These storage units feature secured locks for protection. Only the tenant or lessee has the sole authority in accessing the contents. The facility operator does not have the right over the contents of the storage unit. Also, the operator does not take care, control, or have custody over the contents unless in cases where the lessee fails to pay the rentals imposed. Most of these facilities provide computer-controlled access to the storage units mesa, as well. Surveillance cameras are even installed for additional security. Some self-storage companies present biometric scanners to ensure that only the tenant can have access on the units.

Storage facilities grant clients a secure and less expensive way of keeping their other belongings. These also free up their homes with some valuable space. This service is also especially beneficial when you are having home or office renovations or restorations. The most reputable storage companies offer their customers with added assistance such as free packaging, boxes and bubble wraps. Trucks or vans are also supplied as free service when you need to transport your things from your house to the storage facilities.

One of the first considerations is in selecting the size of storage unit(s) that you will need. As a rough estimate, a very small one-bedroom apartment with no appliances will fit in a 5’x10′ storage unit, a typical 1 bedroom or a small 2 bedroom apartment with no appliances, will fit in a 10’x10′ storage unit, and a typical 2000 square foot house will fit in a 10’x20′ storage unit. You will have to adjust these sizes depending on the amount of stuff you own. More detailed estimates are also available as given in the author’s bio below.

A second consideration in selecting a storage unit is the type of storage unit to select. Traditional storage units typically come in two styles; temperature-controlled storage units which are inside of a building and garage style storage units. Temperature controlled storage units provide a better environment for your property. However, they typically require much more labor to move in and out of. Your items must be loaded from your moving vehicle to a cart, taken up an elevator, and then placed in the storage unit. If you are hiring a mover, the time it takes to load/unload your property can easily double for a temperature-controlled storage unit.

The style of storage unit that is recommend is dependent on four factors; 1.) how much do you have to store, 2.) what type of items do you plan to store, 3.) how long do you plan to store it and 4.) the relative cost of each type of unit. In more urban areas the garage style storage units tend to cost more than the temperature controlled units and in more rural areas the garage style storage units tend to cost less. If you have very little to store, the smaller storage units are typically temperature controlled and this is recommended since the effort involved to perform your move is relatively small. Also, if you plan to store your items for more than 3 months, a temperature-controlled unit is also recommended. Extreme temperatures can be very hard on your property, especially your furniture, if stored for an extended length of time. In addition, if you have antique furniture, fine art, or items that will melt/freeze these items should be stored in a temperature-controlled environment. For most other storage applications, a garage style storage unit can be used and will typically be less expensive or will save a significant amount of work. As an example, if you have two men moving your property into a 10×10 storage unit, it will typically take 1 hour and 15 minutes less to move you into or out for a garage style storage as compared to a temperature-controlled unit. When you consider moving both in and out of your storage unit, this is a total savings of 2.5 hours of work for two men. If you are hiring a moving company for your move this might save you roughly $200. This savings will typically more than offset any additional cost that might be associated with a garage style storage unit.

Finally, you should briefly look at the storage site before signing a contract. Carefully check storage facilities that have vehicles parked around the perimeter of the storage to make sure that there is sufficient room for large vehicles to maneuver. Often the storage layout was not designed to have the vehicles parked in these locations and they prevent some large moving vehicles from turning certain corners and parking near some storage units. These vehicles can also reduce the security of the storage site as they reduce visibility. Ask to see where your unit(s) would be located on the site either in person or at least on a map to make sure that your unit is easily accessible. Also, you should check for the availability of additional storage space in case you run out of room.