How to Choose the Best Storage Unit for Your Needs

Have you ever looked around your house and felt you just don’t have enough space? Have you gone in the garage and rolled your eyes at the mountain of clutter? Do you have a small business that needs more than just your home as an operating base?

If you’ve answered yes to any of those questions, it may be time to invest in a storage unit. While you research for a self-storage facility near you, you will also have to figure out just how large enough of a unit you are going to need to make sure that you are taking full advantage of that extra space.

What’s going inside this storage unit?

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While you look into storage facilities near you, it is important to consider your storage needs to get a better sense of an estimate on price. If you are putting priceless valuables in that self-storage unit, you’ll want to make sure that you have a climate control unit in a facility that has round-the-clock surveillance to give you some peace of mind.

Consider box size, and the variable of containers when determining your unit size. If you intend to use a self-storage unit to store holiday decor, season clothing, or seasonal equipment, you’ll want something that is just enough to hold those boxes. That’s the best way to assure they are kept safe without having to purchase a unit with too much space that just becomes wasted money on your end.

Is this for business or personal use?

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Some storage units are purchased by college students who are clearing out their dorms at the end of the semester. This is where easy access to your storage unit comes in handy, allowing you to easily load and unload when it comes time to pack the car back up and get resettled in. A storage space with drive-up access is in your best interest, as this driveway will save you repeated trips up and downstairs with heavier boxes or larger furniture.

This also comes in handy for people who find that their job keeps them constantly on the go, forced to relocate every so often. It is best to get a reservation put in place, and an understanding that this is either a seasonal stay or will be used for long-term purposes. If there’s a specific item you will find that you need immediately, be sure to have that near the front of your storage unit so are not sent scrambling and searching every time.

How frequently will you need access?

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While a trip to a storage unit may be a once in a while trek to grab a box or two, for some people it’s part of a small business operation. Storage unit renters may find themselves spending a good chunk of their day inside assessing inventory levels and filling orders. If this is you, it is important to make sure you are keeping your lungs clean by maintaining a clean unit, sanitized with disinfectant.

It’s recommended in environments like this with limited filtration to wear a mask to encourage healthy breathing. A half mask respirator provides maximum protection and a comfortable fit for someone who may have to wear the mask for an extended period of time. The T-60 half-face respirator comes with a silicone seal that keeps a half-mask stabilized, protecting the wearer from dangerous particles like mold. This is recommended especially in outdoor units where moisture may build up over time. This extra level of protection also comes in handy for use during the current COVID-19 crisis where mask mandates remain in place in some parts of the United States.

Is downsizing in your future?

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If you notice a massive amount of clutter taking up your garage, or your business having stacks of boxes blocking the water cooler, it’s time to scale back. A storage unit can come in handy to clear out some space in your household. This especially comes in handy if you are getting ready to move into a new place. Moving is a great time to assess your personal inventory levels, and determine what should make the trek to your new home. A self-storage unit can hold any appliances or furniture that you plan on selling, or even keep what belongs to you safe before you can place it in your new house.

In due time, you’ll see your use of this site start to wane. Small businesses may find a low-cost unit to hold important documents that they have no room for on-site. This is a common procedure for some medical and law offices because of the security features of these self-storage facilities. With round-the-clock surveillance, both video and in-person, those documents are safe under lock and key. This self-storage solution is also easily accessible in the event that it needs to be entered.