What to Look For In Storage Services

Whether you own a home or rent one, chances are that you will need a temporary or permanent place to store some of your belongings at some point. In the recent past, self storage services have improved greatly. Digital security monitoring systems, automated gates and light-weight locker gates are some of the ultra-modern services you will find in storage companies that are focused on protecting their client’s properties. This being the case, you should know exactly what to look for in storage services other than the obvious before settling on a particular company to ensure you are getting your money’s worth. Finding the cheapest storage facility is usually the first thought that comes to minds of the most people who need storage space.

While there is nothing wrong with looking to save an extra buck, a low budget doesn’t have to mean shabby and shady services.  There are still companies out there that offer very decent long term and short term storage at reasonable prices.

Discussed below are some of the tips on how to choose a storage facility that is right for you:

Access and security – how safe is your property likely to be in the facility? How advanced are their security measures? Do they have staff patrols?  Are they located in an open and well-lit area? Can you access your unit at any given time or are there any restrictions? Can you authorize a third party to access your storage space? These are some of the questions you should ask the service providers before signing any papers.

Storage Facilities – are their storage units or facilities climate-controlled to prevent damage? Some items will require stable temperatures whereas others will call for humidity, cooling and ventilation control.

Professional services – do they have their own movers and packers, quality packing supplies, protective care? Do they provide excellent customer service? How long did they take to get back to you about the quotes and other inquiries?

Long/short-term storage – do they offer long term storage, short-term storage or mobile storage? What kind of flexibility do they provide that matches your requirements? Ask if they offer long-term storage discounts or any other special offers.

Location – although not crucial because you won’t be accessing he unit all that much, the location of your chosen facility should be close and convenient enough. This will save you extra costs and time to make a trip there when you need to.

Insurance – ask for information regarding any insurance options they have against theft and damage. Also, if insurance is included in their pricing.

Reputation – if available, check them out via online forum and communities for customer feedback and how the company handles customer complaints.

Contract – make sure you understand what the contract entails. Is it a flexible, no lock-in contract? How easy or difficult is it to cancel or extend? Are there any cancellation fees?

Hidden fees – check for any hidden fees. For example, are the costs of packing materials, wrapping, protective materials included in the package? Are there any fees if you need an emergency access to the unit?

Next time you shop around for storage space in the Northern Beaches area of Sydney, remember the above tips and don’t just compare storage prices alone. Remember that cheap storage might turn out to be more expensive in the long run. Consider all the factors above to give yourself some peace of mind.