Have too much stuff in your house and nowhere to store it? Are you moving to a smaller home and need a place to keep your large, bulky items? Whatever your reason for needing a storage solution, when it comes to selecting the right type of unit for your needs, there are a few considerations you can’t afford to ignore. Below, our team at Ed’s Moving & Storage discusses the top 6 things you must consider when selecting a long-term storage solution.
Facility Location
Will you need to access your stored possessions frequently? If so, you’ll need to consider which facilities are most proximal to your home. At the same time, though, consider the quality of the storage facilities that are closest to your location — what kind of condition are they in? Will your things be well protected? Are you willing to travel to access a higher-quality unit?
For long-term storage needs, the quality, security, and cleanliness of the facility are paramount considerations. Why? Because they determine how well your possessions will withstand months or years of storage. If you cannot locate a suitable facility within a couple of miles from your home, traveling a bit farther is well worth the additional time and fuel cost.
Storage Unit Accessibility
When do you anticipate needing access to your things? Is the facility operational during those hours? When selecting a long-term storage solution, it’s important to consider whether accessing the unit fits conveniently into your existing schedule.
Certain facilities have Monday-Friday operating hours only, so if you work during those hours, you may find it challenging to get to your stuff. If you need quick and easy access to your things, 24/7 storage facilities offer unmatched convenience.
Unit Size
What do you plan on storing? A whole house full of stuff, or just a few items you don’t have space for? The height, width, and volume and of the items you plan to store will determine the size of the unit that will best meet your needs.
To get a preliminary idea of what size unit you’ll require, take measurements of everything you plan to store — even if you’re only storing packed boxes. Unit pricing corresponds directly to unit size, so if you don’t have the budget for a very large unit, consider donating or selling some of your things that may not fit within a more moderately sized storage area.
If you have questions about the appropriate unit size for what you plan to store, contact the facility directly to inquire about the holding capacity of each size unit.
Your Budget
You already know unit size determines pricing, but size isn’t the only factor that determines the overall cost of the storage unit you select. Other factors, such as climate control, security monitoring, and facility maintenance may also factor into the final price of renting a unit.
If you’re working with a modest budget, a climate-controlled storage solution may not be a viable option due to the facility’s additional cost requirements to maintain the unit. Standard storage unit options are available in a wide variety of price points, which, for many people, makes them a more feasible choice for long-term storage.
Features & Amenities of the Unit and Facility as a Whole
If you live in an area with high humidity or temperature extremes (hello, Seattle), climate-controlled storage is almost a necessity, depending on what you plan to store, of course. Delicate items or items that are naturally susceptible to moisture or heat damage should always be stored in a climate-controlled unit. Such items include:
● Electronics, records, VHS tapes, and cassettes
● Artwork and musical instruments
● Important documents and printed photos
● Upholstered and wooden furniture
● Clothing
Other features to consider include the materials used to construct the unit — is it made out of steel, aluminum, wood? Generally, weather- and corrosion-resistant steel is superior to other building materials, which offers an additional layer of protection for your belongings.
As well, review the location of the unit’s access point — is it outdoors or indoors? Because units with indoor access provide superior protection against environmental damage, they’re often preferable.
Facility Security
Last but definitely not least, consider how well each facility monitors security. Do they perform inventory checkups? Do they have security cameras installed around the property? Do they monitor the security feed closely? If you care about your stuff, make sure you opt for a facility that maintains up-to-date security features and ongoing monitoring.
Searching for Secure Seattle Storage Solutions? Contact Ed’s Moving & Storage
At Ed’s Moving & Storage, we know how much your possessions mean to you. That’s why, for over 60 years, we’ve been providing safe, secure, and properly maintained storage solutions for residents throughout the Seattle/Tacoma metro area. To learn more about our variety of storage solutions or request a quote, feel free to give our team a call at 253-581-2446. You can also get in touch with us via our contact form, and a member of our team will be in contact with you promptly.