Clutter is a major issue for homeowners across the country. In fact, about 25 percent of the population has a clutter problem and actively wants to get rid of excess stuff in their home.

However, some items are difficult to part with, but that doesn’t mean they have to take up space in your house. You just need to find a great self-service storage facility to help you declutter your house.

If you’re not sure where to start looking for a storage unit, you’re not alone. Here are a few key things to look for when searching for the best storage unit for your needs and your budget.

A Variety of Self-Service Storage Unit Sizes

When you’re searching for a storage unit, you’ll quickly discover that different facilities offer units of different sizes. The exact size you need may change over time. The last thing anyone wants to do is have to move to an entirely different storage company just because they need more space.

Instead, try to choose a location that offers a variety of different sizes. This way, you’ll be able to find the right unit for your needs at any given time.

Hours That Work for Your Needs

The best part of self-service storage units is that you’re able to access your items when you need them without relying on a staff member to assist you. However, some facilities restrict access to storage units to specific business hours.

If those hours don’t work with your schedule, you’ll find it tough to access your belongings. Before you reserve a unit, make sure the access hours work for you.

If you need to get into your unit in the middle of the night, look for a facility that provides 24-hour access. If you’ll only need to get into your unit during standard business hours, look for facilities that can accommodate those hours.

Convenient Locations

No matter how carefully you pack a storage unit, you’ll end up putting items inside that you need to access more often. The more convenient the location of your storage unit is, the easier it will be to retrieve the items you need quickly.

As a general rule, it’s best to choose a storage unit that’s close to your home, office, or frequent hang-out spot. That way, you’ll be able to make the trip without spending more time than necessary behind the wheel.

Affordable and Clear Pricing

Storage units range in price based on the location of the facility, the unit size, and the amenities offered by the company. Before you pick a location, take the time to find out how much each unit will cost and how much rent may go up at the end of the initial lease term. Read up on the terms and rules you’ll have to agree to if you decide to rent a unit.

If you have any questions, get them answered before you make your decision. Remember, you’ll be bound to the agreements you sign and could end up facing fines if you violate the terms.

Good Lighting 

Most storage units aren’t lit. If you want lights inside the unit, you’ll have to find a way to install them yourself.

However, the common areas should always have adequate lighting so you can locate and unlock your unit with ease.

When touring the facility, pay attention to the lights they have on-site. If the units are indoor or enclosed, make sure the hallways are well-lit at all times. If the facility has outdoor units, make sure the driveways and turns are well-lit in low-light conditions.

This will help you stay safer when you’re accessing your unit.

Strong Security Measures

When you store items away from your home, you have to rely on the storage facility to keep your belongings safe. Take the time to find out what types of security measures they have in place to protect their clients’ storage units.

According to the team at Kingston Ideal Storage, the most reputable companies will have cameras monitoring access points and on-site managers to keep track of who comes in and out. The more proactive the facility is about security, the safer your belongings will be.

That said, you’ll still want to invest in a good, high-quality lock for your storage unit. It’s up to you to make sure the unit itself is secure.

Aggressive Pest Control Strategies

Unfortunately, rats, mice, and insects will always be a risk when you store items outside of your home. If left unchecked, those pests can do serious damage to the items you keep in your storage unit.

Don’t hesitate to ask each facility about their pest control strategies.

The best companies will do what they can to minimize the risk of pests and insects on the property. This could include regular pest control treatments with an exterminator or traps kept on the property to keep the pests at bay.

Whatever their methods are, choose a company that takes pest control seriously. This will keep your belongings safer and in good condition while they’re in the unit.

Friendly Staff

Though self-service storage units allow you to access your belongings on your own, you’ll still need to interact with the staff occasionally. Think about the quality of the customer service you receive when you’re getting quotes and lease terms.

If the staff is friendly and helpful, the unit is worth considering. However, if the staff doesn’t take the time to answer your questions or is rude to you, keep looking.

Now You’re Ready to Choose the Right Storage Unit

Finding the best self-service storage unit for your needs can take time. Just remember to keep these things in mind and do your due diligence before making a decision.

Once you’re confident in the storage facility’s ability to keep your belongings safe and are happy with the sizes of the units they offer, you’ll be ready to rent a unit.

Looking for additional tips and tricks to help you make the most of your newly decluttered home? Check out our latest posts for more information.