You may have several reasons you need to get long-term or short-term storage for your household goods. Perhaps you are relocating from your current home and need temporary storage space as you plan to ship the items to your new home — or even hold your items until you get back in a couple of months or years. Seasonal items also tend to occupy a ton of space in the house.

But no matter your reason for needing extra storage space, chances are, you have several storage facilities near you. Below are six tips to consider when choosing the best storage company for your household items.

1. Security and Safety

You should ensure that the storage facility you choose is not only in a safe location but also has safety and security features in place. For example, controlled access and CCTV surveillance are some of the security features you may want to have at your storage facility.

Some storage facilities will also provide you with a lock and key, while others will have digital access in passcodes or biometrics. You should ensure that the security features of the storage facility are clearly explained to you and are well articulated in your contract.

2. Storage Unit Material and Amenities

A good storage facility will have special weather-controlled storage units if the area experiences extreme weather. Some household items like electronics and wooden and plastic pieces are prone to damage due to extreme heat, cold, or humidity.

Storage units in areas of extreme weather should have built-in thermal regulators to ensure optimum temperatures inside the units. The materials used to make the storage units should be resistant to all weather elements. The location of the storage unit, whether indoors or outdoors, is also crucial to how well your items will keep while in storage.

3. Cost and Payment Plans

Your storage facility’s cost should suit you and your budget, so carefully review your options before you choose a facility. You should also ask about any extra costs, such as third-party insurance, extra security costs, or even the cost of special storage units.

You also need to know the payment plan of the facility. Do they require you to pay weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annually? The payment plan will help you avoid unnecessary miscommunications or inconveniences.

4. Operating Times

Not all storage facilities function 24 hours, 7 days a week. Each facility has its own set of rules in terms of operating times. You should make sure that these times work for you and your schedule if it does not operate 24 hours. You should also liaise with the company and inquire about emergency access outside of normal operating hours.

5. Location of the Storage Facility

You’ll likely want to choose a conveniently located storage facility, especially for short-term storage. The facility should be close to your house and easily accessible. If you plan to ship items to the facility, keep in mind that the shipping cost from your house to the storage facility is often calculated by distance.

6. Reviews, Ratings, and Recommendations

Finally, when choosing a storage facility, you have to do your research and ask around. Reading online reviews from social sites such as Facebook and Google will help you pick the right storage facility. You are also most likely to get a good recommendation on a storage facility from friends, family, neighbors, and even colleagues.

Whether you are looking for a short-term or long-term storage facility for your household items, you should only get the best. Reach out to our team at Dixie Moving & Storage, Inc., and let us help you with all your household storage needs.