Imagine that you’ve found a new position and you’ll be working from home several days a week. To create more space, you start researching self storage amenities that can help you organize your belongings. The problem is that your home or apartment is small and crowded. You’re still tripping over unopened boxes from your last move, and your unused exercise bike along with random furniture have overtaken your only spare room.
Now what? Do you have a garage sale, donate to charity, or simply discard the clutter? You don’t have to do any of these things because you have a better solution. Lease a convenient, secure, affordable self storage unit. Your belongings will be safe, easily accessible, and, most importantly, out of the way.
You like the idea, but your primary concern is that you’ve never rented self storage. You’re not sure what to look for, and you need guidance. That’s not a problem because the team at My Storage Plus can help. They have multiple locations offering a wide variety of sizes and types of self storage that will be the perfect fit for your belongings. They’ll be with you every step of the way, guiding you through the process to your perfect solution.
To get your storage journey off to the right start, My Storage Plus has created a list of self storage amenities that you should consider when leasing your first storage unit. This information will help you determine what best fits your needs and your budget.
Essential Security Features to Look For
First Things First: Determine Your Needs
Take a moment to think about exactly what you’re storing. Are you finally tackling that cluttered garage full of tools and gardening gear, or are you clearing clutter from a spare room to create a new home office? Knowing this helps you pick the perfect storage size and type.
Quick steps to get started:
- Make a simple list of everything you want to store.
- Highlight items you’ll likely need to access while they’re stored. These should be stored in the front of your unit.
- Measure your belongings and estimate how much space they’ll take up once packed.
- Remember to leave a little extra room for airflow and easy access.
Consider Location
How many times will you need to visit your storage facility? If you’re going to need regular access, a convenient location is important. A facility located in the heart of the city will be more expensive than one farther out of town. If you don’t need quick access to your items, a facility farther from the city will be less costly.
Now For the Amenities
Premium Security
A reputable company with state-of-the-art security is a must. Look for 24-hour video surveillance, perimeter fencing, professional lighting, and electronic access. Check for alarm and fire suppression systems. Many of today’s facilities offer the added security of smart units with Bluetooth access and keyless entry.
You’ll also want a professional, knowledgeable management team that is willing to provide you with answers to your questions, a tour of the property, and a professional level of customer service.
Climate-Controlled Storage
Climate-controlled spaces keep the temperature and humidity within a specific range.
Whether or not you need a climate-controlled unit depends on the items you’re storing and the local climate.
For example, if you’re storing valuable antiques, dry climates can cause wood to crack and split. If you’re storing upholstered furniture or vintage textiles, climate-control will deter mold and mildew damage.
Make your choice based on the value of your belongings and not only the cost of the unit. Climate-controlled self storage units can be more expensive but well worth the cost over time.
Business Services
This is not your grandmother’s self storage. If you’re planning to use self-storage as an extension of your business, look for facilities that offer conference rooms and technology equipment along with printers and a Wi-Fi connection. If you lease a storage unit with electricity, it can function as a satellite office or workspace for tasks such as packaging or assembly work.
Vehicle Storage
If you own a classic car that needs protection, a seasonal sports car, or an extra work truck with no garage space, My Storage Plus has convenient solutions tailored to your needs. We offer covered, uncovered, and enclosed storage for all types of vehicles. If you have construction or business trucks, many locations provide spacious parking for large commercial vehicles and equipment.
Boat and RV Storage
If you need it, many of our locations offer enclosed, covered, and uncovered storage options for boats, RVs, and other watercraft, including canoes and jet skis. Your toys are in good hands at our facilities.
Check Insurance and a Tenant Protection Plan
If you’re interested in an extra level of security, ask your facility if they offer an optional tenant protection plan. This type of plan is not insurance but a policy that will replace your belongings up to a dollar amount of your choice. A tenant protection plan is peace of mind for a small monthly fee.
Balance Costs and Amenities
As with everything you purchase, you get what you pay for. The least expensive storage facility isn’t always your best choice. It’s smart to be discriminating. Using a well-maintained, secure facility is important. You shouldn’t see overgrown landscaping, a weather-worn, outdated
building, and trash lying on the grounds. If the property doesn’t look appealing from the outside, you can’t be assured of the safety and security of your possessions.
Final Thoughts
You shouldn’t have any trouble finding a secure, convenient, reputable facility. The majority of today’s self storage businesses are well-managed, with numerous options and amenities that will fit your needs and your budget.
When you are ready to create that extra office space or clean out your garage, call My Storage Plus for secure, convenient, and affordable self storage.
