Choosing a self storage unit is difficult, but if you put these three things as your top priorities when choosing one, you will struggle to go wrong.

When you are looking for a self storage unit, you are likely to want to find a good priced unit (check self storage prices here), but that should never be your top priority. Three of the key things you want the owners to be on top of is security, maintenance and safety. Their units will hold a lot of high value items, so it is important security, maintenance and safety is top of the priority list and should be something you have no problem asking about when checking out the self storage unit you are interested in. (And in case you worry about these things you might also want to avoid the world’s most haunted self storage facilities!) Here’s why these three things matter the most when it comes to choosing a self storage unit:

man labelling packing boxes
  1. Security From The Start

All self storage facilities should have a security system that starts at the gate. Security cameras, alarms, and indeed a gate, should all be part and parcel of the security system. Individual alarms should be included, so your individual unit is protected. Clearly, if there is more security then that is even better. The unit may also boast: Electric gates controlled digitally, extensive security video cameras, sensor alarms, intercoms and various technology related to security. They should boast about this aspect of their unit because every self storage company wants to stand out from competitors. Security is clearly a key priority when it comes to storing your items because there is no point in keeping the items in a unit if they aren’t going to be safe there. You may as well leave them in your garage. If a unit claims to be secure, don’t be afraid to find out why.

  1. Safety Procedures

A great unit will have safety procedures for staff to follow. This could be as simple as using a wet floor sign if the floor has just been mopped. It may seem minor, but the more laws the company is following the better – because it means they will be doing what the law requires in terms of keeping your items safe. The last place you want something underhand to be going in is in a place you keep your treasured belongings. It also means you can feel safe when you are on the premises as well. A unit incorporating these safety measures may also train staff to look out for signs of untoward behaviour or signs of issues. This could be less obvious signs a unit has been broken into or signs of criminal behaviour of tenants as an example. This is great as it shows all eyes and ears are on the ground ensuring everyone is protected and looked out for.

  1. Maintenance Means Pride

This is a key sign that a company really wants customers to get what they pay for. From maintaining cracks in the walls, to painting a peeling door, you want to see that the entire premises is kept in great condition. It shows that the company really do have pride in the operation they are running, and ensures you can trust that you are paying for high quality all round. It also shows that your items are going to be safe. Why? Because the unit will be well maintained. With companies like London Storage you won’t have to worry about damp, cracks or pests because the standards are so high at your facility, the unit will have had maintenance completed before you were sold the space.

Remember, before you invest in your unit, you should be asking questions and checking it is safe, secure and well maintained, because that reassures you that your items will be completely protected. And before you know it you will be organising your storage unit like a pro secure in the knowledge everything is safe and secure.