Before you rent a storage unit for your personal stuff, there are a few things you need to think about. The following are four tips to help you make a good choice for your storage needs.

Decide on the location of your unit

Many storage facilities have both upstairs and downstairs units, as well as those that are inside and outside. Those units that are outdoors and downstairs are often drive-up units. This simply means you can drive a car or truck right up to the front of the unit. These are usually the most expensive because they often the most convenient. If you plan on storing items only for a few months, this may be a good choice because the farther you have to move your stuff, the more work you will have to do. For long-term storage, it may make more sense to save money and rent an indoor or upstairs unit.

Pay attention to the gate hours

Although most storage facilities allow access to storage units seven days a week, they may not offer 24-hour access. If this is the case, make sure the hours are consistent with your schedule. This is especially important if you are moving and are looking for temporary storage between homes. You may have a limited amount of time to move your household items. If the facility's gate hours are not open long enough, you may be forced to stop your move until the next day. These gates are often computer controlled, and you can get locked inside the storage facility if you are tardy in leaving.

Decide on an air-conditioned unit

Some facilities have them while others do not, but it is usually the case that air conditioning will cost you more. Keep in mind that air conditioning is not only to protect your items from heat, but it will also protect your items from humidity, which can be a big problem in certain areas of the country.

Make sure you get insurance

Ask the storage facility if they offer a policy. If they do, it can be included in your monthly rent payment. If not, you should ask an insurance agent for a quote. Insurance may seem unnecessary for the stuff you are storing, but it must have some value, or you would not bother keeping it. An insurance policy can cover damage from fire, including smoke damage. It can also protect from damage due to extreme weather events.

By keeping the information above in mind, you will likely avoid making a bad decision in your choice of storage facilities or units. For more information on your options, contact a self-storage facility like Diaz Super Storage.

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