10 questions to help you choose a self storage facility 

Property is becoming even more expensive and people are needing more affordable extra self storage space for personal possessions like bikes, surfboards, motorbikes and jet ski’s. Many people are simply recognising how flexible and useful self storage is in general for all sorts of family reasons such as adding to the family, starting a new family or moving house – the list really is endless. 

If you are one of the many people looking to take on a self storage unit, it is important you ask all the right questions in order to get yourself the value for money and best sort of secure self storage. 

Here are 10 questions to ask your self storage facility before moving in: 

What Security Do You Have? 

Security is so important, because your treasured possessions will be held at the site! How many entry points does the place have and how are they protected? What is the security lighting like? How many cameras do they have? Is there 24 hour security? 

How Are My Goods Protected? 

This will help you find out additional information about security and about how your items are protected. They should give you information about insurance and security. Basically, they should give you way more reasons than you thought of to trust that your items are safe there. 

How Flexible Is The Service? 

This is so important, particularly if you are a growing business. You may well need to go from a small space, to a large space, back down to a small space again, especially if your business is still growing or has seasonal fluctuations in stock. If you get tied into a contract for a year in a space you might not need in 3 months, this isn’t the place for you. 

Where Are They? 

This may sound really simple, but a self storage company should ideally be within 5 miles of your location. Much further away and getting access to your possessions can be very time consuming. Find out exactly where they are, so you can determine if you can get quick access to them. 

How Much Customer Support Do I Get?  

You need to know a lot about the customer support you will get, which is something you won’t find out when the company is trying to sell you a space. Obviously, if they seem genuinely interested in your needs and not up selling the biggest space to you then that’s a start, but it won’t show you everything you need to know. Find out if as a customer you will call through to a call centre or a person actually based at the site if you ring.  

Ask what happens if there’s an issue with payments, an emergency, with the service you are getting – try to see how open and available the company is to your needs. You’re looking for an open and honest response from them that lets you know exactly what they offer. 

How Long Have You Been Trading? 

This should give you information about how trustworthy the company is. New companies are great but working with a company with years of experience in this trade will never be a bad thing, and has so many benefits long term. The Space Program have been offering self storage containers since 2002. 

Are You Independent Or Part Of A Large Chain? 

There’s a lot of benefits to choosing an independent storage facility. Usually they are family-run, take great pride in their facility and provide excellent customer service. A chain might be a good option for you, but don’t discount an independent as they might have an edge you weren’t aware of and offer a different kind of service than you are used to with the bigger and national firms. 

How Much Will It Cost? 

You’re looking for a completely transparent quote and hopefully they will ask you plenty of questions to give you a personalised quote, not just a generalised guess. But, you need to make sure you supply accurate information in terms of what you are storing and the sizes, else the quote is just not going to be accurate. 

Do You Offer Other Services? 

Being able to borrow a van to help with your moving or being referred to reputable local firms to assist with your needs is a good sign the facility is well organised and well connected. If they can offer you a service or recommend someone who does that service in the local area, you’ve got a great ability to get the things you need quickly all in one place.  The Space Program also offers a Secure Sign & Store service, so you don’t need to hang around for deliveries, saving you time and money! 

Can I Come And Visit? 

If the facility is great, you shouldn’t have to ask this question, they should have already encouraged you to visit. This is, hands down, the most important thing you can do. They can ‘talk the talk’ on the phone, but the facility might have issues they don’t mention that you can only see in person. Don’t make the mistake of only noticing those issues after you have committed to a space. 

You are welcome to visit us.  We are always happy to answer any questions you may have, so feel free to give us a call or fill in the form below.