FAQ About Self Storage Buildings

Her family was coming to stay for an extended visit. She needed to clear the clutter from her overstuffed basement to create a comfortable living space for them to stay in. She starts getting organized by going through the years worth of sporting goods, old clothes and craft supplies, furniture and seasonal decorations. She quickly realizes she is going to need a place to store the items she wants to keep. A good solution for her is the self storage buildings located nearby.

She needs to find the right unit for her needs within her budget. There are many questions she should ask before renting a unit. 

What size does she need? Most self storage buildings offer units in a variety of sizes. She will estimate how much room she needs for everything. A good way to do this is to make a rough sketch of the items in an organized and accessible arrangement. Many smaller items, like clothing or craft supplies can be stored in larger containers that can be easily stacked. Pack the building to the ceiling instead of opting for a larger unit and having to pay for unused space.

Each facility will be able to give her an estimate on the square footage of their building units with height measurements as well. This is important because, for example, if you have a tall armoire you need to store, you do not want to have to dissemble it or store it on its side.

How long is the lease term? She should find out if she will need to rent units in self storage buildings for a minimum or maximum amount of time. Most units will require a one month rental, based on a month to month agreement. Prior notice is needed to decide to terminate the lease. There is no maximum amount of time she can use a unit.

She needed to find a unit that would be accessible anytime in case she needed some of the items placed in the unit. She asked the management of the self storage buildings about available access and if it is free of charge? Ask the facility manager how and when the units can be accessed and if there are any restrictions and charges.

What is the monthly cost for the unit? Self storage buildings rent units by the month and rates depend on the size and location of the unit. Temperature controlled units are often higher, up to 50 percent more than typical unit. Payments can be made many different ways. Will fees be pro rated for partial months? If she needs to rent a unit during the middle of the month or terminate the lease before a month ends find out if the rent will be adjusted accordingly.

Also, she will find out if a deposit will be required upfront. The facility may charge a deposit as well as a first and last months rent. Other facilities charge extra for security services, locks or a set up fee to add tenants to their computer system.

What type of security is implemented? Many facilities have twenty four hour security or closed circuit video cameras. She needed to store her valuable antique furniture and needed a good security system to protect her valuables.

She had antiques and paper documents that would be placed in the units. She asked if the facility had climate controlled units. Valuable documents that can warp and mold need a place that is free of humidity, with a set temperature. For an extra cost allows her to rent a unit where the humidity and temperature is controlled.

Another concern is insurance. Ask if insurance is provided. She needs to have her valuables covered from fire, damages and theft. Many facilities do not provide insurance for items so tenants will need to obtain a policy on your own.

These are just a few of the many questions she asked when searching for self storage buildings for a unit to store her belongings. Most buildings are safe, secure and offer controlled options to help her clear out the clutter and enjoy her familys extended visit.

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Disclamer: This entry is intended to promote our partner StorageMart and some or all participants received compensation.

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