Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, sometimes relying on a storage service to keep some of your stuff is a wise choice. Most people think that storage facilities are for those who have an excess of belongings and want to create more space in their home, or people who purchased new furniture but wish to hang on to the old furniture until yard sale season.
You can choose a couple of different options when the time comes, so do your research carefully in order to make it worthwhile. You need to make sure that the facility is secure (most are) and that the unit offers enough space, or worse – too much space. You don’t want to end up paying more for a unit that is only half full of your stuff! Sometimes, choosing a portable storage container is a better choice. There’s no driving back and forth to the storage facility, so you’re able to unload it more efficiently. Here’s a look at your options, and what to watch out for when considering which type of storage is right for you.
The Off-Site Storage Facility
Before you determine the size storage unit you will require, you need to make sure that the facility you choose is highly secure. The majority of storage facilities today provide this and then some, but just in case, here’s a list of must-haves when it comes to security:
Well-lit. Since the majority allow 24-hour access to your stuff, you want to be sure it is very well-lit. You don’t want anyone jumping out of the shadows when you make a quick 10 PM run to pick up a couple of things in the middle of your move!
Passcode Security. While there are those places that continue to provide the old lock-and-key style unit with a keypad at the main gate that gets you onto the property when you punch in the required passcode, there are those that are even more secure. When you enter your passcode to open up the main gate, it triggers your unit to unlock. When you leave, entering your code again locks your unit back up. This means no one can pick your lock, and you won’t forget to lock it up, exposing your belongings to thieves.
Fenced In. What good does a front gate do when the back area isn’t fenced in? True, there are woods back there, but who’s to say a thief isn’t going to sneak through the woods to get in undetected? Be sure that the entire facility is fenced in. Some facilities will have an added layer of security with barbed wire on the top of the fence.
Cameras. A good storage facility will have an extensive network of security cameras that capture footage 24-hours a day, 7 days a week.
Alarms. Just in case someone is able to break into your unit, there should be some type of alarm that goes off. Sometimes, this is all it takes to send the thief running!
Sprinkler System. Some people don’t even think about the danger of fire destroying their belongings. It’s important that there is a fire detection system in each and every unit with a sprinkler system to guard your things from being destroyed.
Climate Control. Sometimes, you have belongings that require maintaining a specific temperature. Be sure that the climate is controlled to protect against damage from humidity, extreme heat, or cold.
Also, find out if the company you’re considering provides insurance. Most will provide this added insurance, and it is a wise idea to pay the additional fees associated with it. Keep your eyes on the storage facilities in the area you are moving to in order to find out when they are having a special promotion to save some money.
Portable Storage
There are many national moving companies that offer storage containers to keep onsite, but this isn’t the only form of portable storage. Most moving companies with fleets of large tractor trailer trucks will pack up your entire house and drive it to their own secure facility until you need it. This is a great option for those moving cross-country or people who don’t want to deal with the hassle of driving back and forth to the storage unit. Again, you need to determine space, security, and all of the details that come with a storage unit at a storage facility.
We offer large and secure storage spaces in both Fort Collins and Denver, so you can store anything that you can’t bring with you to your new home with ease. Call us today for rates or additional information. If you’re moving to Fort Collins or Denver, we’ve got all of your moving and storage needs covered.