Most people aren’t very thoughtful when selecting a storage facility until a problem arises. A unit you thought was okay when booking might end up having a pest issue, poor access hours, poor security, and other issues.
So how do you find a reliable storage facility? Do not worry. Below, we will explain what makes a reliable one.
Security beyond a simple lock
A trustworthy facility is serious about security at all levels. This includes:
- Perimeter fencing
- Controlled access entry (code or key card required)
- CCTV covering the whole property
- Staff on site during business hours.
The individual unit locks must be strong and secure. Not easily broken with simple tools.
Facilities that invest in security infrastructure show that they take responsibility for what is stored on their premises seriously. That attitude tends to carry through to every other aspect of how the facility is managed.
Climate control for sensitive items
Not all things can withstand extreme temperatures and humidity. An uninsulated metal unit in an outdoor environment will regularly create conditions that can cause:
- Timber furniture to swell and shrink
- Electronics to rust
- Documents to yellow
- Some fabrics to fall into disrepair.
An insulated metal unit will not cause the same deterioration. A dependable facility will provide temperature- and humidity-controlled units. This is an extra expense to a standard unit. But it is a small price to pay for items that have real monetary or sentimental worth.
Flexible access and convenient hours
Reliable facilities provide extended access or 24-hour access for customers to access their items when they actually need them. Not when the facility is convenient.
Access arrangements become particularly important when your belongings are being stored between moving dates. If you are coordinating a move with Chipman Relocation, check whether the facility’s operating hours, loading arrangements and collection procedures fit the mover’s schedule.
This accessibility should also extend to the physical design:
- Wide driveways for larger vehicles
- Trolleys and lifts for multi-level facilities
- Loading bays, etc
All these elements work together to create a practical storage experience.
Professional customer service
How a storage facility treats its customers says a lot about how reliably it operates in the long term.
Professionalism is reflected in the:
- Clarity of communication
- Transparency of terms
- Speed of response to questions or concerns
- The condition of the premises
- How customer property is handled.
Clean premises
One of the most obvious signs of how a storage facility is managed is its physical condition. Look out for:
- Pest activity
- Water stains on the walls of the unit
- Damaged flooring
- Broken lighting in the corridors
- General neglect of the common areas.
These characteristics point to a facility that puts income before the condition and safety of what customers are trusting it to protect.
Visit the facility yourself before signing anything. Take note of cleanliness and maintenance. See whether the staff takes obvious pride in the condition of the premises.
The last words
A reliable storage facility provides robust security, well-maintained units, flexible access hours, and professional customer service. Spend some time researching, visiting facilities, and making inquiries before deciding.
