Take time to research storage facilities
Every year at this time, many homeowners are recommitting to organizing their homes. During the process, you may find that you need more space, such as a storage unit, for items that won’t fit in your house. To make smart decisions when it comes to signing a contract for a storage unit, spend time deciding on the type of storage unit you need.
Gather the items you want to put into storage in one place. This will put into perspective how much space you need. Don’t forget, you’ll also need space to enter the unit and move around. If you ever need to get something out, you don’t want a unit that’s packed from floor to ceiling.
The Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas offers tips on what to consider before renting a storage unit:
Research the business. Visit BBBHouston.org to check their customer reviews, BBB accreditation status, and more business information. Customer reviews can give you insight into what to consider when visiting the facility.
Looking into climate controls. Are any of your items temperature sensitive? If so, you’ll need to have a unit that’s indoors and climate-controlled. Are your items valuable? You’ll need a unit that has a good security and monitoring system. Also, purchasing insurance for the unit is a good idea; whether it’s through the storage company itself or your personal insurance company.
Don’t make an impulsive decision based solely on location and price.
Don’t simply select the location closest to you. Keep your options open and make sure you have a few units that you can investigate before making a final decision. You may find that a location a little bit farther away will give you more features that you want.
Check cleanliness and security.
All businesses advertise that they’re secure and clean, but not all live up to their promises. Problems could include: bug/animals infestations, leaking roofs, broken surveillance systems, unmanned entrances and poor security of visitors. Look carefully when you visit.
Ask what’s included in the rate.
Some full-service storage companies cost a little more but include extra services, such as free boxes, packing supplies and even transportation. There may be additional charges for lock rental, insurance, late fees, utilities and security. Make sure you get everything in writing and read your contract carefully so you aren’t surprised by add-ons later.
Read the small print. Read the fine print to look for all sorts of conditions relating to responsibility of your possessions, amount of notice for raising rent, and terms under which you’re deemed to have defaulted.
Verify access to the unit. Be sure to look up the storage facility online and determine what the gate and office hours are.
Do not feel pressured. Do not sign on the dotted line, even if management tells you that the units are limited.
Spend the visit looking around and asking questions. First impressions are everything and often you’ll get a sense from that first visit how the company treats customers.
Visit www.bbbhouston.org or call 713868-9500. Leah Napoliello is BBB VP of operations. Send questions to Leah Napoliello, Better Business Bureau, 1333 West Loop South, Suite 1200, Houston, TX 77027, or e-mail lnapoliello@bbbhou.org with address and phone number.