You have made the decision to rent a storage unit. Problem is, you’ve never done it before. You have no idea what to look for in a mini storage. You have no idea which of the dozens of storage facilities to put your trust in.
This article will help. We are Blue Mound 287 Self Storage, serving the Greater Fort Worth area, and what we tell you in this article will apply all over the United States. Call us at 817-439-1380 for more information or to arrange for a tour of our storage buildings.
Let’s move on, then, to the important considerations when renting a storage unit.
Not all storage units are the same
Do not be fooled by the advertisements. Not all self storage is the same. Some offer extreme secure self storage. Some do not. Some have on-site management. Some do not. Some, like Blue Mound 287 Self Storage, are locally owned and operate. Some are not. Some have great ratings from the local Better Business Bureau. Some do not. Finding these things out will require a bit of research on your part, but it is time well-spent.
Determining the size storage unit you will need
Any reputable storage company will have a chart to help you determine the size of storage unit you need. They generally start, at the low range, with a 5’x5’ or 5’x10’ unit, and go up in size to the largest, 20’x30’. Remember vertical storage as well. Most storage units are at least eight feet in height, meaning quite a few well-packed boxes can be stacked in a unit of that size.
The storage unit staff can also help you with this. They are supposed to be experienced pros in the storage industry. If they can’t help you, move on.
Climate controlled or not?
Oxidation is real, and it causes real damage, especially in areas with extreme temperatures. Oxidation can ruin electronics. It can ruin fabric and paintings and collectibles. If you have any items which can be affected by oxidation, you need to consider climate controlled storage.
By the month or year lease?
Don’t sign a year lease if you don’t need it. There is no reason to do so. Most storage facilities rent by the month with no penalty or raised price for doing so.
Look for signing bonuses
Pay attention to the ads. This is a highly-competitive business, and it is quite common to see ads which say “first three months free” or “half-price for first six months.” Money is tight these days, and there is money to be saved if you do your due diligence.
Hold out until you find secure storage
Does the storage facility have a fenced perimeter? Does it have computerized card keys for the front gate and individual storage units? Does it have video monitoring of the grounds? Does it have on-site management? If the answer to all of those questions is YES, it is a secure storage facility. If the answer to any of those questions is NO, move on!
A word about Blue Mound 287 Self Storage
We are locally owned and operated, a trusted name in the Fort Worth area for quite a few years. We welcome your scrutiny. We welcome your questions. Call us and we’ll help you to find the perfect storage solution for your needs.