Tips for picking a storage facility

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Storage is a unique business. Which I like to compare to the medical profession. Now you’ll probably wonder what I mean, so allow me to elaborate. As with your health, you generally don’t really think about hospitals until you really need them. When all is well and we go through our lives, we tend to our daily routines without giving even a second glance to the nearest hospital. The same applies to a storage facility – when’s the last time you really wondered what it’s like inside one of them?

But then the time comes when you do need storage. A relative has died. You’re separating from your partner. Your moving to a smaller apartment. Those are only some of the reasons we seek a place to keep our valued ‘stuff’. A home for the things that don’t fit in our home.

Now, suddenly, you’re about to enter into a transaction that comes a close second to a doctor’s visit in terms of intimacy. You need to find a company, a stranger, whom you will entrust with your valued possessions. And of course they’re valuable. To you. Otherwise you’d simply throw them away or sell them. Give them to relatives or friends.

So how do you decide on the right one? Whom can you trust? Where are your treasured belongings safe and secure? You want peace of mind, knowing that you’ve made the right choice and you can get on with life. How do you decide who should do the job?

Here again the hospital analogy holds true. Go online first. Do some research. How does the storage facility’s website look? Is it professional? Up to date? Does it inspire confidence? Then check out the reviews. Google & Facebook can be extremely helpful here.

Once you’ve whittled it down to a handful, take that next step. Give them a call or send an e-mail. Do they respond quickly? Are they friendly and available? Do they take the time to listen and understand your needs? Do they get back to you if they can’t answer a question? Here it should just ‘feel right’ – you get the sense that they care.

Now you’re down to your final picks & it’s time for a visit. What does the facility look like from the outside? Is it clean and tidy? Does the building look new? Would you be proud of it if you worked there? Then you take a step in and look at the details? Is their office organized? Is the staff welcoming? Do they look and act professionally?

Lastly, and just as importantly, comes the technical stuff. Security cameras? Check. Fingerprint access? Check. Alarm system? Check. Air conditioning? Check.

And there you go. You’re ready to make your decision.