The 10 Most Important Questions to Ask Your Self Storage Facility

Have you ever looked around your home or garage and thought: what am I going to do with all this stuff? Maybe it’s time to think about renting a self storage unit in Vancouver.  Whether you want to store seasonal toys or tools, or perhaps you’ve downsized but still need some extra space for the items that don’t fit in your new place, a self storage unit is an affordable and convenient way to safely keep your things.

When considering what Vancouver self storage facility to go with, you will want to be armed with all the facts and information available. It’s important to do some research and to ask a few key questions. Believe us when we say that not all self-storage facilities are created equal!

Drawing from our own experience, we’ve come up with a list of the 10 Most Important Questions to Ask Your Self Storage Facility before you go ahead and sign on that dotted line.

List of The 10 Most Important Questions To Ask Vancouver Storage Facility

1. What Are The Monthly Fees?

The first thing anyone wants to know is the monthly cost of renting a storage unit. This, of course, will depend on the size of the unit. Ask to see if there are discounts for longer contracts, or any other special deals available.

2. Will The Fees Increase Over Time?

Inflation is real and prices for most things increase over time. Make sure you have a clear understanding of the pricing structure and plan, especially if you plan to rent for a long period of time.

3. Are There Any Hidden Fees?

A trustworthy self storage facility will be up front with all costs and you will be billed for the exact amount you expect. There won’t be any surprises. Even though the fees should be clear from the beginning, it’s always worth it to ask if there are any hidden costs that will be coming your way.

4. What Are The Hours I Can Access My Unit?

People keep all different schedules from shift work to a 9-5, so the hours the facility is open may influence your decision. Check ahead to see if the facility works with your schedule. If you need your unit 24 hours a day, it’s important to make sure it will be open when you need it.

5. Do I Need My Own Lock?

Some modern facilities have upgraded and now use high grade secure keyless units, while others require a person to provide their own lock. It will depend on what you are comfortable with. Keeping belongings safe starts with how well it’s locked, so be sure to inquire about whether or not you will need a lock.

6. What Security Measures Do You Take?

Security is everything with self storage and a good facility will have a well-planned, working security system. Do they have cameras? Where are they placed? They should be willing to show it off if it’s good!

7. Is There Humidity Control?

In Vancouver storage facilities, humidity can be deadly for your prized possessions. Humidity control is important in keeping your belongings in pristine shape — especially if you are storing things like paper files or photos.

8. What Do You Do About Pests And Rodents?

Vancouver was recently named one of the “rattiest” cities and rats and mice can do some real damage if not guarded against. Your new storage facility should have a plan to prevent pests and rodents from becoming a huge problem.

9. Is Storage Insurance Required?

Depending on what you are storing in the facility and for how long, extra insurance might be a good idea, and/or it might be required by the facility in the first place. This is a good thing to ask about because it could save you a huge headache if something unforeseen happens to the facility or your unit.

10. Can I Have A Tour?

A good storage facility should have nothing to hide and a tour is a great place to start so that you can ask the above questions and any others that come up. Plus it’s always nice to have the lay of the land because the facilities can be a bit of a maze.

Making an informed decision about the Vancouver storage facility you will go with will save you time and money. So ask questions, read Google reviews, and go have a look for yourself before you sign over your money, and your possessions.

If you have any questions about self-storage or need any self-storage in Vancouver, please contact Nation Wide Self Storage!