What to Look for in a Storage Company

Moving is one of the most stressful periods of a person’s life. It ranks right up there with natural disasters and divorce. As such, taking a little time to evaluate the moving and storage company that will be handling your goods is a worthwhile investment. It is important to realize that not all companies are created equal and you will want to evaluate to determine if you are getting what you pay for before you sign the storage agreement. Read on for a few tips on how to compare one storage company to another and find out the best fit for you, your family, and your belongings.

It is highly important that you find out of the storage company offers any sort of insurance and be sure that you get an adequate plan to cover the cost of your belongings. Some companies even offer insurance for items in transit and this can be a big help whether you are moving yourself or someone is moving your stuff for you. There will likely be a separate or different insurance policy for items while they are held in the actual unit and it is equally important to learn the details and deductibles for that type of insurance coverage. This will give you added peace of mind while moving or while storing your items for any length of time.

For an extra fee, a storage company may offer packing, transport and moving services. If this is something you are considering, enquire about the fee schedule and other specific details pertaining to what the company will and won’t do or will and won’t move. As noted above, you also want to be sure that your belongings are insured while in transit and that the employees doing the packing or moving are licensed and bonded.

One of the easiest ways to evaluate a storage company and find one you like and trust is to go based on the recommendation of friends or family. Talk to your coworkers and neighbors to find out who they have used in the past and if they were happy with the service. Personal recommendation goes a long way and can help deter a lot of potential headaches or heartaches.

Based on initial appearance, some people like to compare companies based on cost alone. This can be dangerous and downright detrimental because it is unsafe to assume that the companies that cost more offer better protection, facilities or service. A small local storage company may offer superior service and facilities at a lower price because they don’t have to pay for the franchise name or lease and can pass those savings on to their customer.

Keep all of these items in mind when looking for a reputable storage company. It is best to go on the recommendation of a friend or family member and always trust your instinct.