What to Look For When Choosing Storage Units in Baytown, TX

Each year, Americans spend $1.2 trillion on non-essential items. It’s a statistic that shows that, for many Americans, collecting possessions is a central part of life.

But there are problems associated with gathering so much stuff. With the average household in the country having about 300,000 items, it’s no wonder that many US homes are short of space. Currently, 25% of homes with two-car garages use the space to store items rather than vehicles.

For many Texan homeowners, a practical solution to space shortages is to rent storage units in Baytown. If you’ve been thinking of doing the same, there are certain factors you need to consider to make sure you end up with the best unit for your needs. Here are seven of those factors.

Size of the Unit

Perhaps the most important factor when you’re choosing a storage unit is its size. You’ll need to consider the square footage of the storage unit’s space, as well as its ceiling height. Thankfully, storage units come in a wide variety of sizes, so you should be able to find one that perfectly fits your needs.

Start by listing all the items you intend to store in the storage unit. Consider the sizes of these items, so you get a unit that’s the right size for them. Think about your future storage needs as well, so you don’t have to start hunting for a new unit every few months.

The Length of Time You Need to Use the Unit

Most facilities that offer rental storage units rent the units on a monthly basis. That said, you may still be able to find facilities that accept short-term rentals, such as two weeks or so. However, it’s very likely that the facility you talk to has a minimum storage unit rental period.

Determine how long you need the storage unit for, and determine whether your prospective rental facility is okay with that, especially if you only need the unit for a few days.

Location of the Storage Unit

Where your storage unit is located matters for a variety of reasons. The two main reasons are accessibility and storage unit prices.

If you need a storage unit that you can access frequently, it’s best to choose a nearby unit. This way, you won’t need to travel across the city to get your items.

However, if you need a storage unit for keeping items you only use during the summer, location matters less. Getting a storage unit outside of your town may cost less, as demand tends to be lower than in urban areas.

Choose Between Self Service and Full Service

When it comes to storage units, there’s a big difference between self-service storage and full-service storage. With a self-service unit, you can access your items whenever you want to. In most cases, you get your own key to the unit.

With a full-service storage unit, the facility controls access to the unit. Thus, you’ll need to provide notice whenever you need access to your belongings. Some providers also offer pick-up and delivery services, which are perfect for clients without a vehicle.

Safety and Surveillance

Another critical factor you want to look at when choosing a storage facility is whether you can count on it to keep your possessions secure. The last thing you want is to lose your items to criminals.

While comparing facilities, enquire whether the facility offers video monitoring. Some facilities also offer in-person surveillance for all the units, which helps keep your possessions more secure.

Before taking the unit, visit the facility and note what security features are offered. Check whether the facility is amply lit, which helps ensure you’re safe whenever going to access your items.

Temperature Control

The benefits of climate-controlled storage are numerous, especially when you’re storing goods in the summer. The sweltering summer heat and the resulting humidity can spell disaster for your possessions. Your leather furniture, pieces of art, wine, clothing, and other items can get damaged in these conditions.

That’s why it’s essential to find out whether the storage unit you’re considering offers temperature control. If it does, you can be sure that your items will be in the condition they were in when you first moved them into the unit. This is particularly important if you intend to store the items for a long time.

Storage Unit Cost

The last important factor when deciding on a storage unit is its cost. The ultimate price you pay for a unit depends on several factors, including the size of the unit as well as how long you’re renting it for. Some storage unit facilities have a minimum storage period requirement, which affects the unit’s cost.

Doing some comparison shopping can help you find cheap storage units in Baytown, TX. Be sure to enquire whether there are additional costs to avoid nasty surprises. In addition, find out whether there are penalties for late payment.

Find the Best Storage Units in Baytown

When you begin to run out of storage in your home, a practical solution is to rent a storage unit for some of your items. But not all storage units in Baytown will serve you well. Use the factors in this guide to end up with a storage unit that you’ll be happy with for as long as you’re using it.

Are you in the market for a reliable storage solution for your possessions? Get in touch with us today and learn what we offer.