Six questions to ask your self storage manager before moving in

Are you contemplating renting a storage unit?  If you are after something a wee bit more secure than this old mattress storage unit seen this morning in the news you will probably first think about three key items, location, cost and security.  

Even if you have rented self storage before, it is always a good idea when renting to look around, try something new and ask a few questions of the self storage manager.  

Is a lease required, or is my rent month-to-month?

All self-storage facilities will require you to sign a month to month lease, however, some facilities will offer a discount if you pay up front for leases in six or twelve monthly periods.

Does your self storage facility provide 24hr access?

Most storage facilities will have regular access hours, very few will have 24hr access, however for businesses and people needing 24hr access you may be able to pay an extra fee to allow you freedom in your movements.

Does your storage facility have individually alarmed units?

A properly secure self storage facility will have individually alarmed units, this means your unit is always alarmed unless you have used your pin code or swipe card on entry, immediately alerting staff of any irregular movement if you are not on the premises.  This along with CCTV and good lighting is one of my priorities when renting a storage unit as it provides me with peace of mind that everything is properly protected.

How good is the lighting?

We all know that feeling of rummaging around in the dark looking for things, always check for good lighting in your storage facility for well lit corridors and units to make moving items in and out (and being able to find them when needed) easy.

Can I move in online?

Modern storage facilities will have the ability for you to move in and pay online.  Be wary of those facilities who don't have this ability or aren't displaying prices it usually means they are wanting you to pick up that phone to sell you a unit in a sub-standard facility at a higher market price.

What additional facilities and services do you have available?

When you rent a house you want to feel at home, it should be the same at a self storage facility.  Ask about access to wifi, whether there is space to sit down and do some work and have a coffee (and access to a clean bathroom) in between sales appointments and what else your potential facility may offer.

Six things you should know before renting a self storage unit

Renting space for your property, whether it be personal or business can be a big decision. When looking for and renting extra space to store, here a a few tips to get the best out of a storage experience.

Not all storage facilities are the same

Just like children, no two facilities are the same, even within the same company.  Check for security measures (including pin-access, individual unit alarm control, gates, CCTV and lighting), customer service, cleanliness, help to move and packing materials.  Having a checklist of what your top priorities in a storage facility can really help you to make your final decision.

Theft - what will your storage facilities do to avoid this?

Security gates, padlocks and gate access don't always stop an opportune burglar.    To avoid this always rent off facilities that have ;

• individually alarmed storage units - to deactivate the alarm, the customer must have the pin code, if un-authorised access occurs the alarm with sound with an immediate identification of which unit has been accessed
• CCTV - there will be security cameras covering the whole facility inside and out
• for your own piece of mind use a disc lock which have no ability to be cut by bolt cutters

Lastly ask a lot of questions about how the facility maintains their commitment to security.  If they can't or don't want to answer, go elsewhere.

Beware of "MOVE-IN DISCOUNTS"

Many storage companies offer sporadic and well timed move-in discounts or 'a months rent free', to get you to move in at a low rate only to raise the rent very soon afterwards (which will be in the fine print of your contract).  Before you rent, ask the manager how often your rent will be raised and how long they can guarantee your rent will not change.  If you are happy with their answers, ask for the guarantees in writing.  If they are not willing to do this, go elsewhere.

Plan Carefully

We see it time and time again in the industry, people rent far more space than they actually need.  Use the planning calculators on websites when moving, ask for advice from the store manager and if you find yourself moved in with excess space, don't be afraid to request a smaller unit at a smaller price!  

• Packing the unit properly  will also save you valuable space, again follow a checklist to save you money and space

Moving Day

If you do not have easy access to a large trailer or truck you will probably have to rent one. Some storage facilities will offer a free trailer to their customers (for a limited time period), some will offer a trailer or truck at a cost - do try and negotiate the fee, or the best storage facilities will offer a free truck and driver.  The cost of moving can often be more than the first few months rent on your unit, so it is worth checking out which facilities offer these services.

Insurance

Insurance is the responsibility of the customer.  Storage facilities are not insured for the contents of customers units, because it is a rented space, much like a house rental, you will need to insure the goods you intend to store.  Your house and contents cover will generally not cover you for goods in storage and it is often cheaper to purchase insurance direct from your storage facility.  Your store manager will have full details on this.

And then, enjoy the freedom of all your space you have created!

Which is the best lock to use when securing my self storage unit?

You have done the research, the storage facility is chosen, you looked for all the things that mattered to keep your property safe and secure - individually alarmed units, CCTV security, fencing and swipe or pin card access gates - now it comes down to the last item on your security list, the lock.  

There are so many different locks available for purchase and you may be tempted just to bring the one lying around idle at home but keep in mind that it is the last barrier between your property and potential theft no matter how secure your facility.

 All locks have pro's and con's and we look at a few options so you can find the lock best suited to you.  

Disc Lock 

For durability and ease, for me this comes out top every time!

Pros:  

• They cannot be be removed using bolt cutters
• They are highly durable
• You will need the key to open and close your lock meaning you cannot leave your key locked inside your storage unit!

Cons:

• More expensive than other locks (but less expensive than replacing property)
• It may not fit on the door (always check with your facility first what size the doors will take)

Standard Combination Locks

These are my least favourite, the most easily removed.

Pros:

• No key required
• You can easily give others access to your unit if needed
• Cheap

Cons:

• Easily cut with bolt cutters
• You can forget the code
• Shoulder surfing, someone may see the code as you are opening the lock and break in later

Standard Padlock

Pros:

• Easily re-keyed
• You can easily give others access to your unit if needed
• Cheap

Cons:

• Easily cut with bolt cutters
• You can lose your keys
• Easily picked

Other things to consider:

• The size of the lock, make sure it fits - but bear in mind, the larger the lock the more secure your belongings.
• If you have a storage unit outdoors, make sure you choose a lock designed specifically for outdoor use.  
• Always choose brass or steel keys, they are far less likely to break than aluminium.

And remember, above all, always insure and choose your facility wisely, its better to be safe than sorry.

Protecting your precious items in storage

It is moving day! Your stuff is packed, your boxes are labelled beautifully and of course colour coded and the storage unit has been rented.  Then the little devil on your shoulder puts the golli-wobblies up you and the panic sets in - will my stuff be safe in storage?

The Good News :)

If you have picked a great self storage facility you are 90% of the way there.  The best storage facilities will have the following features (make sure you ask when you call).

• Individually alarmed units
• CCTV
• Security Gates
• Pin Code Access
• Great lighting

... the other great news is that storage theft is very rare.  However good facilities will insist that you are carrying separate storage insurance.  Your household contents cover does not usually cover goods in storage and although can may be able to get policy extension it is usually cheaper and easier to get insurance through the Storage facility you are renting from.  Be aware that the facilities insurance will not cover your goods for theft, fire or flooding damage.  

To ensure you are fully protected make a list of what is in your storage unit and ask your facility to keep this on record for you.  A good facility will do this as a matter of course.

Locks

A great lock is a must, most storage facilities sell these or you can bring your own. A tip that has been useful to me was to ensure I had two sets of keys and/or a combination I wouldn't forget.  

That extra protection 

• Wrap everything with appropriate packing materials
• Store fragile items appropriately 
• Pack clothes and linen with anti-moth inhibitors
• Pack books flat
• Thoroughly clean everything, especially food storage items such as refrigerators to protect from rodents

And for peace of mind

Periodically check your storage unit and the lock, or get a trusted friend or family member to, take insurance out and remember only you have access to your storage unit so staff will not have access and will not be able to check inside.