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How Often Will Your Rent Be Raised?
Some storage facilities may offer discounts or special incentives to get you to rent. Remember, you’re a month-to-month
tenant. Your rent can be increased at any time for any amount. You will certainly pay more. Before you make the decision
of where to rent – ask the manager if they will guarantee no rent increase in writing. If they don’t, you should go
elsewhere.
How Convenient Is The Building?
This is most important. By far – the majority of storage facilities are old multi-story warehouse buildings with central
loading areas where cars and trucks compete for limited parking and elevator service. These facilities may have hundreds
or thousands of tenants. At times you will have to wait, and scheduled appointments are required. Why go through the hassle
if you don’t need to? Rent from a self-storage facility where you can drive through the building, stay warm and dry and
with the added convenience of being close to the room you are renting. You’ll be in and out fast – no time wasted.
Security Deposits vs. Hidden Fees
This is a good one. Most self-storage facilities that do not collect security deposits often charge excessive late fees
which can easily add up to more than $50 per month. Often, the renter finds this out after they’ve signed up. Be sure to
ask about the late fee policies and confirm your rental rate over the phone before you rent. |
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Questions & Answers
Do you need to visit your storage unit frequently? What size unit do you need? These are questions you should have
answers to first. Look for a self-storage facility that offers many sizes and beware that some facilities calculate
room sizes to include hallways and other shared areas - space that you are paying for that you cannot use.
How Will You Get From A to B?
If you do not have access to a moving truck, you will probably need to rent one. Most storage facilities offer rental
trucks to their customers. At Stop & Stor, we provide our customers with a free pick-up service. Please call for more
details.
Make Sure You’re Covered
In general, storage facilities are not responsible for your unit’s contents. We recommend insuring the goods you intend
to store. Insurance is usually available when you sign up. If the storage facility collects a premium from you – there’s
a good possibility that they have a financial interest in doing so. Check with your insurance provider. Many times your
homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy will cover your storage items at no extra charge.
Be Secure
Finally, rent from a self-storage facility that has coded computer access, video surveillance, is well lit and has someone
on the premises 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. |
