There are many different reasons to invest in a storage facility. If you are moving homes or business, doing major renovations, combining households, or storing belongings that you don’t need on a daily basis. When choosing a storage facility you will want to choose one that best suits your needs. There are lots of different storage facilities to choose from so it is crucial to decide what factors are most important to you before selecting the type of facility. Mini-storage, also known as modular self-storage facilities, can be an alternative type of storage facility that may best suit your needs. Here are some tips that you can follow to ensure that you find the right mini-storage modular facilities for you.
Size of Storage Unit
Once you have considered purchasing a storage unit to store your belongings, you will want to determine the perfect size. The smallest size of storage unit available is 5’x5’, you are free to choose a bigger size unit than that according to your budget and needs. You will need to check out that the unit will store your belongings adequately. You don’t need the unit too small, so it gets tighter for your things to fit in, nor do you need it too big so that you end up paying for more space than you need. To find the appropriate size unit for you, measure the total space that your belongings take up when all put together, then compare it with the various storage sizes and voila, you will find your perfect size.
Location of the Facility
Location of the storage facility plays a pivotal role. You will be storing important belongings such as inventory, documents/records or even equipment of modular construction to which you will need easy access. Look for modular facilities that are near your home, the ease of accessibility will put you at ease. The cost of storage modular facilities also differs according to the location, so keep that in mind when creating a budget for your storage unit, as certain locations will be more costly than others.
Storage Facility Maintenance
When you are narrowing down the storage modular facilities consider visiting them personally. You are storing your things there, not selling them. Therefore, it is partly your responsibility to check if the modular storage facilities are maintained well. Ask questions! Does the facility conduct regular maintenance like cleaning and repairs? Do they have pest control services? These things will give you comfort in knowing that your items are stored in a safe place. You don’t want your personal belongings to get damaged, but rather want to retrieve them when needed, in good condition.
Security Systems
The modular facilities you are narrowing down should have a top-notch security system installed at the facility. You should be ensured that the storage facility is equipped with a proper security system whereby an alarm is attached to each unit. In addition, the facility should have 24 hours video surveillance showing all of the units. A proper security system will add an extra layer of safety to the unit so that you can feel at ease in knowing that your belongings are protected.
Insurance Coverage
Insurance is another vital aspect when considering a modular storage facility. With proper insurance coverage, your belongings are protected from unforeseen damages caused by fire, flood, theft or some other event. Be sure when choosing your modular facility that you strongly consider one that provides insurance coverage.
Access Hours of Facility
Another important point to consider when choosing a storage facility is the hours in which you are able to access it. Not all modular storage facilities have 24/7 hour access to the unit. You will need to decide on what kind of accessibility you need for your things. There are some facilities which provide weekday access while some provide access on demand. You will have to inquire on what time of day or night the facility is accessible. Accessibility that a facility provides should be suitable for your busy schedule. Think about the things that are important to you and how you would need them urgently. Have a calculation and then decide which facility is perfect for you.
Check the Reviews
While insurance and security are two of the main ways to ensure your belongings are safe, you also need the modular storage facility to be trustworthy. It is important to know that the staff of the facility are reliable. One way to confirm this is to read the facility’s reviews. Reviews from people who have used the facilities in the past are a great way to get feedback on other’s experiences as well as the facility’s overall reputation. The facility you are opting for should have excellent customer service and their staff should be skilled and knowledgeable.
Cost of the Storage Unit
The rental cost of modular facilities varies. The differentiation is mostly due to the location of the facility and the size of the unit. Most of the modular facilities charge the rent monthly, but some facilities charge rent on a more short-term basis, such as weekly or bi-weekly. In addition to rent, there are various other charges that are to be expected, such as setup fees, security deposit and transport fees that you should be aware of. Some facilities also provide free truck rental when you are moving in. You will also have to take into consideration the payment methods that are available, such as online payments for your convenience.
Choosing the right modular facility depends on your budget, needs and requirements. Amongst all the modular facilities you visit, narrow them down and pick up the one that fits best with your needs and requirements.
