Choosing the Right Storage Company: Tips for Finding Trustworthy Professionals

In the fast-paced world that we live in today, many of us enjoy living in a spacious and organised environment. A key skill to maintaining a cozy but productive living space is maximising the space you already have. Self-storage has become a popular solution to creating extra space in homes without having to relocate or renovate. There are many self-storage providers out there, so what are the things to look out for to choose the right one? This blog will explore how to find trustworthy self-storage professionals to ensure that your belongings are stored safely and securely. 

1. Understand your needs 

The first thing to think about when considering putting your items in storage is to understand what type of storage you need. Are you only looking to store a few boxes and items, or looking to store large and bulky furniture? This will help you determine whether you require a storage by-the-box service or a storage unit of a particular size. 

2. Reviews 

When doing research into the available storage options in your area, read online reviews on platforms such as Google and Trustpilot. You want to consider a company that receives positive comments consistently on the operations of their services, their customer service and overall security.  

3. Storage facility 

If the storage provider allows, check out their storage facility in person. This will allow you to get a first-hand understanding of the environment in which your items will be stored and observe the cleanliness, security measures and facilities in place. Key things to look out for are security cameras, on-site staff and the presence of climate control. 

4. Security measures 

Ensuring that your items will be stored safely is no doubt the biggest priority when using self-storage services. Do your research and ensure the facility has security systems equipped. Some examples include:  

• 24/7 CCTV Surveillance 

• Pin, Fob or Key access to the facility and to individual units 

• On-site security, such as a receptionist  

• Good lighting to avoid any trips and other health and safety hazards 

5. Insurance 

Self-storage facilities are generally safe, thanks to the security measures in place in the facilities. However unexpected events may occur, such as theft, damage and natural disasters. Enquire with the storage company about the insurance options available. Some companies provide a certain value of coverage included in your storage price, whereas others require you to pay an additional fee for the coverage, or even seek externally for a suitable insurance premium. It’s also a good idea to check with your current renter’s insurance to see if it covers damage to your belongings stored outside of your home.  

6. Customer service 

When you need help with making changes to your storage plan, or experience issues with the items you have in storage, the first point of contact is the Customer Service Team. You want to ensure that the staff are friendly, understanding and eager to help you with your questions or problems. You can get a grasp of this through giving them a call and testing their responsiveness, or writing them an email and assessing how quickly and professionally they get back to you.  

7. Compare pricing and contracts 

You want to make sure that you are paying the best price and are receiving the most out of your storage price. Ensure the storage company has no hidden fees and are fully honest about the charges they will incur on you in particular circumstances. Read your storage contract carefully before committing to their services by understanding the terms and conditions, payment cycles, late fees and the flexibility they offer for terminating the contract or changing the length of your storage term. If you are unsure of how long you want to store, choose a self-storage company that has a short mandatory storage term and a service that will not charge you extra for changing the length of your contract at a later stage.  

8. Additional services 

Check out any additional perks that the storage company offers to make your storage and moving process hassle-free. Some examples include: 

• Access hours: does the storage facility allow you to visit 24/7, only on certain times and days of the week, or not at all? 

• Online management of your belongings: can you modify your storage plan and add or retrieve items via their website, or would you have to give them a call or visit in person? 

• Collection and delivery: does the storage company collect and deliver directly to and from your address, or would you have to make your own travel arrangements to the facility? 

• Climate-control: does the facility have the appropriate temperature and humidity controlling systems in place, to ensure the optimal storage conditions for your belongings? 

• Packing materials: does the self-storage company sell high-quality packing materials such as cardboard boxes and specialised containers, to help you pack your items securely? 

9. Location 

Choosing a self-storage facility close to your home or workplace is always convenient. Storage contracts at facilities located in the city centre are usually more expensive than in the outskirts, but if you are someone looking to frequently access your belongings, it may be a good investment to pay that higher price.  

10. Word of mouth 

Finally, if you know family and friends who have used self-storage before, ask them for advice and recommendations. Hearing their experiences will help you make a more confident and informed decision. 

From reading this blog, I am sure you can understand that there are a lot of things to think about and research when choosing the right self-storage company for you. Assessing these factors of the storage company and making a knowledgeable decision will allow you to store with the peace of mind that your items will be well protected. Browse through your storage options via our website. Enter your post code and within a few clicks you will be able to see the available storage services near you and the comparison of prices.