By Katie Blumenberg, Multi Site Manager for Leader Storage 

If you have never used a storage facility, you are not alone.  According to recent surveys, 40% of people have never used a storage facility.  Regardless if you have rented a storage unit before or not, it is likely that you are managing a lot as you plan a move of some sort.  Since we know that many people utilizing storage are typically coordinating and completing many tasks, we have made it our goal at Leader Storage to provide you with useful tips to make your storage experience easy.   In part one of this post, I will offer tips for selecting the right facility and unit as well as tips for accessing your unit for the first time and throughout your storage rental period.  

Selecting the Right Facility and Unit

• Consider the facility’s access hours:  Some facilities have limited access while others are accessible 24/7.  Determine when you will need access and select a facility that aligns with your requirements. 
• Be sure to inquire if the unit is on the ground level or if is drive up accessible and what type of pavement the facility has:  Some facilities have multiple stories, pave their aisle with gravel and require you to enter a building and/or go up multiple stories to store your items.  Try to select a facility that doesn’t require too many extra steps or obstacles for unloading and loading your items. 
• Inquire about the security features and measures of the facility: It may help give you peace of mind knowing if the facility is gated, whether or not there are surveillance cameras and what other proactive measures or features the facility has in order to prevent any issues.  Be sure to ask the staff or review the facility website about security. 
• Read facility reviews: Just like with any business, storage facility reviews can give you helpful information about the experiences of actual customers and help you decide if a facility is a good fit for you.  
• Consider what size unit you need:  You may use the storage calculator found on our homepage to assist you in selecting the size that is best for you by inputting the items you plan store and receiving size suggestions based on the information provided.  Keep in mind the average storage unit is about 8ft. high so items can be stacked. For perspective purposes, a 10 x 20 is about a one car garage.  You may also inquire with the facility about how you can go about viewing various unit sizes prior to renting if that will better assist you in estimating the appropriate size for your needs. 
• Determine if you need a climate controlled unit: II you are storing items that could be sensitive to climate changes, you may want to opt for a climate controlled unit.  Some of the items that we see people use climate control units for include electronics, antiques and artwork. 

Accessing Your Unit:

• Accessing your rental unit for the first time: Be sure you know how to enter the facility.  If the facility is gated, make sure that you know your gate code or have downloaded any apps that may be needed to enter.  The information needed to access the facility such as your gate code should have been provided to you upon move in, but if you do not have it or just want to double check, review your lease or call the facility during normal office hours. Familiarize yourself with the access hours and make sure you plan your visit accordingly.  I always recommend that our customers visit the facility for the first time during the hours that we are available by phone so that we can assist them in the event there is an issue with entering the facility.  If the facility does not have an onsite person full time, familiarize yourself with their phone hours and inquire about if they have an afterhours emergency number that you can use. 
• Determine if you need your own lock: check with the facility to see if you are responsible for providing your own lock. If so, be sure to ask if they sell locks or purchase one prior to arriving at the facility.  Disc locks are the most secure form of locks and can be found at hardware stores or on Amazon if the facility doesn’t provide or sell locks.  It may also be a good idea to check with the facility to see if they require a certain type of lock. 
• Accessing your unit during weather conditions: If possible, plan your visits to avoid snow storms, thunderstorms, extremely cold temperatures and even very high temperatures. If you cannot avoid moving or visiting your unit during challenging weather conditions, please plan accordingly. It may be a good idea to carry a shovel with you and deicer, corrosion block or WD40 as these items may assist in getting a frozen lock of the unit or closing a frozen door hasp.  
• Accessing your unit at night: If you need to visit your unit at night or when it is dark outside, you may want to bring a flashlight.  While most facilities have exterior lights on their buildings and in their hallways, there are not usually lights inside of the units.  
• Closing your door and latching your hasp: It is important to keep items from hitting the inside of the door as this may keep the door from closing.  Keep items a couple inches from the door to ensure that you are able to shut the door all of the way. Make sure the bottom of the door seal is all the way to the ground and then close your hasp.  Typically this is done by sliding the hasp/locking mechanism all the way to the right until you hear it latch.  If properly latched, you will not be able to open the door without sliding the hasp back to the left.  Once the door is properly closed, place your lock on the unit.  Different door manufactures may have different steps to follow.  There are also doors that lock through apps and smart devices, but the steps above are typical for the storage industry. If you are unsure about what is required to lock your unit properly, ask the facility and they can walk you through the steps. 

I hope that you found this post helpful.  Please read Storage Tips 101, Part Two for tips on storing your items properly, caring for your items while they are in storage and abiding by the lease to avoid any issues.