Finding the Right Business Storage Provider for Your Needs
The storage industry has been booming for the last few years, and it shows no signs of slowing. This was in part spurred by the need for remote business storage during the COVID pandemic, but there are many reasons that people continue to seek extra storage space for their possessions and products.
Not all storage companies are created equal. When searching for one, it may be tempting to go with the lowest price you can find. There are some good reasons to resist that urge and ensure you are getting what you pay for.
The good news is that there are only a few major characteristics to look for in a storage rental company. The article below covers what those are and explains some of the benefits of self-storage. Keep reading to learn how you can find the best service for your storage needs.
Benefits of Self-Storage for Businesses
Self-storage can offer many benefits to businesses. For starters, it can be an economical alternative to expensive office space that you only use for storing supplies or business items. It can help you free up this space for other uses.
Self-business storage also can provide better security for important documents or other items. It can help reduce the chances of theft, especially for larger offices. It affords you a secure space for items you need to keep but do not need regular access to.
Storage can improve office safety by removing items that have a great potential of being hazards. It gives you an off-site space to locate equipment or other items (like stacks of boxes) that you need but could be potentially dangerous in an office.
Finally, an advantage of self-storage for companies that sell goods is that they can function as small-scale warehouses or distribution centers. With storage facilities that provide easy access, this is a way to expand your shipping capabilities, either temporarily or in the long term.
How to Find the Best Storage Company
There are several features to look for when choosing a storage service. Here are the main ones to consider.
Reputation
Much like any other products or services you buy, or companies you do business with, you should investigate the reputation of the storage company. Read independent online reviews to see what other customers are saying. If the company has a reputation for treating people fairly, that is a good sign that they will help you achieve your storage goals.
Location
Proximity can be an important consideration, especially if you need to access the storage facility on a regular basis. Jumping at a lower rate only for you or your staff to have to drive many miles to access business items may be a losing combination.
Some facilities have locations all over a metropolitan area or in different cities. Find out what options you have so that you can avoid traveling long distances every time you need to access items in the self-storage unit.
Accessibility and Security
Some storage facilities allow you into units 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If this is not important to you, be sure you can access your storage during the days and times that you need to.
This is especially important with business storage. You don’t want operations delayed due to inaccessibility.
You also want to balance accessibility with security. Ask if the company has security systems and surveillance cameras. Indoor units require access to the building but also allow you to secure your own unit with a combination or padlock.
Find out if digital entrance controls are available to access the building. These allow you to get to your unit while keeping potential thieves out. Also, digital controls (as opposed to key cards) keep someone from stealing key cards to access the space.
Climate Controls
Many business items are sensitive to temperature and humidity. These include computer equipment and documents, as well as wooden or leather furniture.
If you need climate control for your business items, find out what features the storage facility offers. Temperature and humidity controls can help stave off mildew and mold. Heating during the winter can keep temperatures from dropping so low that they become dangerous for computers, electrical equipment, or other items.
Unit Size and Contract Lengths
Storage facilities vary in the types of units they have available and their contract durations. Some offer various-sized units, while others offer a single size and layout. The key is making sure that they have units that offer plenty of storage room without wasting space (and associated costs).
Some companies specialize in short-term rentals, while others can offer discounted rates for longer commitments. Which is right for you depends on your business and how much foresight and flexibility you have.
Insurance
Most self-storage companies require insurance. This guards against damage from anything from flooding or fires to break-ins that result in theft or vandalism.
Your business insurance policy may already cover self-storage. Check the plan and compare the coverage with what the storage facility requires.
Pricing
Pricing is of course, very important to consider. Prices can vary by location but generally are based on square footage and amenities, such as 24-hour access and climate control. The important thing is to make sure that, after taking into account “extras,” you are paying a competitive price for the amount of space you are renting.
Keep in mind that some businesses will run specials on storage rental to get you through the door. This is fine as long as you are comfortable with the price once the introductory rate expires. If the rate is exorbitant, you may end up spending more transporting your items to a new facility than you saved through the special.
Find Business Storage Near You
Now that you understand how to find the right business storage provider for your storage needs, you can begin the search. Be sure you are comparing apples to apples and that you go with a reputable company that stands by its services and facilities.
Canyon Crossing is a self-storage facility in Caldwell, Idaho. We have well-maintained and secure storage units for safe storage and easy access. Take a look online for pricing based on size, or reach out to us today for more information.