Owning a home or business can often present lots of dilemmas. You may wonder how to personalise your child’s playroom, or store all your goods and possessions. Perhaps you don’t have sufficient space to keep everything, but don’t want to throw anything away. In this scenario, external storage could be the solution. In this article, we’ll help you find somewhere that’s both good and affordable for your needs.
Understand The Benefits
Storage units provide additional space for retaining items that you don’t need to access frequently. Whether it’s old furniture, seasonal decorations, or business inventory, they can keep these items safe and secure until you need them again.
These units also offer flexibility when it comes to moving and downsizing. Instead of having to sell, donate or dispose of items you don’t have room for right now, storing them allows for easy access without cluttering up your home or office space.
Compare Prices
The cost of renting a storage unit can vary greatly, depending on factors such as location, size, and amenities. You should compare prices among different providers in your area, and look beyond just the monthly rental fee. Let’s say, for instance, that you own a home or business in the north of England. You could use a container storage facility in Hull that offers a price guarantee, and a free van for all customers. You’d have 24-hour access and an individually alarmed room, on premises that exceed SSA approval requirements.
Some facilities may offer discounts or promotions for new customers, while others may charge additional fees for services (such as 24-hour access or climate control). It’s also important to consider any hidden costs such as insurance requirements or late fees. It’s wise to use online tools that allow you to compare prices across multiple storage providers in your area.
Visit The Facility
By physically going to the location, you’ll be able to inspect the premises and evaluate if it meets your needs. It’s important to check if the facility is clean and well-maintained. Look for signs of pest infestations, water damage, or any other potential hazards that may affect your stored items. A well-organized storage unit will have clean floors, walls, and ceilings. It’ll also present no safety hazards, such as loose wiring or sharp edges which could pose a danger to your belongings.
During your visit, don’t be afraid to ask questions about the security measures in place. Inquire about surveillance cameras, security guards, access control systems, or any other measures taken by the facility management team. These things could be crucial to ensure the safety of your belongings. Also, make sure there are proper fire prevention systems in case of emergencies, such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. Finally, ensure that their insurance policy covers damages or loss in case of natural disasters (such as floods or fire).
Ask About Climate Control
Climate-controlled units are designed to maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level. This is important when storing items that are susceptible to damage from extreme heat, cold, or moisture. This includes items such as electronics, artwork, photographs, documents, and antiques. Ask how the climate control system works, and what types of temperatures and humidity levels are maintained.
Make sure you discover whether there are extra costs associated with choosing a climate-controlled unit. It may be tempting to save money by opting for a non-climate-controlled room. However, keep in mind that the cost of repairing or replacing damaged items can far outweigh the savings on rental fees.
Ask Other Home Or Business Owners
It can be really helpful to ask other people for their suggestions and recommendations – whether it’s family, friends, or colleagues. Many people have used storage units, and may have valuable insights or advice. They may be able to recommend a particular facility, based on their positive experiences. Alternatively, they may warn against those they’ve had negative encounters with.
Another way to reach out is through online forums or social media groups that are dedicated to home or business organisation. These platforms provide an opportunity to ask specific questions about storage units – such as pricing, security measures, and accessibility.
Read Online Reviews
These can give you an insight into the experiences of previous customers, and help you make an informed choice. Look for reviews that specifically mention the cleanliness of the units, security features, customer service, and pricing.
However, it’s important to realise that not all reviews are genuine or unbiased. You should therefore read multiple reviews from different sources, to get a well-rounded understanding of the facility. If people’s comments are overwhelmingly negative, you’d be well advised to seek an alternative option.
Consider The Location
If there’s a high demand for storage in your area, this will push the prices up. You may therefore be tempted to choose a unit that’s located far from your home or office, to save money. However, this could be inconvenient and time-consuming, especially if you need to access it frequently. There would also be ongoing travel expenses to factor into the equation.
You should opt for a unit in a safe neighborhood with good transport links (e.g. motorways or public transport) to ensure you have easy access whenever you need to store or retrieve items.
Enquire About Accessibility
Make sure the facility’s operating hours align with your needs. Some storage facilities are available 24/7 while others have set times that you can access your belongings. Also, some facilities may not allow access during weekends or national holidays. Be sure to ask if there are any penalties for accessing your unit outside of set hours.
Finally, some facilities may offer drive-up units which allow you to easily load and unload your belongings directly from or to your vehicle.
Whether you’re a company owner or householder, these tips will be able to help you. You can find a storage unit that’s within your budget and that meets all of your needs. In turn, you’ll have the peace of mind that comes from knowing your stock or possessions are being well looked after.
