When you are thinking about renting a self storage unit for the first time, you may not know all the ins and outs of how to choose your unit, what type of unit may be best suited for your belongings and why a drive-up unit may offer more moving convenience. So to help you out, here are some common self storage terms that all first-time renters should know:
Climate Control Unit -- A climate-controlled self storage unit is one in which the facility ensures that you unit will never be too hot or too cold, which can help preserve items such as classic leather-bound books, collector's comics and antiques. Climate-controlled units are kept cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter to avoid wild fluctuations in the inside temperature.
Drive-Up/Outside Unit -- Drive-up self storage units, also known as outside units are units that are accessible as soon as you drive into the storage facility. These are very convenient if you are going to be accessing your unit on a frequent basis, because you can park your vehicle and begin loading and unloading right away. Drive-up units are typically more expensive to rent than interior units, and they are often more spacious as well.
Entry Access Code -- Some self storage facilities require that all renters enter an access code to drive into the main facility gate. This is what you should look for if you want a more secure self storage facility, because it prohibits people without the access code from gaining entry into the facility.
Storage Insurance -- Unless you are certain that your renter's insurance or homeowner's insurance extends coverage to your items in storage, you may want to obtain storage insurance to protect your belongings. Storage insurance can provide coverage against risks such as theft, fire, water damage and weather-related catastrophes. It is important to check with your insurer, as in some cases the coverage under Personal Property extends to belongings that are not stored at your residence. This coverage, however, does have a policy limit, so you need to be sure that the limit will be sufficient to protect the items in your self storage unit.
On-Site Resident Managers -- Although it's becoming less common, some self storage facilities offer on-site resident managers who live at the facility. This may provide you with more peace of mind knowing someone is at the facility 24 hours a day, but on-site resident managers are not open 24 hours a day for patrons to bother, so limit your interaction to business hours.
To learn more, contact a company like Dawson Moving with any questions you have.
Share30 June 2015
After my parents passed away I inherited a lot of bulky furniture items that have been in my family for many generations. My current inner city flat is nowhere near big enough for it so I rented out a storage unit. Sometimes I head out to the storage lot just to look through it and remember them. Luckily the furniture has stayed in great condition and one day when I finally get a big family home, I'll be able to have it all on display. I spent a lot of time researching the best way to store vintage furniture long term, and it's all on my site. Enjoy!