Self-storage facilities have sprung up throughout the U.S. If your possessions have outgrown your living or business space, you may want to consider using one. They're a great alternative to using a full-service commercial storage company.
There are a few things you should consider before signing a contract with one of these self-storage companies:
1. Does the self-storage company have adequate security in place to protect your goods from theft or fire?
2. Can you access your self-storage unit whenever you want?
3. Are the units the right size, and is there enough room to store additional items in the future?
4. Is the climate control of the self-storage unit adequate for your business storage needs, especially if you're storing furniture?
5. What types of measures is the operator of the self-storage facility taking to control pests?
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Find a reliable self-storage company near you
With the prevalence of self-storage facilities, how do you know which one is right for you? There are a few tools on the Internet you can use to help choose the right one for your business storage.
I recommend: Search for self-storage companies in your area by going to websites such as
SelfStorage.com or consider members of
The Self-Storage Association.
Consider using one of the national storage rental companies
The larger, national self-storage companies rely on their reputations to survive.
I recommend: Use a national self-storage company such as
Westy,
Public Storage or
ExtraSpace Storage. All of these facilities offer safe, secure commercial storage units of various sizes with adequate access for trucks.
Look for deals in storage rentals
Some self-storage companies can offer you a free month's rent or other benefits if you use them.
I recommend: Among self-storage facilities offering extra benefits, such as a free month of storage and individually alarmed storage space, are
SafeGuard and
ExtraSpace Storage.
Use self-storage facilities offered by your truck rental company
It may be more convenient for you to use the company that's renting you a truck to haul your belongings to storage.
I recommend: U-Haul is a national company offering self-storage facilities. Others regional companies include
Leap Frog in Georgia,
Access Self Storage in Texas and
Eastern Self-Storage in Florida.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Read the contract. Look for hidden fees, insurance caveats and other inconsistencies that may end up costing you more money when you're ready to move your goods to another location.
- Check to see if the self-storage facility has adequate access for the vehicle you're using to haul your items.
- Estimate the replacement value of every item you're storing, and make sure they're adequately insured in case they're damaged.
- Check to see if the facility offers free use of machinery, such as hand carts or dollies, to move your items.
The official source of Self-Storage Companies is
the Self-Storage Companies page at Business.com
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