The best solution is to rent a storage unit. It is not as costly as you assumed it to be. There's a lot of storage facilities out there, offering the best service they have at the cheapest, most cost-effective rate. You just have to choose the best one.

Here, we prepared a list of what to expect when renting a storage unit. This would help you choose which storage company is the best for your storing needs.

1. Transparency

When you request a quote from a storage company (the option is usually available on their website) or talk to their customer service team, they must give you all the necessary information, like the size options, the price per unit, and whether or not you need to avail of an insurance package. Be careful not to be trapped. Sometimes, there are "hidden charges" that other companies intentionally hid from the beginning of the negotiation to make their rates look cheaper. But after you signed the contract, the rates keep jumping.

Don't get trapped. Be inquisitive.

2. Premium Security

The storage facility must have a premium security system. Of course, since you paid the price, you expect the facility to take care of your belongings very well. How strong their gates and fences are? How strict their staff are in implementing safety and security guidelines? Are the CCTVs and alarms installed are of the latest high-end technologies?

3. Availability of Storage Personnel

The presence of staff in the actual storage facility is a must, for management, supervision, and security. You don't expect your things to be housed in a facility where there is no rounding personnel. What if something came up? What if you need to visit your unit to get an important item. Who will assist you? The storage facility personnel should maintain a high-visibility presence.

4. Accessibility

A good storage facility is open 24/7 or after normal work hours, when it is convenient for customers to visit their units. Customers should not hassle or worry about how they will check the items in their units when they are working normal hours. The facility should consider the work schedule of its customers. It's a plus if they are open during weekends or on holidays.

5. Justifiable Plans

The plans offered by the storage facility should be justifiable --- not overpriced. Prices should just be equal to the value of the services they will offer. It's okay to make the rates a little bit higher compared to others, if and only if, the plans include services other than storage, e.g. packing materials, free pick-up, free delivery, etc.

6. Strict Time Management

The storage company should maintain strict time management. If you booked a storage unit and asked the loaders/movers to come to your doorstep at 10:00 AM, they should come at, at least, 9:55 AM. The storage company should value your "time" and their "word."

You don't want to make arrangements with someone who can't even come on time.

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