Booking a storage unit can often be the one-stop solution to a host of different issues. Whether you want to declutter your home, shift houses, store some equipment, or more, a storage unit can be an easy way to make use of some extra space. However, when you have so many options available and so many facilities to consider, it can be hard to narrow down your options and find the best storage unit.
Picking a storage unit blindly can lead to picking out something that doesn’t suit your needs. If you go the extra mile, however, you can ensure that you get your money’s worth. Especially if you live in a large, busy city like Hong Kong, you are sure to find a good storage unit. Such busy cities have various storage units to accommodate the needs of the residents. If you want to learn more about how you can invest in something worthwhile when getting a storage unit, keep reading.
1. Consider the location
Location is one of the most vital factors to consider when you’re booking a storage unit. Regardless of the reason you’re booking it, you want to get something that’s close by and accessible. This can help you ensure that your belongings are always safe, and if you ever need to access them, you don’t need to travel too much.
People in bigger cities like Hong Kong might feel like it can be challenging to find a storage unit nearby. However, residents in the city can rest easy, as there are several excellent storage facilities available right in the heart of the city. These storage facilities come in a range of sizes, letting you pick one that suits your needs and budget. You can look up self storage Hong Kong to find the best offers.
2. Research the facilities
Figuring out what facilities a storage unit can offer is one of the most vital parts of selecting which place you finally invest in. No two storage units are the same, and you can find that the facilities offered can differ greatly. The facilities you choose can differ depending on your needs too. However, as a rule of thumb, it can never hurt to have more facilities.
Some of the basics to consider include CCTV cameras, locks, and fingerprint scanners for access. These can help you ensure that your belongings will be completely safe in your absence. Extras, however, can include temperature settings, onsite staff, customer support, cleaning services, and more. Going over the list of facilities that different storage units can offer can help you decide what you need the best and what you can do without.
3. Figure out your needs
Figuring out what you need is one of the first things to do when you’re trying to select the best storage unit. Asking yourself what you need the unit for, how long you plan on using it, and how much you can spend, can give you the clearest idea of what you need to look for.
Your needs can differ greatly depending on what you plan on storing. If you’re just storing random clutter, there’s not much you need to spend on maintenance facilities. However, if you’re storing precious items such as antiques, paintings, or more, you will need to ensure you have a temperature-controlled, safe zone where your items won’t degrade. Moreover, if you’re storing a vehicle or larger items, you’ll also need a storage unit with drive-up space. It’s important to go over every aspect to ensure you pick the right model.
4. Assess your budget
Budget is a huge part of deciding which storage unit you ultimately decide to go with. You can find several storage facilities which offer a range of different features, but it won’t matter if it’s all out of your budget. When planning out your budget for a storage unit, it’s important to also assess how long you’ll need to use it. In most cases, you might need to book a unit for at least a few months if you’re looking for a home renovation project or just want to clear out some clutter.
If you’re shifting houses or doing some small repairs, or need to store something super specific, you probably won’t need to use the storage unit for too long. If you can’t afford to splurge, you may need to cut back on the size and the facilities offered, especially if you need to rent your storage unit for a longer period.
5. Go over the lease agreement carefully
Even though a storage unit can seem like a minor rental, it never hurts to go over the details of the lease agreement carefully. Most people end up using their storage unit for at least a few months, so it can be helpful to know the full terms of your agreement before you sign. When going over your lease agreement, there are several factors to consider. One thing to consider carefully can be whether there are any hidden or extra charges that you’ll have to pay in the end.
Additionally, you should also consider aspects such as the lease term and suitable payment options. If you go over your lease in advance, you can be in a better position to negotiate a better deal with the rental owners or ask them to explain the contract.
6. Prepare your belongings
The final step of the process is making sure you can prepare everything for safe storage in your storage unit. Rather than haphazardly dumping everything in, make sure you pack things up so they can stay in the best possible shape when you’re ready to retrieve them. If you’re storing smaller items, pack them away in boxes, and make sure you store precious items with bubble wrap.
Clothes can go in garment bags to keep them safe from the elements, especially if you don’t have a temperature-controlled unit. Additionally, it can also help to keep an inventory of all the items, so you can keep track of your belongings.
Conclusion
Although it can seem outwardly simple, booking a storage unit can be a process that requires some careful thought. By following these tips, you can ensure you pick the best storage unit for your needs and budget. Keeping these factors in mind can help you ensure you don’t spend too much and get the most from the facility you choose to invest in.
