What to consider when choosing a long term storage unit

Storing your items long-term warrants much more consideration than storing them for a short period of time. You will want to consider the size of the unit, its location, as well as means of access, to start with. You may want to be dealing with one of the best moving companies Columbus Ohio, as they will be able to help you choose an ideal storage unit. Then there is security to consider, insurance and payment options, etc. You also want to read as many of the customer reviews as you can find. But if you are dealing with a reputable moving company, you need not worry overmuch. Great movers are honest and transparent with their customers and will help you reach the best decision for your needs. In this article, we will be going over what to consider when choosing a long term storage unit.

Things to consider when choosing a long term storage unit

Here is the list of things that require careful consideration:

• First, consider the size when choosing a long term storage unit
• The location
• Consider the storage access when choosing a long term storage unit
• Security of the storage facility
• Insurance options
• Payment options and cost of a long term storage unit
• Choose a storage unit wisely – read online reviews

Of course, you need to take the specifics of your situation into account. If you have special requirements, they need to be considered as well. When choosing a long term storage unit, you need to always have the big picture in mind. That way, you will not be sidetracked. But let’s explore the above considerations a bit more, shall we?

First, consider the size when choosing a long term storage unit

The size of the unit is one of the major factors that will influence how much your storage unit will cost. It will also limit your options to storage units of sufficient capacity. The best way of figuring out the necessary size is to measure your boxes and items that will be going inside. Then add about 10-15% to that and you will get the capacity that you require. Ideally, you will work with your long distance movers to figure out the best storage space. They can show you a few tricks that will make the process a lot easier. Their knowledge and experience will definitely come in handy. Therefore, always ask for advice before you start looking for a storage unit.

The location

The next important thing to consider is the location of the unit. This is the second major factor that determines the unit’s price. The more remote a location, the less the cost. Simple as that. The ideal location of the unit is going to heavily depend on how many times you expect to be visiting it in a year. If you need to drive to the unit once or twice a year, being in a remote location is less of a problem. But if you need to access it regularly, you will want to have it a bit closer to your place of residence. Normally, the ideal location is somewhere between remote and easily accessible.

Consider the storage access when choosing a long term storage unit

Speaking of accessibility, you need to consider that not all storage units have the same degree of access. Some units require you to announce your schedule in advance, where others can have you come and go with impunity. You need to figure out what kind of access you require and rent a corresponding unit. At this point, you want to look into available services, too. If a storage unit can offer packing services, for example, it may make your life a lot easier down the line. However, do note that storage units with great access options (such as drive-up access) can cost considerably more than other variants. It all depends on your moving budget and your needs, though.

Security of the storage facility

Regardless of everything else, you want your storage unit to be safe. You need to verify that the facility has all the necessary security measures in place, such as cameras, live guards, etc. But you also need to put these measures into context. If a facility is remote, having a few cameras around does not sound as good as having a few live guards on the premises. On the other hand, if the unit is located in an urban area, you might want to go with a storage option that has password access and similar measures to protect your belongings. Consider the security of the unit to be high on your list of priorities. Even if your items are insured, replacing them (or getting adequate compensation) might be difficult and time-consuming.

Insurance options

Of course, you will want to insure your items for their stay in the storage unit. Therefore, you need to have decent plans available to you. Most companies that rent storage units partner with an insurance company, which will be able to provide you with several plans. But it is the quality, and the variety, of these plans that you need to look at. The basic premise is the more options you have, the better. However, do not discount a unit that has only a few insurance options if they serve your purposes.

Payment options and cost of a long term storage unit

Most storage facilities will allow for multiple payment options, as well as providing a discount when renting for the long term. There are many great deals to be had, and you would do well to shop around. You also need to take a look at the pricing policy and how much the landlord is able to raise the price. While you can always refuse the price increase, of course, you may need to relocate your belongings which can be a considerable cost on its own. Similar to renting an apartment, you have options on how to respond. You need to know your options before you rent a unit, and carefully read the terms of the lease.

Choose a storage unit wisely – read online reviews

Lastly, you will want to read as many customer reviews as possible before renting a unit. This might be, perhaps, one of the most important things to consider when choosing a long term storage unit. By reading the reviews, you can avoid many traps and only rent a unit from someone that is reliable and trustworthy. Well-established moving companies are your primary choice and they have plenty of reviews out there.