When going on a long trip, renting a self-storage space or better yet, a mobile self-storage pod, is a vital step to ensure the safety of the belongings you will be leaving behind. You will want to have peace of mind that your possessions are safe and secure, so you won’t be preoccupied with worry instead of enjoying your travels. We believe that Britannia Safe Deposit can be of great help.
To find the best storage facility, it’s important to know what factors you should consider when making your choice. So before you rush and get the first one you see, make sure you understand how self-storage pods work first and how they can meet your specific needs.
Posing the following crucial questions to the storage facility provider is a great place to start.
1. What types of storage units do you offer?
Each individual has unique storage needs. Make sure to ask which types are offered by the facility and differentiate between them.
- Temperature Control – This type of unit is temperature-regulated all year to keep your sensitive belongings safe.
- Drive-Up Access – Just like how you drive to your garage door to unload your belongings, you can simply drive up to this type of unit.
- Indoor Access – This unit is situated inside a building. Typically, you have to enter through a door and access your unit from a hallway, which helps keep it out of the weather.
2. What are your security measures?
You should choose a facility with a secure location if you don’t want your valuables to be at risk of robbery. At least, they should have the following precautions:
- Security cameras all around the property
- Property manager on site
- Good monitoring system
- Functioning smoke alarms
- Sprinkler system in case of fire
3. Do you offer insurance?
Some storage facilities offer insurance which can add more protection for your belongings while in storage. Pick one that has affordable coverage and several policies that you can choose from. This way, if any unexpected catastrophe happens, your insurance will cover the damage to your belongings.
4. Is there a limit to my access?
It’s important to ensure that security in the facility is tight, but at the same time, you should be able to easily access your storage pod anytime. This means that you can quickly get to the facility, get what you need, and get out. For facilities with gated access, you should ask if they are open 24/7 or whenever you need to get something from your unit.
5. What is not permitted inside the storage unit?
There are certain belongings and activities that are not allowed inside the storage units. These may include but are not limited to the following:
- Propane, gas, fireworks, oil, or any flammable items
- Chemicals or any corrosive materials
- Food and any perishable items
- Potpourri, fragrances, scented candles, and anything that puts off a strong odor
- Cleaning products that attract vermin
- Live animals
- Sleeping in or occupying a unit
6. Can I rent the storage on a month-to-month basis or am I locked in a contract for months?
Similar to renting an apartment, you should also know the flexibility of your storage agreement. Rental agreements vary from one storage facility to another so make sure to choose one that suits your needs.
For example, there are rental facilities that don’t give refunds, so review the rental agreement as much as possible to see whether such policies would affect your satisfaction when using the unit.
7. What are the available modes of payment?
If you have a busy schedule, it makes more sense to choose a storage facility that offers several payment options. This way, it’ll be much easier and convenient for you to make payments during your free time.
More or less, payment options should include the following:
- Major credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover)
- Online payment
- Check
- Debit cards
- Automatic payment
- Cash
- Money order
8. Do I need to buy a lock?
Some storage facilities will require you to provide your own lock for the unit. Ask about what type of lock they highly recommend for your type of storage. A lock is an added security measure; by using one, you can ensure the maximum safety of your belongings.
Your choice of the storage facility will depend on crucial factors like what belongings you will be storing, how long you’ll be needing storage, what level of security and convenience do you prefer, and others. Take note of the questions listed above and clarify all points before signing the rental agreement.
Remember, asking the right questions is a crucial step in making the right choice for your specific storage needs while you travel over the long term.
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