Choosing the Right Storage Service for Your Move: A Comprehensive Guide
1. Access Times: Access times play a crucial role in the convenience of accessing your stored items. Look for:
4. Overall Security: Security measures are paramount to safeguard your belongings. Be sure to confirm:
5. Rodent Control Measures: Protecting stored items from rodents is crucial to prevent damage and maintain a clean storage environment. Make sure your facility has:
6. Additional Insurance: Do you have enough insurance for your belongings should something go wrong during the move or storage? Assess the insurance coverage offered by the storage facility and consider additional coverage based on the value of your stored items. Confer with your homeowners' insurance agent as well. Ask about:
Final Tips:
- Extended Hours: Opt for a storage facility with extended access hours or, ideally, 24/7 access to provide flexibility during your move.
- Security During Access Hours: Ensure that proper security measures are maintained during access hours, including well-lit premises and surveillance.
- Move-In Specials: Look for storage facilities offering move-in specials, such as discounted rates for the first month or complimentary use of a moving truck.
- Long-Term Discounts: Inquire about long-term rental discounts for extended storage needs.
- Temperature and Humidity Controls: Choose a facility with climate-controlled units equipped with both temperature and humidity controls to protect items susceptible to moisture.
- Ventilation: Adequate ventilation is crucial to prevent the development of moisture-related issues within the storage unit.
4. Overall Security: Security measures are paramount to safeguard your belongings. Be sure to confirm:
- Surveillance Cameras: Confirm the presence of surveillance cameras, strategically placed to cover key entry points and hallways.
- Secure Access: Choose facilities with secure access systems, such as electronic gate access with unique codes.
- Well-Lit Premises: Well-lit facilities not only deter potential intruders but also enhance safety during access hours.
5. Rodent Control Measures: Protecting stored items from rodents is crucial to prevent damage and maintain a clean storage environment. Make sure your facility has:
- Pest Control Policies: Inquire about the storage facility's pest control policies and measures to prevent rodents and other pests.
- Sealed Units: Choose storage units with tight seals to minimize the risk of rodents entering. Ensure that doors and windows are secure.
- Regular Inspections: Select a facility that conducts regular inspections for signs of rodents and promptly addresses any issues.
6. Additional Insurance: Do you have enough insurance for your belongings should something go wrong during the move or storage? Assess the insurance coverage offered by the storage facility and consider additional coverage based on the value of your stored items. Confer with your homeowners' insurance agent as well. Ask about:
- Facility Insurance: Understand the coverage limits of the facility's insurance policy and what it includes.
- Third-Party Insurance: Consider purchasing additional insurance from a third-party provider for comprehensive coverage.
Final Tips:
- Read Reviews: Research and read customer reviews to gauge the facility's reputation for cleanliness, customer service, security, and pest control.
- Visit the Facility: Schedule a visit to the storage facility to inspect cleanliness, organization, security measures, and pest control efforts.
- Ask About Pest Prevention: Inquire about specific measures the facility takes for rodent and pest prevention, such as regular extermination services and sealing potential entry points.