5 Tips for Choosing a Secure Self-Storage Facility

Storage


Brennen Durka
January 10th, 2022


Best Tips for Choosing a Secure Self-Storage Facility

Are you looking for self-storage items that can store your excess items while you move to a different house? Do you need winter storage for a boat or RV other than your home's current garage? If so, then you need to learn all about how to find the best secure self-storage options.

Doing so can help you find the best fit for your needs. It's all about finding the right size, company, and features that self-storage units can provide.

See below for an in-depth guide on choosing a secure self-storage facility where you can store your items for years to come.

1. Gather Your Items First

Imagine if you purchased a house without first considering how many people were going to be living in it. As a result, you might get a house with too few rooms for the number of family members you'd have in the house.

The same issue can occur for those that shop for secure self-storage before they gather the items up that they wish to be stored. Unfortunately, this can lead to a self-storage unit that's too small.

Start by grabbing a pen and paper, then going around your house and listing all of the items that you're going to store. This will at least give you a better idea of how much space you will need. If you're looking for self-storage for a boat or RV, then this step will be simple.

When you're going through this process, give yourself four options for each item in your house: keep it, sell it, donate it, or throw it away.

If you choose to keep an item, will you be placing it in self-storage or keeping it on your property? We recommend that you don't store anything in a self-storage unit you can't replace. If an item is invaluable to you, then protect it in your home.

2. Know What Not to Store

Before you go looking for the right size of the storage unit, it's important to know what you shouldn't put in a storage unit. 

Don't store any perishable items such as food or plants of any kind. Don't store any harmful chemicals that could damage your items or the unit itself.

As we mentioned before, you won't want to store priceless items in a self-storage unit. That includes bullion, jewelry, or any type of currency. If it's valuable to you, then refrain from storing it somewhere you don't have immediate access to.

3. Speak With the Facility You're Considering

Once you know how big a self-storage unit you will need, you can start looking for the best self-storage facilities in your area. But how should you search for them? What separates the good from the great.

First, you want to find a facility with hands-on management. Call the facility directly and ask them as many questions as you can about their services. A service with effective leadership will take the time to answer your questions and highlight the best features of their winter storage options.

If they're trying to rush you off of the phone, cross them off your list. You want someone that seems passionate and who generally cares about the security of your belongings. Here are a few questions you can ask them:
  • Do you guys prioritize pest control in your facility?
  • What security features does your property have to ensure safety?
  • Do you have auto-pay available for your monthly charges?
  • What are your facility's hours of access?
  • Where are you guys located?
  • Are your storage units able to accommodate the type of item(s) I wish to store?
Generally, you just want to get a better feel for the service itself. You want to make sure the staff goes to great lengths to keep all units secure. 

4. Look for Top Security Features

A self-storage facility can never have too many features when it comes to security. You're entrusting them with your belongings, so it's up to them to ensure your items are safe from thieves, pests, and the outdoor elements.

How are the self-storage facilities going the extra mile? Here at Greenhill Storage, all our locations are equipped with 24-hour digital video surveillance, so that we can see everyone who steps foot on our property, day or night.

We also have electronic gate entry to make sure that only our staff and clientele have access to the self-storage units at our Arkansas and Texas locations. 

These features will give you more peace of mind. Simply choose the right size of a storage unit and get everything going again.

5. Consider the Proximity

Even though you're storing your items in a separate location from your home, you never want to have them too far away. That's why we recommend finding one that's near your house.

Here at GreenFill Storage, we have locations inside Arkansas and Texas. They're great for winter storage, as well as holding items that you might not need regularly.

However, there might come seasons where you need a certain item in your storage unit. That's when it's helpful to have your storage unit nearby so that you can quickly retrieve anything you need from it.

Invest in Secure Self-Storage for Your Needs

Now that you have seen an in-depth guide on everything that you should consider before you invest in secure self-storage, be sure to use this information to your advantage.

Take the time to read this article for more information on how to properly store your toys for the winter. To get started, please call our nearest location you and we'll be happy to assist you further.

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