Top 5 things to consider when choosing a storage facility!

Location

Depending on how often you will need to access the storage, location becomes increasingly important. Also, when you initially move goods into storage facility, you want it to be close to where you are moving from or close to where you will be eventually moving the goods to. This will save money on the removalist fees as the distance travelled will take less time. Also, if you will be regularly needing to access the storage, you don’t want to have to drive far. If you don’t know where you will be moving to, as a general guide, we always recommend choosing a centrally located storage facility.

Security

It is important that your belongings are safe and protected while they are in storage. Check that the storage facility has a modern alarm system and proper locks on both the doors and garages to the storage facility but also to your container as well.

As a failsafe it is also important to ensure your goods are properly insured while being stored in the rare case that anything does go missing or get damaged.

Access

Ask the storage facility what hours they are open and what hours you can access your goods. Also, can you access it on weekends? Most facilities are only opened limited hours on the weekend so check this too, as it is the most convenient time for most people to move. Also, how much notice do you need to give the storage facility to access your goods? Some self-storage places you can just turn up to, whereas most storage containers where your goods are stored in wooden modules, you may need to give 24 to 48 hours’ notice in writing. Also, is there a cost to access your goods?

Pricing

Prices range a lot especially when you compare centrally located facilities and facilities that are further out of town. We never recommend going for the cheapest option as the facility may have cut costs in areas that are very important such as security. If you are going to be using the storage for a few years, then make sure you ask about long term rates as there should be some room for negotiation as every facility likes long term tenants!

Reviews and reputation

Always check a company’s reviews on Google and Facebook. If they don’t have any reviews then you are really flying blind and taking more of a risk. Finally, if you have friends or family that have goods in storage, ask them who they are using and if they have been happy with the service. It is always comforting to choose a company that people you know and trust have also chosen.

We hope this article has been helpful and informative and will help you make the right decision when moving your belongings into storage, and wish you best of luck with your move!

This article was written in conjunction with removals and storage company Hire A Mover.