4 Must-Consider Factors In Choosing A Self-Storage Unit

Nobody wants to live in a mess, but life happens. Things can easily pile up, and sometimes possessions sometimes seem to multiply after a holiday or special occasion. If you feel things are a bit crowded in your home, that doesn't mean that you need to get rid of your stuff. Self-storage facilities can empower you to store what you don't immediately need without giving up a thing.

No matter what your reason for placing your things in storage, it's important to take your time to select just the right self-storage facility for you. Your belongings are an investment on multiple levels, so you want to be sure that you're placing your precious stuff in good hands. Consider the following facts when trying to discern which self-storage company will meet your needs:

Consider This: How Close to Home the Unit Is

Selecting a self-storage facility that is close to home can be an important factor, especially if you plan on storing seasonal clothes and switching them out every few months. Also, when you need to just retrieve one item, you won't have to travel far if you opt for a storage unit in your town. It will be easier to just drop in and look through your things when you want, too.

Another advantage to having your stuff in storage close to home is that it can save money. By choosing a local storage facility, you won't have to spend the extra gas money and put additional wear and tear on your motor vehicle every time you need access to your stored belongings. If you are packing things for a future move, you may choose a facility close to your new home.

Consider This: How Clean the Facility Is

Try to visit the storage company and assess how clean it is. Your first impressions mean a lot. However, take the time to talk to the manager and look around, if possible. That should give you an idea of how clean the facility is usually kept.

It's best to choose a self-storage company that is well-maintained and staffed with workers who are helpful and committed to cleanliness, too. A storage facility that isn't clean can be a warning sign that it may not be the best place for storing your things. An unkempt company may have pets and other issues that can pop up with cleanliness isn't a priority.

Consider This: How Much Stuff You'll Be Storing

Not all storage facilities are the same size, yet nearly all provide a variety of options. Many offer differently sized units, so be sure that the storage company you're considering has a suitable storage unit for you. If you are storing the contents of a studio apartment, you probably won't need a lot of space, but the contents of a home would take up a very large storage unit.

For extra stuff, you probably won't need a big space if you simply plan on putting it in storage and not accessing it until you move it out. However, if you plan on long-term storage where you need to sort and access different things within the unit, you will need room for more than just the basic boxes that store your things. In that case, it's worth splurging on larger storage units. 

Consider This: How Delicate the Stored Items Are

What you are storing is important to consider when weighing your storage options. For example, think about whether you will be storing special art pieces or other valuables in an area with great temperature fluctuations. If you are going to be storing wine, it must be stored at a certain temperature. In such situations, having climate-controlled storage would be necessary.

Finally, you may decide on long-term storage, so take your time to choose the right storage facility for you. Ultimately, it's important to choose a self-storage company that is convenient to where you live and can meet your unique needs.