Choosing a Storage Facility – Six Things to Look For
Whether it’s too many boxes, unused furniture, or the family piano, you will undoubtedly need a storage facility at some point, especially during a local, long distance, or commercial move. As a homeowner, it makes perfect sense to keep older furniture that’s in good condition to hand down to your son who will soon be graduating from college. Maybe this is an interim move for work or a project that requires you to take a smaller space. If you plan to move into your dream home down the line, you’ll need to fill it with something. In this article, we share tips on what you should pay attention to when choosing a storage facility.
Location: You want your storage facility to be in the general vicinity of your new home or place of business. If you own a business in New York and need to store inventory or office furniture the location of the storage unit is essential to maintaining an efficient operation. Key staff should be able to access the lot of its contents when needed.
Security: You want a storage company that keeps your belongings safe and secure. Cameras, well-lit halls, and even in-unit lighting. Find out if the company maintain a regular schedule when actual staff members are on hand to help you transfer your prized possessions worry free. It seems silly to say, but many tenants overlook this critical safeguard because they make errant assumptions—always choose a company that is fully insured and licensed to operate in your city and state.
Service: Never accept less than the best service experience. Confirm that the storage facility offers moving assistance services for those times when it isn’t feasible to transport items on your own. Look for facilities with a proven track record of servicing customers expertly. Read reviews and ask for referrals if necessary.
Accessibility: Make sure you’re able to get in and out of the storage facility whenever you need to. Some storage facilities have odd hours of operation, often limiting your ability to get in and out when you need to.
Environment: Be sure to visit the local storage facility and take note of your surroundings. Is it clean? Is it climate controlled? You will appreciate climate-controlled units to avoid moisture and mildew buildup. Will your belongings be elevated off the floor to prevent flood damage due to inclement weather?
Contract: Make sure you understand and are comfortable with the terms of the agreement. Are you locked in for 12+ months or can you go month to month? Include one storage company on your short list that offers free consultations and allows you to ask lots of questions. You will appreciate the ability to bounce ideas off the wall and get professional feedback in return. Never work with a company that hastily asks you to sign a contract without being given the time to review it first. You just might lock yourself into a nightmare.
Flexibility: Check to see if you can you scale up or down on the size of your unit should the need arise. Try to partner with a company that simplifies processes, requirements, and offers to make it easier for you to get things done quickly. The last thing you want is to be obligated to something you don’t want or need down the road.
At the end of the day, it’s about which company will make it the easiest for you to get things done. Whether that’s storing your personal or professional belongings until your new space is ready, providing packing services, or offering White Glove moving that includes full-service storage, consult with Roadway Moving first. Even if you’re not planning a move, but you need a place to store inventory for your business or stash some items to make more space at home, Roadway Moving has everything you need to make it a success.
