Key Questions to Ask Self Storage Facility Managers

When you are looking for that perfect self-storage facility, it is very important to know what they have to offer, what their standards are, and among other things, their payment options and their terms of service. You have to be critical about these things if you want to choose the best self-storage facility for you. Here are some of the essential questions one needs to ask before making a decision regarding the chosen self-storage service:

How large is the storage space provided?

First and foremost, you should try and gauge the amount of space your items need before hastily deciding on renting the facility. Describe the things you will store and ask them the size of the storage room they estimate you will need. The manager has to answer a lot of this type of questions whenever a customer inquires and he is probably knowledgeable at judging the size of the space you would occupy. This will then be the time you can decide if you should go for it or not. If the space is too small, then it will be hard to fit everything inside. More often than not, you will have to disassemble certain furniture/equipment just so everything gets stored. That will be very inconvenient especially if you are planning on just a short-term lease. On the other hand, if the space is too large, you will still be paying for the unused space, and that will be a significant loss in your part. Make sure that the space you are going to be using is just right for the things you are going to store.

How long is the lease term?

This should be asked because the lease terms of all self-storage facilities may vary ranging from month-to-month, quarterly or even yearly.

What are your security measures?

Try to ask if they have security cameras, night watchmen, burglar alarms and other forms of security. Ask if they use key card access or traditional locks. If you are storing valuable stuff, this should be your top priority.

Will you insure the things I store?

There are some storage facilities who are partnered with insurance companies and in case of loss and/or damage; it is advisable to have your things insured. However, other facilities do not provide insurance for items so their clients will have to obtain a policy on their own.

Is there a weight limit? Are there things you will not store?

There are facilities which allow heavy boxes and containers to be stored while others have weight limits depending on the size of the items at hand. Also, most self-storage facilities have a list of prohibited objects that you will not be able to store.

What are your payment terms?

Ask if there is a need for an initial deposit. Also ask them if they prefer to be paid in full or if they allow installments. You can even ask if they accept major credit cards and/or post-dated checks.

Drew Mers is a consultant to City Closet Storage, one of the largest independently owned storage companies, with locations throughout New York and New Jersey.