If you’re looking for the most convenient way to expand your business without compromising security and cost, renting a commercial storage space is the most suitable choice.
However, you may hesitate to leave your supplies in the hands of storage facilities, especially if you live somewhere with sudden weather changes. New York, for instance, has fairly unpredictable weather and humidity levels.
That said, the climate control feature is one of the things that customers look for when selecting storage space facilities. Apart from that, you should consider other factors like affordability, 24/7 access, and advanced security in selecting commercial storage solutions.
This article lists everything to consider when selecting a commercial storage solution in New York.
Top Considerations for a Commercial Storage Solution in New York
Here are eight things that you should consider before renting a commercial space in New York:
1. Advanced Security and Surveillance
Before handing your goods, supplies, or equipment to a commercial storage facility, you must ensure they’re equipped with anti-theft features.
In fact, theft cases have been recorded in New York storage facilities. That’s why optimized security is a key factor, as it lets you gain peace of mind knowing that your belongings are in good hands.
In addition, this is an essential feature that customers look for, especially if they intend to store valuables or confidential files and documents. At the same time, commercial storage security is important to ensure that all inventories are documented and managed properly.
For example, gated access and 24/7 surveillance are crucial in commercial storage facilities. Besides that, here are more examples of security features to look for in commercial storage facilities:
Good Lighting
The presence of bright lighting in commercial storage facilities helps discourage suspicious activities, especially at night. That said, adequate lighting paired with a motion-detecting sensor would be excellent for commercial storage facilities.
Aside from good lighting, commercial storage facilities must have emergency lighting and backup power.
Electronic Access System
Electronic access allows more advanced security for every storage facility. Through this, you can be confident that you’re the only person with exclusive access to your storage space.
Access through PIN codes and biometric systems are some of its examples.
Alarm System
This feature helps alert security personnel within the facility in case of unauthorized access.
Aside from unauthorized access alerts, some alarm systems have additional features for monitoring environmental system changes. Alarm systems that can detect changes in temperature, fire, and more will add extra protection to storage facilities.
Secure Locks
Locks that are difficult to alter are especially important for storage facilities with steel roll-up doors. This is because padlocks aren’t secure enough and are easy to break.
In this case, you may want to opt for more secure options like lock boxes or disc locks.
Professional Monitoring
The presence of skilled security personnel within commercial storage rentals enhances protection and proactive response to security alerts.
2. Size of Storage Unit
Commercial storage facilities offer various size options to cater to your needs. Depending on storage companies, the size of units may vary between 5′ x 5′ to 20′ x 20′. For example, a 5’x5′ unit can fit several file boxes, chairs, and floor lamps. On the other hand, a 20′ x 20′ unit can house bigger equipment, furniture, up to 20 boxes, and more.
Identifying which storage unit dimensions suit your needs allows you to prepare and align your budget. At the same time, you’ll be able to optimize space and ensure it’s spacious enough to fit all of your items.
That said, knowing how to estimate the storage you need is fundamental in selecting a commercial storage facility. Thankfully, some commercial storage units will estimate size for you and help you choose the most suitable space for your business storage needs.
Meanwhile, in selecting the right size for your storage unit, you must first do an inventory. Afterward, you may store your items in boxes and stack them up to estimate measurements easily.
Then, you can measure your items’ sizes in square feet. Furthermore, you should consider whether you’ll add more items in the future.
3. Convenient Location
Selecting a commercial storage facility near you or your target market will allow you to save on costs and reduce turnaround time. Imagine driving for hours to get to your storage facility or waiting for deliveries!
Furthermore, this is especially important If you plan on storing raw materials, perishable goods, and biotech supplies.
Opting for a commercial storage facility near you also reduces the chances of mishandling. As a result, you have increased profitability.
4. Accessibility and Convenient Transport
Aside from closeness to your proximity, it’s also essential that your storage facility has other amenities that allow easy transport of goods, such as the following:
- Indoor loading bays
- Elevators or freight elevators
- Elevated loading docks
- Push carts
Aside from these amenities, it’s also a plus if the storage facility has convenient business hours.
5. Cost
It’s necessary to select a commercial storage facility that matches your budget. That said, you need to note that the amount you’ll have to pay for your lease is based on several things.
First, most storage facilities’ rental rate depends on your needed storage. In some cases, the pricing is per square foot.
Second, you have to pay additional costs, too. So aside from paying per square foot of space rental, you must also handle operational costs, insurance, taxes, maintenance, and more.
That’s why thorough research will allow you to get the most out of your allocated budget. At the same time, you may opt for companies that can customize your storage plan in alignment with your budget.
6. Service Options
You may benefit from self-service if you want to save on additional costs or if you already have the necessary vehicle or resources to transport your supplies or goods.
Self-service allows you to take care of your stuff, from packing to transporting goods and unloading them to your storage unit. Moreover, the self-service option gives you control and authority over your storage unit. So, unlike the full-service option, you can access your unit anytime.
On the other hand, the full-service option lets you leave everything in your commercial storage company’s care. The company will take charge of packing your supplies, picking them up from your location, transporting them to the facility, and unloading and organizing them in your space.
Though the full-service option may cost you extra, you can trust that it gives the advantage of convenience and enhanced security. Furthermore, your commercial storage company will take care of inventories.
7. Climate Control
Lastly, it would help if you considered climate control options since New York has unpredictable weather patterns.
In line with this, most commercial storage facilities nowadays offer cutting-edge features that keep your supplies and belongings in perfect condition.
That said, a climate-controlled storage facility protects sensitive and perishable goods like food, pharmaceuticals, and biotech supplies.
With a climate-controlled unit, customers can trust that their supplies and goods are kept under desirable conditions. This is because climate-controlled storage units have humidity and temperature control features, insulation, and air quality control.
8. Maintenance and Cleanliness
An appropriate cleanliness plan ensures that the storage facility is free from health problems associated with dirty surroundings. Aside from health concerns, keeping a maintenance facility clean adds extra protection to customers and their belongings.
Where possible, you should look for a pest control plan, regular cleaning service, and a well-maintained drainage system on the storage facility you’re eyeing.
Conclusion
When selecting commercial storage in New York, you must consider necessary factors like advanced security, cost, location, cleanliness, and service options.
Given New York’s unpredictable weather patterns, choosing a climate-controlled storage unit is a must, especially if you plan to use storage for perishable goods.
OnDemand Storage specializes in climate-controlled storage solutions as well as convenient handling and delivery of your belongings.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to OnDemand Storage experts. Contact us today, and we’ll gladly be at your service.
