When searching for storage units, most people will begin their search looking at storage units listed by price. Unfortunately, by the time they realize their error and the true damage that storing their belongings with the wrong storage unit can cost, it will already be too late. A bad storage unit can end up costing you much more in the long run. This article will discuss a few common problems faced with most storage units and how using a storage unit can lead to you losing large sums of money due to storage related damages and more.

When renting a storage space it is important to consider a few factors prior to paying for a unit. Storage spaces may initially seem cheap, but it is possible that other aspects of the rental could end up costing you more in the long run. By first reviewing several of these options, you are able to save money, time, and stress in the end.

Security measures that actually matter

While most venues will have security cameras, big differences exist between the placement of the cameras as well as the quality of the cameras and recording. You should make sure the venues you are looking at have cameras over all entry points as well as hallways and loading areas. It is also important to review the quality of the recording and ask if you can watch a theft in progress. If you cannot clearly see a poor quality recording it is unlikely it will be of use in the recovery of stolen items.

While storage units themselves offer decent security in the form of a locked door and storage unit, most units also come with alarms. These alarms announce to the storage unit owner and the management at the storage facility (and in some cases the police) that someone has entered a storage unit with an incorrect password. Most burglars assume that storage units are not frequently visited for long periods of time, and therefore would think nothing of idly standing in front of a locked storage unit.

All access control systems should require the entry of a gate code and the individual’s name/id. Many facilities allow too much unlimited access to guests or allow access at will without tracking who is entering and when. The best systems photograph each person entering and maintain a log of who has accessed the site and when.

Many people underestimate the importance of perimeter security. Most people think of CCTV, intrusion alarms, and guards when they think of warehouse security. Indeed these elements are important, but no more so than the presence of robust fencing and lighting, or controlled vehicle access points to deter theft by the opportunity load. Take the time to inspect the perimeter of the warehouse before reviewing the security provisions. This will allow you to form an informed view of the relative strength of the facility’s defences.

Access convenience and restrictions

Extended access hours are one of the things that sell storage facilities, until you find out the gates don’t open on time because the gate system is malfunctioning. Then you discover what they really mean by “24-hour access” — extended business hours for single wide single story single file single wide trailers and RVs, but not for larger units or other types of storage. Find out the system of operations when you first go to the facility and what provisions the facility makes in case of a technology failure.

In this video, TransTech Systems’ Vice President Steve Turner discusses the importance of designing your loading dock efficiently.

See also: What makes a bathroom seating option safer for everyday use?

Climate control and environmental protection

Climate controlled storage units typically cost a few dollars more than a standard storage unit per square foot per year but the cost of damaged items could save you so much more in the long run. Items such as documents, electronics, clothing and special or antique wooden furniture are typically stored in a climate controlled storage unit. These items could easily deteriorate in the hot or cold temperatures or high humidity of a standard storage unit with extreme temperature swings from day to day. Even metal items can rust in a storage unit that is poorly ventilated and the damage that occurs in storage from climate conditions is noticeable in a very short period of time.

It is also a good idea to visit any proposed storage facility and see if they can provide details on their humidity control. As poor ventilation can lead to damp in storage, it is essential that the storage facility has some method of controlling the humidity within the building. Ideally, storage facilities should maintain consistent temperature and humidity levels all year round.

Pest control is a serious business as rodents and insects are notorious paper and fabric eaters. Don’t be afraid to ask letting agents and landlords what measures they take to regularly pest control and prevent the spread of the problem to other properties.

Unit sizing and layout efficiency

We find that many of our customers under estimate their volume of items that require storage. Therefore we would advise customers to bring with them the dimensions of their largest item that requires storage. Also, customers should consider how they will be utilising the storage space and how they will pack the storage unit before selecting the appropriate size. Although it may cost a couple of inches more on the front for a larger unit in the short term, it could save you money in the long term as you will not overfill the unit and be unable to access items stored in the back.

Each storage unit differs in height. Be sure to take note of the actual available vertical space in which to store your things. Some facilities are notorious for providing a false square footage by failing to account for the “dead” space between the door and the back of a unit and the missing space around corners.

Cleanliness and maintenance standards

A nice look at facility condition can give you an idea of how much attention to detail management puts forth. Similarly, you can get a sense of how unit maintenance might be doing as well as security systems and monitoring.

This isn’t just eye candy.

This space should be completely cleaned prior to move-in. There is possibility of past tenants throwing trash on clothing and furnishings or leaving stains and odors. Inspect all spaces of this unit before agreeing to it and have any needed cleaning done before agreeing to any agreement.

When comparing self storage Bunbury options look for the consistent maintenance of a high quality storage facility. When storing your contents you would want to know that someone is taking proper care of your gear.

When seeking the lowest end storage facility you may not realize that you will be paying for these mistakes in the long run. Low end storage facilities are cheap for a reason. Not only is the security probably not up to par, but you are limited to the access hours of the facility. Most importantly, the quality of the storage spaces probably aren’t worthy of protecting your items. It’s always best to spend a little extra money and get the storage facility that deserves to store your items.