A storage unit can be an excellent investment if you’re running out of space at home, moving to another state, or just looking to park your belongings somewhere safe and secure while you’re out of town on vacation.
Nevertheless, if you aren’t careful about which storage facility you choose, you might wind up with the opposite of what you’re looking for, whether it’s security issues, crowded storage units, or shoddy customer service.
However, avoid these mistakes by following this helpful guide to finding the best self-storage Leominster, MA.
1) Consider What You’re Storing
You’ll want to start by thinking about what you need to store, whether it’s large items like furniture or smaller stuff like electronics and boxes.
Your lease will last for a predetermined amount of time, but if you don’t plan on using your storage unit Leominster, MA, over an extended period, you might want to select a team that offers month-to-month rental terms.
This allows for flexibility on both sides and gives you options based on how long your storage Leominster, MA, needs to last.
2) Know What Sizes Are Available
Self-in storage units Leominster, MA, are a great option if you’re tired of stuffing excess belongings into your garage. However, If you don’t know what size unit to rent, though, you might end up paying for more space than necessary.
Measure your possessions before heading to a facility and look for one that offers multiple unit sizes. This way, if your stuff doesn’t fill up, all available rooms likely won’t; at least there’s some flexibility in your monthly payment.
Most facilities have short-, mid,- and long-term rental options. The latter two are pricier but may be worth considering if you’re not sure how long it will take to get rid of everything.
3) Look At Facilities
One of the best things to do is look at nearby self-storage Leominster MA societies and narrow your list down based on location, available storage unit size, price, amenities, and more. Take some time to visit each facility in person.
Is it well-kept? Will you be able to get in and out quickly if you need to load or unload heavy items during off-hours? Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, measure your belongings so you can figure out how much space you’ll need for each item.
If possible, make a rough sketch showing what will fit where so that when you go back to view different units again, there won’t be any surprises about whether an item will fit inside.
4) Watch Out For Extras
Before you even consider storing your stuff in a self-in storage unit Leominster, MA, ensure you understand what is and isn’t included in your rental. Many people don’t think to ask about things like utilities or additional costs that may be involved.
Is climate control an option, and if so, how much does it cost? If they aren’t spelled out in your contract, then you could find yourself paying unexpected fees later on down the road. That can put quite a dent in your budget—especially if you end up with hidden fees after several months!
5) Consider Accessibility
Make sure your in-storage unit Leominster, MA, is accessible. If you’re planning on storing many large items or bulky equipment, it’s a good idea to make certain doors big enough to accommodate them—otherwise, you may be forced to rent multiple units.
If your space is big enough and you have enough cash, investing in two smaller units could be more efficient than one large one. There are also cost-cutting measures you can take: look for seasonal specials, go off-season if possible, or be willing to spend a little extra money on climate control options (some facilities offer discounts on their rates if you rent an indoor unit over an outdoor one).
6) Insurance
You don’t have to store valuables either. Use an in-a- storage unit Leominster, MA. If you need extra space for seasonal decorations, clothes, or furniture that you don’t want to keep in your home, renting a storage unit is an excellent option.
However, it’s important to know that insurance isn’t included when renting a storage unit Leominster, MA. You’ll have to carry liability and property damage insurance policies on your own in case something goes awry. It’s also wise to consider purchasing theft coverage if you’re storing items of high value, like jewelry or electronics.
Ask your insurance agent how much coverage will cost and ensure it matches your budget before signing on with any company—the last thing you need is an unexpected premium bill while managing other expenses!
7) List and have pictures of your storage
Having a list of everything you’re storing will help prevent missing items later. You should also take photos or videos of all your valuables, especially if they’re expensive or irreplaceable. If something is damaged during storage, you can file a claim with your storage Leominster, MA facility and make a fair case for compensation.
Photos are helpful evidence in cases like these; they’re also a valuable insurance policy if anything happens to your belongings while they’re stored elsewhere. If thieves break into your storage unit and loot it, photographs can help security cameras identify them (and you) as innocent parties during their trial proceedings.
9) Payment Policies
These may seem trivial details, but trust us—they’re not. Many self-storage Leominster MA companies offer payment plans to their customers, either because they know it will help them attract more customers or because state law requires it.
Regardless of your situation, don’t be afraid to ask about payment policies at any storage facility you’re considering.
It can save a lot of headaches down the line if you know exactly how much time is allotted to pay your bill and how much interest (if any) will be applied to that balance each month.
Final Thoughts
A Self-in storage unit Leominster, MA, can be a great idea when you need extra space for all your clutter, but it can also be very expensive. If you decide to rent one, these tips will help you make smooth and good decisions.
