Storage units can deliver great benefits when you’re moving, completing a home improvement project, or leaving town for a bit of time. Knowing what to look for when renting a storage unit can save time, money and help you make the most of your short-term storage plan. Here are a few things to consider:
How much space do you need?
Storage units come in all sizes! Knowing how much space you need can help you make the most efficient use of rental storage units. It can also help you protect your belongings while they’re in your storage space. Using uniformly sized boxes to store your belongings allows you to stack your possessions stably and make the most of your entire storage unit.
Minimum lease length
Some storage providers require a minimum lease length. That may not matter to you if you plan to store your belongings for a while. If not, a minimum lease length may exceed your short-term need for storage space. When you find a storage provider you like, be sure to ask about lease length requirements.
Homeowners insurance may not cover storage units
Many people don’t realize that their homeowners (or renters) insurance policies typically don’t cover off-site storage. That can lead to some unpleasant surprises if something happens to your belongings while they’re stored. Consult with your insurance agent or ask the storage provider if they offer insurance coverage for stored goods.
Storage Unit Locks
Some storage providers require tenants to provide their own locks, while others provide locks as part of – or in addition to – the lease. If you need to provide your own, ask the provider if they have restrictions or requirements for tenant-provided locks. If they do, honor those restrictions.
Accessing Storage Units
If you’re storing goods off-site that you’ll sometimes need access to, be sure to ask the storage provider about access arrangements, hours and restrictions. Many storage providers give PIN or key-card access to the facility. This enables you to visit your storage unit anytime. If the storage provider has access restrictions, you may need to plan your trips carefully to coincide with the facility’s hours of operation. When working with OnDemand Storage, you can get your items back whenever you want without having to physically go to your facility.
Paying the bill
One of the most important things you’ll need to know is how to pay the bill for your storage unit. Some storage units offer automatic monthly billing, while others operate on a pay-in-advance plan. Regardless, understand when the payment for your storage unit is due, and what happens if you miss a payment. This is especially important if you enable automatic monthly payments to a credit card. If your credit card expires or gets declined, you may only have a short window to make up a missed payment. You may also encounter late charges or other penalties if you don’t make your payment on time.
Temperature controlled storage units
Before you rent a storage unit, you need to think carefully about what you’re going to put inside. Your storage unit may not have light, heat, power, or humidity control. Depending upon what you store, seasonal changes and exposure to the elements can damage your belongings. Some storage units offer features like temperature control or humidity control. These amenities can help preserve your belongings and protect them from heat, cold and humidity while they’re tucked away. You may pay more for these features, but they can offer better protection to your belongings in storage.
Video Monitoring
Security for storage units is an important consideration. Does your storage company offer video monitoring of the premises? How much of the property does the video surveillance system cover? Is the system monitored by security personnel on- or off-premises? Video monitoring can not only help you feel better about leaving your belongings in storage, but also lower your cost of insurance.
Location matter for storage units, too!
Location is one of the more important considerations when choosing storage units. If you’re storing your belongings because you’ll be out of town for a few months, it won’t matter whether your storage unit is close to your residence. You may be able to get a better overall price on storage by renting space away from town. On the other hand, if you need ready access to the goods you store, having a place nearby will be much more important.
OnDemand Storage of Boston offers exceptional deals for a wide range of moving and storage services. Regardless of why or when you need to store your belongings, On Demand Storage can lend a hand. We specialize in meeting your on-demand storage needs, and have storage solutions for clients in 24 states and the District of Columbia. Call us at (781) 499-5330 or visit us on the web at OnDemandStorage.com for more information.
