MOVING BLOG

How To Select A Storage Facility
By The Good Greek

In many moves, people require storage units to temporarily store their belongings. The reasons for needing a storage unit vary by person. But the bottom line is that they need a safe, secure and accessible storage unit that is in the right place and is the right size for their belongings. The following steps can help people reach that goal.

Determine Why You Need a Storage Unit

Before making any decisions about where and how to store your belongings, you need to determine why you need storage in the first place. For some people, they need to temporarily store items while a new home is built or renovated. Or, they may move into a smaller place and need to keep items in storage for a longer period. Others are moving business and need to store office furniture and other items until a new building is completely ready.

Understanding exactly why you need a storage unit impacts how long you will rent storage space and the location and size of the storage unit.

Determine the Amount of Items To Be Stored

Now you know why you need it. The next step is to determine how much stuff you plan to put into it. Start by taking an inventory of everything you plan to put into the storage unit. This way, you won’t forget anything and accidentally put it into the “to move” pile rather than the “to store” pile.

After you know everything you plan to store, determine how much space they will take up once packed into boxes. You can do this right now by putting everything in boxes, stacking them up and measuring how much space they take up. Also, one typical hiccup is that people don’t account for items that are either too heavy to stack or have an awkward shape that requires more room. Keep these in mind when assessing the size of your storable belongings.

Choosing a Location

Typically, storage units in the city will cost slightly more than those in a more remote area. However, you must weigh this consideration against how many times you will need to access your storage. If you will need to get to it more often, the closer you are, the better. If it contains items you won’t need to use very often, then a more remote location could work out OK. This all goes back to understanding why you need the unit and the type of items you plan to store.

What Size Storage Unit Do You Need?

When it comes to size, one rule to remember is that you want a unit that will fit all your stuff but also offers room for you to maneuver. You want room to walk in and reach boxes, even if those all the way in the back. That keeps you from the mistake of getting too small a unit and having to dig through boxes to reach something you need.

Another issue to keep in mind are future needs. Some people rent a storage unit, only to discover they need to add more later. When you make your inventory list above, keep a separate list of things you might have to store later.

Assess the Storage Facility

When you visit a potential storage facility, make sure it is accessible at time when you will need to get to your belongings. Also, ensure there is proper security, including 24/7 CCTV. The complex should also have a strong fence surrounding it, secure and manned gates, and fire prevention equipment.

Why It’s Important To Choose The Right Storage Unit

You need to find the right size storage unit that will keep your important belongings safe and secure. However, you also need to find a storage unit that will give you the best value and fit your budget. Good Greek Moving & Storage has decades of experience in connecting people with a unit that will best serve their storage needs. When you contact us, we can show you the available storage space and help you pick the best storage unit for your situation.

Call For a Free Moving Estimate: South Florida (561) 683-1313 – Tampa (813) 438-2700