Storage units are great for people who have extra belongings but not enough space to keep them at home. They can also be helpful during a move. However, it is important to pick the right unit for your needs.
Many things can be stored in a storage unit, but some items are not allowed. For instance, you cannot store flammable items or illegal goods.
Size
A storage unit is a small space that individuals rent to store personal and business belongings. It is also known as a locker, mini warehouse, public storage, or a storage center. It is available in a variety of sizes, from closet-sized units to 10×30 spaces that can fit the contents of a single-car garage.
Storage units are useful for a number of reasons, including storing extra household items during a move or renovation, moving between leases, and storing vehicles like cars and boats. However, before renting a storage unit, it’s important to determine which size is best for you. Choosing the right unit size will ensure that you don’t end up paying for more space than you need.
To help you decide which size storage unit to choose, start by taking inventory of your possessions. This will help you determine how much space you’ll need, and you can use the results to calculate the cubic volume of your storage unit. You can then use this information to find the perfect storage solution for your needs.
Convenience
When renting a storage unit, you want to make sure it’s convenient. This can include things like having a loading bay for business customers or being close to a highway for moving items into and out of the facility. It’s also important to rent the right size storage unit for your needs, as a storage unit that’s too big can be costly and difficult to organize, while one that’s too small can lead to extra costs due to overfilling.
You also want to ensure the facility is secure. This can be determined by comparing facility reviews, talking to a staff member, and visiting the location. Make sure to ask about 24-hour access, which allows you to enter your storage space even after the facility’s office has closed.
If you’re storing something valuable, consider placing it towards the back of your storage space. This makes it harder for criminals to find and steal it. It’s also a good idea to keep inventory of all items stored in your storage space. This will help you avoid any problems down the road.
Security
Storage units are popular among people who need extra space for belongings. They are also used by businesses to free up office space and by college students during seasonal breaks. Some even use them to store items while they renovate or repair their homes. Storage units are usually located in a secure building, with high walls and security cameras. They have individual doors that can be locked. They are also fenced in to prevent theft.
When choosing a storage facility, look for one with a reputation for good customer service. Check online reviews and testimonials, and make sure to compare prices between facilities. You should also choose a facility that has access hours that suit your needs.
Lastly, find out what kind of insurance coverage the storage facility provides. Most storage companies will offer personal property insurance, which covers your possessions if they are stolen or damaged. However, this type of policy excludes flood, fire, and earthquake damage. Therefore, it is best to insure your possessions with a separate policy.
Insurance
If you’re looking for a secure storage unit, consider one that has digital surveillance and a computer-controlled access system. This ensures that only authorized tenants can enter the facility and prevents theft or other damages to your belongings. You should also look for a facility with climate-controlled units, which protect items from rain and mold.
You should always check your homeowner’s insurance policy to see if it covers possessions stored at a storage facility. If not, you can purchase storage insurance through the storage company or add it to your policy. In addition, it’s important to keep a list of your belongings and inventory them regularly to make sure nothing is missing or damaged.
Having good security features can help improve your storage facility from an underwriter’s perspective and may lower your insurance premium. This can be especially important when you have items that are priceless, like family heirlooms. In addition, you should never store anything illegal in a storage unit, such as drugs and weapons. This is against federal and state laws and could result in fines and arrest.
Payment options
When it comes time to pay your storage bill, there are a few different ways to go about it. You can use a credit or debit card, a bank account debit or an e-check (ACH). Some companies also offer autopay, which means that your payment will be deducted automatically each month. This is a convenient way to make sure that you never miss a payment and avoid late fees.
Storage unit costs vary depending on a few factors, including the size of the unit, climate control, location and contract length. Some companies have a three-month minimum, while others offer month-to-month contracts. In addition to monthly storage fees, some companies also charge for cleaning out the unit once it’s full.
Traditionally, the way storage payments have been handled has left both operators and customers frustrated. However, with modern self-storage software, these processes can be simplified. RentPayment for Self Storage, a cloud-based solution, offers a comprehensive set of electronic payment processing tools to improve the user experience and streamline billing operations. Its integration with Storable Software eliminates the need to juggle multiple vendors and prevents updates from one of them from wreaking havoc on the others.