Select Page

There is very little doubt that moving is stressful and challenging, especially if you do not have enough time to prepare. Perhaps you found a homebuyer much earlier than expected, and you are forced to vacate your property even before your new house is ready. When this happens, you need temporary space, like a storage unit, to house your belongings while you stay with friends or family temporarily.

Finding a storage unit that you can rent is fairly easy, given that there are tens of thousands of storage facilities in the country. Even so, not all of them can be trusted to care for your possessions. To secure the right storage unit, here are a few pointers that you may want to consider:

Ask Your Mover

Before you start browsing the web for storage facilities in your area, it is best to get in touch with your mover first to check whether they offer storage services. Note that reputable and established moving companies usually offer several storage options to assist their clients better.

If your mover can cater to your storage needs, it may be a good idea to go with them. After all, deciding on a moving and storage company offers the following advantages:

  • Convenience. When you work with a single company for your storage and moving needs, coordination is easy. You do not have to talk with several people or coordinate schedules to ensure that everything will go smoothly. They will transport your items from your old house, store them, and move them again when your new place is ready.
  • Savings. Moving and storage companies usually offer package deals and discounts if you use multiple services. Such promotions can significantly lower the overall cost, unlike when you pay separately for storage rental and transportation services from different companies.
  • Peace of Mind. Moving companies are experts in handling and transporting people’s belongings. You can rely on them to move your precious items to the storage units and, later, to your new home safely.

Check the Reputation of the Storage Company 

Since you will be mainly entrusting your possessions to the storage company you will be choosing, it is wise to conduct a bit of a background check to ensure that the establishment is reputable and trustworthy. Start by checking the firm’s Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating, which represents BBB’s opinion on how the business deals with customers based on several factors, such as complaint history, transparency, and licensing compliance.

You can also read client reviews online to learn about actual customer experiences. However, be wary of what people say online since there are many paid comments and testimonials that are created solely to boost the business. Instead of reading endorsements from the website of the storage company, you should explore other platforms that provide verified customer reviews like Angie’s List and Yelp.

Make Security a Priority 

Cases of storage unit break-ins are not rare. In fact, one storage facility in Atlanta had 50 units broken into in a single night in 2019. As such, you should choose a storage facility that offers outstanding security. While a sturdy fence, security guards, and 24-hour video surveillance are useful measures, they are not enough to deter crimes.

Look for a facility that offers advanced security systems like individual door alarms that immediately notify operators when unauthorized individuals try to access the units. Ensure that the facility also has access control systems to prevent break-ins and track the movement of everyone using the facility. 

Look for a Storage Unit with Climate Control 

If you are storing various items from your old home and you live in an area with extreme temperatures or high humidity, it is best to opt for climate-controlled storage units than regular ones. Keep in mind that constant temperature change can damage your belongings like wood or leather furniture, electronics, musical instruments, and mattresses.

You may pay extra for a climate-controlled storage unit, but the additional fee is worth it since you can be assured that your possessions are protected from temperature-related damages. If you are tempted to scrimp, think about how much it will cost to replace every item that could be ruined by extreme heat, cold, or humidity. 

The tips above are just some of the things that you can do to find a storage facility that will temporarily house your precious belongings. While the search process may take time and effort, keeping your possession safe, secure, and in good condition is certainly worth the trouble.

Call Now Button