
Sanitation and pest control also deserve attention when selecting a storage unit. After all, you don't want to retrieve belongings that have been contaminated or nibbled on by vermin!
Tour the facility in person checking for any unhygienic issues like trash and cobwebs. Well maintained grounds, tidy office spaces, and clean storage areas reflect attention to facility housekeeping.
Pricing
Balancing functionality and affordability is necessary to get optimal value storage solutions. Compare rental rates across shortlisted facilities against the features and size options provided. Consider long term plans for the greatest savings.
Some facilities also offer special discounts to senior citizens, students, military personnel and long-term tenants. Don't hesitate to ask about promotional offers that could make facilities more budget friendly.
Conclusion
Choosing suitable storage in Virginia for your valued belongings requires careful evaluation of all options. Security, accessibility, unit customization, and climate control deserve prime consideration.
Cleanliness, insurance coverage, and pricing also matter. Ensure you consider all these key aspects before deciding on the storage provider that fulfils your specific needs. Proper research can help you select storage facilities that reliably safeguard your goods.
