Finding adequate and affordable storage can seem like a challenging task. Is the cheapest storage facility better than a more expensive facility? Does the facility have adequate security? What are the payment options? In order to choose the right storage facility, you need to consider five items before you sign the rental agreement and make your first payment.
- Office And Gate Hours
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Payment Policies
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Discounts
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Unit Location
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Security Measures
Office And Gate Hours
Make sure that the office and gate hours are conducive to your schedule. If you have a question or concern about your unit or the facility, you need to be able to talk to a member of management or the office staff.
The gate hours should be longer than the office hours, and many storage units office 24 hour gated access. If the gate hours are not longer than the office hours, ask why. It could be a sign that the storage unit is in a bad area or a high crime area.
Payment Policies
Read the storage facilities payment policies before you rent, and determine the best way to pay your rent. Do they accept cash, or do they just accept credit and debit cards? Can you pay your rent after-hours or online? When is the unit rent late? Many storage facilities consider the rent due on the first and late on the second. If the facility doesn’t accept online or after-hours payments, you need to make sure that you can get to the facility and pay your unit rent on-time. Many storage unit companies will start the eviction process shortly after a late payment and will sell the occupants belongings to cover the back rent.
Discounts
Determine if the storage unit offers any discounts. Some units will offer a free month for a 12 month lease or a reduced price for the first month.
Unit Location
The closest San Francisco storage unit may not be the best unit in the area. Another unit slightly farther away may be in a better area, include more security and offer better payment options. Therefore, it is important to visit more than one facility and weigh all the pros and cons.
Security Measures
The storage facility you rent from should have adequate security measures in place, including an electronic gate and security cameras. The manager should also take several trips around the facility each day to ensure that there is no criminal behavior taking place.
By evaluating these five items, you will be ensuring that you choose the right storage company for your belongings and individual needs.
I agree that’s it a good move to check the payment policy of the storage facility so you’ll know the best you can pay the rent before signing the agreement. My sister about to move to another city for her new work, and she has a lot of stuff she can’t bring along to her new apartment due to limited space. I’m helping her find a storage facility for her things, and I’ll be sure to check the payment options with her like you advised.
It is good that you pointed out that we need to check the payment policies first of the storage facilities that we need to rent. As that is not often given that much attention, that is usually taken for granted and so regret the consequence later on especially if they do not accept credit or debit cards. Since we do not need to rent at this time but simply need storage units for our relocation, we will simply consider your material as a guide when we need to hire that kind of service.
I liked that you mentioned you need to consider the security measures of your self-storage unit before renting. My brother is thinking about moving to a bigger apartment, and we are looking for advice to help him. I will let him know about the benefits of renting a self-storage unit to help him with his moving process.
I’m planning to rent a self-storage unit because my furniture can no longer fit inside my small apartment. Of course, I’ll keep in mind to read the payment policies first before renting a unit. You’re also right that it would be better to visit numerous facilities so the pros and cos will be compared.