Tips for Selecting the Ideal Storage Unit for Your Needs
Self storage units have gained popularity in recent years among many groups of people: those who are downsizing into a Chicago condo from a larger home but still want to keep certain possessions, individuals who are remodeling their current residence and those who may be renting temporarily while waiting for a home to be built. Whatever your reason for getting a self storage unit, there are some important factors to consider.
First, understand how much space you will need. It would be an unnecessary financial drain to lease a bigger unit than you actually require. Take time to lay out your possessions in a basement or garage to estimate their footprint, or ask a staff member at the facility for their best guess.
Avoid the temptation to take the cheapest unit or to sign a lease without visiting. When you actually tour the facility, you can check for such important yet intangible factors as the “feel” of the neighborhood and how well-lit and secure the place seems to be.
Convenience should also not be overlooked. If you are going to be traipsing back and forth between your home and work and your unit, it should be reasonably close.
Speak with management to ensure that the facility’s hours are compatible with yours. Some places are only open during limited times.
Walk through the facility with a staff member, and ask to see a unit. Check for leaks and areas that are not adequately lit.
Inquire about locks since some facilities require that you use theirs and others don’t. When in doubt, choose the most secure lock you can afford. Although no lock is impenetrable, criminals tend to go for the ones that can be broken easily and quickly.
Once it’s time to fill your space, put everything in boxes to minimize the chances of items getting damaged from leaks. Meticulously label each one as to its contents for easier retrieval. Start at the back of the unit, placing the heaviest things on the bottom and stacking them toward the ceiling in a way that is as stable as you can manage. Don’t make any box so heavy that one person can’t lift it on their own.
Finally, you need to have a clear understanding of the facility’s payment policies. Ask what the due date is as well as the facility’s policy regarding late payments to avoid losing your prized possessions in an auction. If you think you might forget to pay on time, inquire about automatic withdrawals from your checking account or credit card.
Not all Self storage units are created alike. When you choose the Chicago facility that you truly feel good about and take the time to place your goods in it in an organized way, you can make the most of your space.
