A self storage facility is a great option for business owners and homeowners who need to store extra inventory or belongings. But what is a self storage facility, and what can you use it for? This blog post will answer these questions and provide some helpful tips on how to get the most out of your self storage experience.
What is Self Storage?
A self storage facility is a commercial property where goods can be stored. The most common type of self storage facility is a warehouse used by business to store extra inventory, documents, or products. However, self storage facilities are also popular for personal use, such as storing furniture during a move.
A self storage unit is like a small garage that you can rent on a weekly, monthly or yearly basis. These units can come equipped with special features such as climate-controls and security cameras and most self storage facilities offer a wide range of sizes, so you can find the perfect one to suit your needs.
Who is Self Storage For?
As alluded to above, self storage is for everyone!
Individual people or families can use self storage for a huge number of reasons. You may need somewhere to store furniture or household items that are no longer used in your home but you are not ready to part with. Perhaps you want to go travelling or are moving to a different place? You may even simply want to keep your belongings safe and clean during renovation or redecorating work? Self storage is perfect for all of these occasions!
On the other hand, businesses with much greater quantities of stuff can also utilise self storage facilities. Whether it be for excess stock, unused office supplies, tools or company records, there are a multitude of benefits of having an organised space dedicated solely to secure storage.
What Does a Typical Storage Facility Offer?
Security – As you are renting your own unit you can count privacy and security among the many benefits of self storage. Regardless of the size or features of the unit you are renting, it should always be lockable and only you, the owner, should have access. Most facilities also offer a 24 hour security service as well as having CCTV installed on the premises.
Packing Services – Many self storage facilities supply protective wrapping materials such as boxes or bubble wrap for a small fee. This means you can be confident your belongings are protected and will remain in good condition whilst being stored away. These supplies tend to be very expensive so making use of this offering can save you a lot of money!
Insurance – Self storage providers tend to offer insurance cover for items being stored in their facilities or alternatively, will know where to find a good deal. Make use of this service! Not only will it give you peace of mind that you are protected but will ensure you don’t suffer more in the unlikely event of loss or damage.
Delivery Service – Self storage facilities may even extend the services of pick up and drop off when using their facilities. Their expert staff can collect items from you to be safely transferred to storage or even from the facility to your home or office as needed.
What are the Benefits of Self Storage?
If you can’t already tell, there are a multitude of benefits with self storage facilities, including the ability to store extra belongings safely and securely. However, one often overlooked benefit is the fact that many self storage units offer temperature-controlled units. This is perfect for storing delicate items or important documents that must be kept in a consistent environment. It is becoming increasingly popular to utilise storage facilities for at-home medical care supplies so having this controlled and clean storage environment means your equipment can stay safe and secure when not in use.
How Do Self Storage Facilities Work?
Most self storage facilities have different unit sizes to choose from, depending on your needs. Unit prices usually increase as the unit size increases. When you first rent a self storage unit, you generally sign a contract which outlines the rental period and payments
Rental periods are typically month-to-month, so you can rent for as long or short of a time as you need.
How to Choose the Right Self Storage Facility for Your Needs
There are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind when choosing a self storage facility. Perhaps most importantly, you’ll want to make sure that the facility is clean and well-maintained. After all, you’ll be storing your belongings there, so you’ll want them to be in good hands.
You’ll also want to consider the location of the facility. If you need access to your belongings on a regular basis, it may be worth opting for a facility that’s closer to home. On the other hand, if you’re looking for long-term storage, distance may not be as important of a factor.
Finally, you’ll want to ask about security features like video cameras and security gates. These can help deter criminals and give you peace of mind knowing that your belongings will remain right where you left them and in the condition in which you left them.
Final Thoughts
Well there you have it! We hope this gives you a good overview of self storage facilities and helps you determine if this may be a good solution to your storage needs. Remember, when choosing a facility, be sure to get a quote and check out the site in person before signing up!
