If you have many items and don't know what to do with them renting a storage company might be an option. It doesn't matter if you are a small business owner or a family looking for a place to store your items, choosing the right storage company is an important step. Although searching for storage can be tiring and difficult, asking the right questions can make the whole process easier.

In this blog, we will share questions to ask a storage company before deciding on one.

Different Types of  Storage Services

There are different types of storage and each one has a special quality and purpose.

• Long-term storage
• Short-term storage
• Car Storage
• Indoor and Outdoor storage.

Each type of storage has its advantages and it is up to you to decide which one you need.

What Kind of Storage do you Need?

Before we get to what questions to ask a storage company, you first need to know what you need, such as:

• What size storage unit do you need?
• What level of security are you looking?
• Storage prices?
• Do they provide insurance for the items in case of an accidents, etc?
• Are you bound, and to what extent, by a contract or something similar?

When you put all your requirements and wishes on paper, you can start looking for a storage company.

Questions to Ask a Storage Company

1. Price of the Services?

When you know what you are looking for, start with the price. Price is always one of the most important factors when choosing a storage company. The questions you need to ask regarding the price are:

• What is the monthly or yearly rental price for the belongings?
• Are there any discounts for long-term rentals?
• Are there additional costs for insurance, or is it included in the price?
• Are there extra fees if you visit the storage outside of working hours?

Once you have answered all the questions, you will know how much money you need and whether your budget can cover everything.

2. What are the Security Measures?

When choosing a storage space, the first thing that interests you is the safety of your belongings. Talk to the company if the storage includes the following:

• Do they have security that is present 24/7?
• Does every part of the storage have video surveillance?
• How often do they check security cameras?
• Is the storage protected against fire and flooding, and how?
• Do they offer insurance in case of an accident?

Any reliable storage company must have all these protective factors to keep your belongings safe and secure.

3. What are the Terms of the Contract?

Before deciding to sign a contract with the selected storage, learn yourself about the conditions:

• How long is the contract?
• Is it possible to terminate the contract early without extra payment?
• What are the conditions if you want to expand the contract?
• Does the contract automatically start renewing after it expires?
• What happens if you are late paying your rent on time?

You will avoid unpredictable problems and misunderstandings if the contract is precisely written.

4. How Reachable is the Storage?

When considering renting storage space, you need to consider how available it is. Think carefully:

• Is storage always available at all times?
• Are there limited opening hours?
• Does the truck have easy access to the storage?
• Do storage employees have extra tools to transport your items?

Good storage availability is important, as it can facilitate the whole process.

5. What are the Dimensions and Types of Storage?

You must know what kind of storage you're looking for, what all the storage has, and whether the dimensions are suitable for your belongings. To be sure that it is the right size and type, pay attention to the following:

• The exact dimensions of the storage.
• Ask if the storage is open or closed.
• Are the storages regularly maintained?
• Can they control the temperature in the storage?

Due to the large selection of storage spaces, they know that there are various types and sizes. That's why they need to ask carefully and choose the storage that suits them.

6. What Kind of Insurance Do They Have?

Taking insurance is always important because it assures that your belongings are safe and secure in any situation. When renting storage, be sure to ask the following:

• What types of insurance do they offer?
• How much does that insurance cost?
• What does the insurance cover?

When you find everything that interests them, they can decide whether these conditions suit their needs.

7. Do They Have Additional Services?

Many storage companies offer many additional services to attract customers. When you pick a storage, sit down and ask nicely if they offer:

• Transport to and from the storage?
• Loading and unloading services?
• Do they provide packing and unpacking services?
• Is there a special storage area for special and sensitive valuables?

All these additional services can make the entire storage process easier for you.

8. Do They Offer Special Conditions for Valuable Items?

When discussing renting storage, if you have valuable or fragile items, be sure to ask if they offer special conditions for storing them. It would be good to ask the following:

• Do they have experience storing valuable items such as art, paintings, or similar items?
• How do they handle sensitive and valuable items?
• Is the price of storage higher or lower for more valuable things?
• Do they store vehicles and motors in the storage unit?

If the storage company provides all the necessary and special conditions, you can rest assured that your valuables are safe.

9. How do They Solve Complaints and Problems?

No one likes to have a problem and hopes for it, but when they rent a storage unit and put their items, they must know how the company will solve possible issues. Ask them openly the following:

• What is the process for reporting lost or damaged items?
• How does the company resolve complaints from users of storage space?
• How long does it take to respond to complaints?
• Do they return the money, or do they have the possibility of early termination of the contract if the client is not pleased?

Every storage company should have legal procedures for solving possible problems so that clients are satisfied.

Conclusion

When you decide to look for a storage company, it is important to think carefully about the questions you want to ask them. The right questions will help you get a true picture of the services offered by that company. When you find a storage company that fits your needs and budget, you will have peace of mind because you will know that your things are in safe hands.

Contact us at (718) 619-4881 for all your storage needs.