So, you’re moving your possessions into self storage, and you’re a little unsure where to start? Well, like with most things, the best place to start is with a solid plan. That’s why we’ve put together this little article, to give you a hand when it comes to planning you’re your move into self storage.
When it comes to self storage, it can be an absolute life saver. A perfectly convenient, safe and reliable place to store treasured possessions that you’ve simply got no room for, but there are some pitfalls and inconveniences to dodge when moving in, and having a solid plan can be a big part of that.
Whether you’re a student setting off for university, and mum and dad simply can store all your childhood items anymore, a family moving home, or a business looking for a high security stock or equipment storage room, self storage can make your life a whole lot easier. The fact is, we accumulate so many things that are valuable to us in life, things we can’t simply run to the tip, and self storage can be the best way to make sure they stay safe. If you’re a business, self storage can offer a cheap way to storage expensive stock, equipment or materials without having to invest in shop space or waste money in a costly city centre. Whatever your storage needs, self storage is the one.
First Things to Consider
The very first thing you should be dwelling on is how much space you’re going to require. Beyond that, it’s really just a case of making sure you’re utilising the best self storage facility possible, and that your potential facility has all the features, value and guarantees that you can possibly get. There are a lot of things people don’t realise self storage facilities offer, so you really need to know what to ask for and about when planning your move into self storage.
Go Local or Distant?
The locality of your facility should really be crucial information in your decisions. It can sometimes be necessary to dip in and out of your unit, especially if you’re using it to store stock, equipment or personal possessions. You really don’t want somewhere too far away if you’re going to be dropping in frequently, but if you’re only going once a month or so you can afford to use a cheaper facility in a more rural or distant area.
Rural area facilities tend to be cheaper because they don’t have the overheads to cover of more city-centric or suburban self storage businesses, but obviously a city-based self storage unit could prove much easier to access regularly. It’s really up to you, you just need to work out the degree of convenience you require when moving into your unit.
Convenience and Ease of Access
This is always going to be important, what kind of access do you require? What size vehicles does the facility allow in? Is it twenty-four hour a day access, via a computerised gate-access system, or will you need to go in the day? Is it well-lit and safe? These are all key considerations when planning your move, and you need to think about all of them to ensure everything goes off without a hitch. Knowing the ease with which you can access your belongings in a pinch can be hugely reassuring.
Prioritise Security
You need to know your possessions are completely safe. When you are selecting your facility, you should examine the levels and quality of the security offered. Are there on site staff? How frequently are the security cameras monitored and is it well-lit enough for the cameras to be effective? Are the storage units individually alarmed? What insurance on your possessions, equipment or stock is offered? You need to think about this kind of thing so you can rest easy, knowing full well your stuff is completely and utterly safe and protected. All this should factor into your move plan.