Storage Units 101: 4 Things to Look For in a Self-Storage Facility

Self-storage facilities like Bunbury Self Storage are a great way to store previous years' files for small business owners, keep extra furniture stored temporarily while relocating, and to keep children's treasured mementos when the garage gets filled up. However, when looking for a new storage facility, there are some important things to keep in mind.

High Level of Security

One of the most important things to look for in a reputable self-storage facility is that they have top-notch security. When visiting the facility, pay attention to the security measures in place and what keeps you out. There should preferably be an electronic gate that requires a code for entry. Many facilities give a unique code to each person renting a storage unit. There may be a walk-in gate when visiting for the first time, but ask if they lock this gate at night. Find out if there are surveillance cameras and on-site security. Also pay attention to the gates or walls surrounding the facility to be sure nobody can jump over them.

Extra Amenities

Depending on your needs and what is being stored, you might want to have some additional amenities. For example, if you are storing wood furniture, it is prone to damage from high levels of humidity, moisture and pests. Climate-controlled units let you keep humidity down, which can help reduce all of these risks. Another good amenity to look for is to have electricity in the unit. You don't want to keep anything plugged in or turned on when not in the unit, but having access to a light to be plugged in while retrieving items from the unit is very helpful.

Look for Cleanliness

There are some things to look for that can give you an idea of how the self-storage facility is run and maintained. Look around the grounds and pay attention to how it is kept up. If there are tall weeds and trash scattered about, it might be a good idea to look elsewhere. This is typically a sign of poor on-site management or lack of attention paid to the cleanliness of the facility. When looking inside a unit you are thinking about renting, see if there is a lost of dust and debris in the unit or if it looks like it was swept recently. Look for signs of pests, such as ants or rat droppings.

Excellent Customer Service

Reach out to customer support when looking into a self-storage facility and pay attention to how long it takes for a response, and what that response is like. If your online inquiries or phone calls go unanswered, the customer service is not up to par and it is a good idea to look somewhere else. Good customer service is an important aspect to any business, including storage facilities. When you call to ask about available units or to get prices, look for common red flags of poor customer service. For example, was the person who answered rude, did you sit on hold a long time or were your questions evaded? These are some red flags to be aware of.

With these tips, you will be on your way to finding the best self-storage facility. In terms of size, it sometimes helps to visit the unit and see the size up close, taking measurements and standing inside to gauge how big it is. This prevents you from having to upgrade because your unit wasn't large enough.