Finding and Selecting a Self Storage Unit

Selecting a self storage facility can be quite a daunting task, or even a nightmare, depending on your level of sensitivity. Luckily, finding self storage that matches your needs is easier than ever with the internet.  It is easy to access pictures, prices, maps of self storage unit near you, just enter your zip code.

While the above site will help you locate self storage options, there is more to selecting self storage then seeing the picture and location. Here are some tips that will help you along in the process of choosing a storage unit company.

• Give yourself plenty of time to choose a storage unit. I would recommend saving about two months for your selection process. This way you can have plenty of time to search through different self storage companies.
• Security. Depending on how valuable what you are storing is, you may want to make the level of security a deciding factor. Different security options at different self storage facilities can include a gate, a 24 hour security guard and surveillance cameras.

Picture of a Security Gate at a Storage Facility

• Hours If you keep an "odd" schedule, you may want to consider a storage facility that isn't open late or 24 hours a day.There is nothing worse than being thwarted in the moving process by arbitrary self storage hours.  
• Check the reviews. With online reviews, consumers can inform each other of bad and good experiences with self storage (and just about anything else). When you read reviews it is important to remember SOMETIMES the customer is wrong or just in a bad mood when dealing with the storage facility. Read more than just the bad reviews or you will give yourself self storage nightmare! If all the reviews are bad and there is a reoccurring theme, you may want to look to a different company.  
• Take your contract home and read it. It is very important to read your contract carefully so you are not surprised with any fees, insurance issues or anything else unpleasant. If the storage facility will not let you take home the contract to read it, you should insist on it or find another storage unit facility that will. 
•  Self Storage Insurance. If you are storing something valuable, you may want to seek out a self storage facility that provides self storage insurance. Luckily, if you find a self storage facility you like, you can purchase this type of insurance separately. 
• Security deposit.  Find out how much the security deposit is while you are shopping around different self storage facilities. Also, make sure beforehand you know what it takes to get the security deposit back.
• Consider a pod. Depending on how much moving you are willing to do and/or how much you are willing to spend you may want to consider a POD. With a POD, the unit is shipped to your house.  You pack up the POD at your leisure then they will take it to the self storage facility. When you are ready to take the stuff out, they will deliver it to your location for you to unpack. This saves a lot of time on packing, driving and unpacking.  
• Before you choose a self storage facility, visit a couple of different locations. There is only so much you can learn through google and phone calls. I seriously recommend visiting the locations so you make sure you are completely comfortable with the self storage company that you have chosen.