Whether you are moving or are remodeling your new home, renting a storage unit might be a good option to store items temporarily. Before you get your items ready for a storage unit, however, there are a few things to keep in mind. Asking questions and doing your research can help you find the right storage unit for your needs, whatever they may be.
Safety Standards
It's important to ensure that the storage unit you choose keeps your belongings as safe as possible. The most common features that storage units include are alarms, video surveillance, and gated access. It's also best to look for storage units that are designed to protect your items from accidental damage—such as smoke detectors and fire alarms.
If you want to make sure your storage unit is safe and secure, ask the following questions:
- For self-storage, how many people have the access code to the facility?
- Have you had any break-ins at this location?
- What security features does the storage facility have?
- Is there video surveillance? If so, is it monitored?
- Do you have security personnel on-site? If so, what hours of the day are they present?
- Can someone just cut the lock on my storage unit to get in?
Cleanliness & Customer Service
After all the stressful moving preparations, the last thing you want is a bad experience with your storage unit facility. For such reasons, it's important to do research and ensure that the storage unit facility has great customer service and looks neat. If they have great customer service, they will be able to help answer all your questions and facilitate all your storage unit needs. Before you commit to a storage unit, don’t be afraid to ask questions about what’s done to clean and sanitize between renters.
What Size Should You Rent?
The majority of storage units offer a variety of sizes, usually described by how many "room's worth" of stuff they can hold. However, pricing by square footage may vary. It's advised to accurately measure the items you want to store and choose the smallest size available that will accommodate your items. Not only will this save you money, but it will help you keep from storing more and more items.
Do You Need an Air-Conditioned Storage Unit?
Storage options will vary depending on what you need to store. Basic units are not air-conditioned, but others may offer options for climate control or other features. If you have valuables or items that cannot get too hot, too cold, or wet, you should consider climate-controlled storage. The last thing you want is for your belongings to be permanently damaged.
Is There Storage Unit Insurance? Do I Need It?
Many storage companies require insurance to rent a storage unit, but this will depend on the facility. Your renters’ or homeowners’ insurance policy may offer an option to cover belongings that you put in storage, so you should check with your current insurance company to see what they offer and what’s already covered.
Set a Deadline
If your goal is to only keep this storage unit for a short period of time, it is recommended to give yourself a realistic deadline. It is too easy to delay cleaning out your storage unit because it is out of sight. Setting a clear deadline will not only help you save money, but it will force you to relocate your items into their new home more quickly.
AQMS Can Help You with Your Southern California Moving & Storage Needs
It's vital to do some research and keep these tips in mind before choosing a storage unit facility. We recommend that you visit each location and see what each one has to offer. Organizing and relocating your items to the new storage unit can be one of the most difficult steps in a move—thankfully, AQMS can help you relocate your items to ensure you have the best moving experience possible! We also offer safe and secure storage options for customers throughout Southern California.
Make your life a little easier and call (661) 622-2636 for a fast and safe moving service in Santa Clarita.
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