1. LOOK AT THE STORAGE ROOM YOU WILL BE RENTING BEFORE YOU RENT.
If at all possible visit the storage Facility the day after a rainstorm. Ask to see the room you'll
be renting and check for puddles and water stains. Water stains on drywall may be visible for months
so if you can't go the day after a rainstorm check for water stains anyway.
2. SEE IF THE FLOOR IS RAISED 1½" ABOVE THE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR.
Most facilities won't be responsible for water damage and raised floors prevent driving rain
from seeping in under the door because over time the seal at the bottom of the door will deteriorate.
3. IS CEILING HEIGHT IMPORTANT?
Most people tend to rent more space than they need. A one-bedroom apartment, 750 square feet, can be
stored in a 10 x 10 room with a 10 foot ceiling height. Always rent a storage room with high ceilings.
This is one item that can't be changed with salesmanship. Save on space by standing couches on end,
take legs off tables and stack boxes to the ceiling. If boxes are all the same size they will be easier to stack.
4. DO YOU NEED ACCESS TO YOUR STUFF ON WEEKLY OR MONTHLY BASIS?
You don't want to unpack everything out in the driveway every time you have to look for that toaster you
received as a gift from Aunt Millie. Ease of access is a matter of personal preference. Whether you
desire frequent or infrequent access here are some basic rules to follow:
5. ASK IF THE UNIT HAS A SHELF INSIDE THE STORAGE ROOM.
The shelf can be used to store delicate items, odd shaped items and boxes. Most facilities do not have
a shelf. Would you have a closet in your home without a shelf? Why would you rent a storage room
without a shelf if you can find one that does? Having a storage room with a shelf is like having
another storage room inside your storage room and provides that extra space you may need.
6. IS THERE A DEPOSIT OR AN ADMINISTRATIVE FEE TO FILL OUT THE PAPERWORK?
This can be a substantial fee sometimes exceeding $25.00. Many times customers do not find this out until
they're ready to sign up with their first truck ready to be unloaded. Be sure to ask over the telephone
before you show up, if there are any hidden charges. Also ask if you can pro-rate the first month's rent.
If you can pro-rate and there are no hidden charges then you can move in with less initial cost.
7. DOES THE FACILITY YOU CHOOSE OFFER A FREE MOVE IN TRUCK?
If you don't have access to a moving truck you'll probably have to rent one. Moving trucks are at a
premium, especially at the beginning and the end of the month. Try to locate a self-storage facility
than offers a FREE MOVE IN TRUCK so you can be sure and make a reliable reservation. Big name
trucking companies that find a 1 way rental to an out of town destination for a week, too tempting
when it is compared to a local 1-day rental. When this situation occurs, often times your reservation
is there but your truck is on its way out of town. It is best to find a self-storage facility that
offers a company owned FREE move in truck to new customers. Often times, not only is it free but you
can actually make a reservation and find the truck where it's supposed to be when you need it. Many
times, items needed for your move, like a dolly to move that refrigerator or moving pads are included
along with free mileage. These items can mean a big savings.
8. DOES THE FACILITY YOU CHOOSE OFFER A FREE LOCK?
Most facilities require you to purchase a lock, of their choosing, to protect your stuff.
Some facilities however offer this lock FREE OF CHARGE. Offering high security locks serve
two purposes. The first is that all the locks look the same. This makes it easier to spot a thief
that has cut your lock and replaced it with one of his own. The second is that the facility's locks
have a difficult to remove sticker that verifies it was given FREE by the facility.
9. DOES YOUR STORAGE FACILITY OFFER A PROTECTION PLAN FOR YOUR STUFF?
Storage facilities are generally not responsible for the contents of your storage room.
It is always a good idea to protect the goods you are storing. A Storage Protection Plan
is almost always available to you when you first rent the storage room. These plans have
no deductible. Before you purchase a Protection Plan check with your insurance agent to see
if you have coverage under your homeowner policy or renters insurance policy. Don't assume
you have coverage. Many policies don't insure outside the home and if they do, sometime have
a deductible. Don't take the chance with something you treasure.
10. DOES THE FACILITY YOU CHOOSE HAVE A CRIME PREVENTION PROGRAM?
Police departments have determined that just like neighborhood watch programs, this type of
program works in storage facilities too. In facilities with a Crime Prevention Program,
when you see someone lurking around your storage room or someone else's, you can report it
to the manager and expect an inquiry from the police department if need be. Use a storage
facility that asks for references and checks them. Most thieves won't give references because
thieves posing as customers perpetrate most thefts. Ask if official crime watch stickers
are placed on all locks. Facilities with Crime Watch Programs provide these stickers so a
thief can't cut the lock and replace it with another lock without the sticker. A lock
without a sticker will be noticed during a routine walk through inspection. Since these
stickers come off in pieces they cannot be placed on a thief's replacement lock.