Renting a Storage-Unit
In case you have run out of space in your home or your office to keep your stuff, then the way to go is, self storage. The idea behind self storage, is to aid people and organizations to keep their valuable things in a separate storage area. Mostly, this will include things, such as, clothes, furniture and even electronics, etc.
Renting storage space is a very cost effective way to manage all that stuff that is important to you that you don’t have the needed space at your home or business. Storage facilities mostly operate on a monthly charge bases. Given that these facilities are available in every province, picking the best service can be tricky. Thus, it is suggested that the below information will help you make the final call.
1. Self storage facilities don’t cause storms
If you are storing your items in a self storage facility and you’re local to the facility, visit the storage facility after a rainstorm. Storage facilities are not responsible for water damage, so taking some time out of your day to check in on your belongings after a big storm, could save you a lot of money in the end.
2. Stick to your budget
Before deciding to rent a self storage unit, ask the manager how often they raise their rates. This way you can factor costs into your budget. If the price sounds reasonable, ask the manager to put the numbers in writing.
3. Hidden fees
Some self storage facilities charge a deposit, which will be refunded once you’ve moved out, granted that you left the self storage facility intact and the way you found it. Before signing your lease, ask the self storage facility manager about the cost of the deposit. Ask if there are any additional hidden fees that will be added to your bill in addition to your rental fee.
4. Pack smart
When packing your self storage unit, place your valuable items in the back of the unit.
5. Rents due
6. Access
How often will your access your self storage facility? This will help you determine what size self storage unit you will want to rent. If you plan on accessing your self storage unit often, then you may want to rent a unit one size larger than recommended by the manager. When you access your facility, you’ll want some extra room so you can move around freely without harming any of your belongings. If you won’t be frequenting your self storage unit, then you can rest assured that the unit size recommended by the manager will be the right size for your belongings. You may even want to rent a self storage unit one size smaller if you know how to safely pack and arrange the storage unit. Remember to place the items you think you’ll want to retrieve quickly near the front of the self storage unit. You may not have room to move around your storage unit but you will save some extra money month to month by renting a smaller unit.
7. Look for yourself
Visit the self storage facility and take a tour to check out the condition of the storage units and the security, make sure you feel secure in leaving your belongings in the self storage unit. Ask the self storage facility manager about what type of security is in place eg cameras, armed response and alarms.
8. Need a moving truck
If you don’t have access to a moving truck you may want to ask the storage manager if they offer rental trucks or if there is anyone they recommend. If the self storage facility is the one renting you the truck, you may want to ask if there are any perks to renting a truck from them or if there are any fees they can wave for being a self storage customer.
9. Insurance
Insure the items that you are storing, check to see if your home owner’s or renter’s insurance policies cover you when you store your items in self storage, if not, most self storage facilities offer storage insurance when you sign your rental agreement.
10. Lock down
Ask the self storage facility manager about security features that the self storage facility provides for its customers. Then go out and buy yourself a lock that cannot be cut by bolt cutters, if you need some advice on where to find one or which one to purchase you can always ask the manager.
