You’ve decided you need a storage unit, whether for a short time or for the long haul. That’s great, but . . . now what? Before you hit “reserve” on a storage unit, both first-time storage unit renters and storage veterans should ask some important questions. These questions will help you pick out the right unit and the right storage facility for your unique storage needs.
At StorageMart, we help our customers across the U.S., Canada, and U.K. find storage units big and small. These are some of the most important questions we suggest you ask yourself and ask your facility in the rental process.
Storage Questions to Ask Yourself
What kinds of items am I storing?
The very first question you ought to ask yourself is about the kinds of items you’re going to be storing in your storage unit. Our customers store nearly everything you can possibly think of—everything from old home videos, tax documents, furniture, electronics, clothing, holiday decorations, and beyond. What you’re storing is important because it impacts other important decisions relating to your storage unit.
In other words, storing a large sectional is entirely different from storing some old family pictures. It’s best to think about everything you’re storing, or going to store, sooner rather than later.
How big of a storage unit do I need?
Once you’ve determined what kind of items you’re storing, the next question comes naturally: Just how big of a storage unit do you need? At StorageMart, we separate our units into four size categories:
- Small (25-50 sq. ft.) — about the size of a small, half bathroom
- Medium (81 to 150 sq. ft.) — about the size of an average bedroom
- Large (151 to 300 sq. ft.) — about the size of a one-car garage or living room
- Extra Large (301 sq. ft. and up) — about the size of a two-car garage
For more information about sizes, our Unit Size Guide is a helpful resource. Additionally, if you find your needs are somewhat different than you thought, changing units is easy at StorageMart thanks to our month-to-month leases.
What kind of storage unit do I need?
Storage units aren’t just matching rooms with the same walls and ceilings. There are different types of storage units that correspond to varying storage needs. Some of the available storage unit options at StorageMart facilities include:
- Standard
- Climate controlled
- Drive-up
- Interior
- Exterior
Depending on your needs, you may want an easily accessible drive-up unit or a climate controlled indoor unit. After all, every storage need is different!
Questions to Ask Your Storage Facility
What kind of security is there?
When you’re storing your belongings in a storage unit, you won’t be by every day to check on them. It’s important to inquire about what kinds of security features your storage facility has. Beyond that, you’ll want to know the logistics of getting into the storage facility and your storage unit.
Is there an electronic gate access code you’ll need to remember? Do you have to provide a lock of your own? Are the units individually locked? These are great questions to ask your local StorageMart for your knowledge and peace of mind.
What are the facility hours?
Self storage is somewhat complicated in terms of facility hours compared to some other services, as there are two separate sets of hours you’ll want to know about: access hours, which are the hours during which you can access your storage unit, and office hours, which are the hours when the office will be open and staffed.
If you won’t need office services often—or at all—focus on access hours. Many of our facilities feature extended access hours every day of the week for your convenience, but access hours do vary by facility.
What amenities are at the facility?
Beyond unit sizes and unit prices, modern storage facilities feature an array of amenities. Some services include:
- Moving and packing supplies sold in the facility office
- Package placement for deliveries
- Drive-up loading bays
- Paper shredding
- And more
Every storage facility has its own set of amenities, so be sure to ask your storage facility what they have to offer!
StorageMart Has the Storage Answers You Need
StorageMart is the answer to your storage needs. With storage facilities across the United States, you can be sure to find a storage facility near you when you need it. Our friendly staff are happy to work with you, answer questions, and direct you to your perfect storage unit. Stop worrying about your storage needs—contact us today!