How to Choose a Storage Facility

With so many different self storage facilities in Perth, I appreciate that it can be hard to choose the right one.  So here are a few questions I have put together you should consider before making a choice.

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What am I paying for?

• Is there an administration fee on move in?  Add-on.
• Is there a cleaning fee on move out?  Add-on.
• Are there any other fees?
• How often will there be a price change?
• How long is the storage fee guaranteed for?
• Have I been quoted a standard price or the price of a storage unit that is difficult of access, oddly shaped, up a floor, etc? 
• Will my move out be prorated?  Why pay for a whole month when I only stayed 7 days?
• Do they have the unit size I am after?  Renting a larger unit than is needed results in paying for something I don’t need.

What is my access?

• Where is the unit I am quoted for?  On the driveway, inside a building and if so, what is the access like?  If not easily accessible, will the removalists charge me extra?  Is my back strong enough to do the move?
• Are the driveways big enough for a truck to pick up and deliver?
• Can I park in front of my unit?  If not, is there a parking area?
• If access to the storage unit is via a lift, is it a passenger or goods lift?  If a goods lift then be prepared to use the stairs!
• What are the access hours to the storage facility?
• How far is the storage facility?  If I need regular access, then I want the facility to be located close by for convenience and fuel cost.

Cleanliness

• Does the facility look clean?
• Are storage units pest controlled?

Security

• Does anybody other than me have access to my storage unit?
• Can I use my own lock to secure the unit?
• Are storage units individually alarmed?
• How do I access the facility?  Access code?  Key?  Signing of book?
• Is the facility fenced out and does it look secure? 
• Are there electronic gates?
• Are there CCTV cameras?
• Is the facility monitored?
• Do they offer insurance whilst my goods are stored?

Convenience

• Is there moving equipment I can use?
• Are there toilets on the premises?  (This one is more important than you think.)
• Is the staff helpful?

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REMEMBER, most important of all...

Go to the facility, ask to see the actual storage unit you are interested in (not a display unit), and make sure you are happy with the facility and its staff.

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