Do you have a business that needs some additional square footage for storage? If so, you could benefit from renting a self-storage unit for your needs and getting some of those items out of your main office. Here are some questions to ask before renting a storage unit.
Can You Rent A Climate-Controlled Unit?
You may be storing items that are sensitive to extreme temperatures, such as certain inventory items that you have or electronic devices. These are items that benefit from being stored in a climate-controlled storage unit. The items inside the unit will be stored at a consistent temperature, with humidity controls that prevent the air from getting too dry or too humid.
How Secure Is The Facility?
When storing items related to your business, you likely have concerns about if the storage facility is secured. Ask about how people can get into the storage facility and if it is limited only to people renting a storage unit. You'll also want to find out if the facility is only open during certain hours and if there is an employee there at all times to greet people as they enter. If you will have employees that need to access the storage unit, ask if the storage facility needs to be notified about who will be going in and out of your storage unit. It's also a good idea to inquire about security cameras and other measures used for theft prevention.
Do You Need To Sign A Long-Term Contract?
Find out if there is any sort of commitment to using the storage facility before you rent. While it is common for many storage facilities to be on a month-to-month basis, some require a longer contract to get a reduced rate or when space is limited. Make sure that the rental terms fit the needs of your business and how long you need storage for.
Will The Storage Facility Have Access To The Storage Unit?
As a storage unit renter, it is up to you to protect your own storage unit by purchasing a lock. The storage unit facility will not have access to the key or combination to the lock, so you know that everything in the unit will be secure. However, if you do not pay the monthly rental cost for the storage unit, the facility does have the right to cut the lock off the unit so that they can remove your belongings.