Making a move? Learn what questions to ask when touring and selecting a storage facility for your belongings to ensure you choose the best option.
Moving to a new home or downsizing your current one often involves needing temporary storage for your belongings.
Selecting the right storage facility is key – you’ll be entrusting your valuables and sentimental items to their care.
As you compare options for moving and storage services in your area, what questions should you ask?
This guide covers five key questions to help you evaluate potential facilities. Knowing what to inquire about upfront ensures you choose the best storage solution for your needs and budget.
1. What Do You Charge Per Month?
Pricing is likely at the top of your list of factors when selecting a storage facility. Rates can vary widely, with different sized units, features, and promotional offers impacting costs.
- Ask specifically about price per square foot and typical unit sizes to compare apples-to-apples.
- Find out what’s included in the base rate. Some facilities bundle in services like truck rentals.
- Inquire about current move-in specials or discounts. These can provide substantial savings.
| Unit Size | Average Monthly Cost |
| 5′ x 5′ (25 square feet) | $29-$124 |
| 5′ x 10′ (50 square feet) | $54-$230 |
| 10′ x 10′ (100 square feet) | $89-$494 |
Having clear pricing info lets you accurately weigh options and budget for storage expenses.
2. What Security Features Do You Offer?
You need assurance your possessions will be safe when storing them elsewhere. Security should be a top priority in your selection process.
- Ask about access control measures – Do they use individual passcodes or keypads? Are unauthorized entry attempts monitored?
- Inquire about facility security – Confirm perimeter fencing, lighting, video surveillance and guards. Some have 24/7 monitoring or patrols.
- Check if unit access is recorded – Will they have logs showing who enters your unit and when? This deters tampering.
- Learn about climate controls – Temperature and humidity monitoring protects items from damage.
Don’t hesitate to request a tour to view their security first-hand during your initial visit.
3. What Insurance Options Exist?
While security aims to prevent losses, insurance exists to reimburse you should something happen. It’s a second line of defense for your belongings.
- Ask what policy the facility carries – At minimum, they should insure the building itself.
- Inquire if renters insurance is required – If so, learn about supplemental coverage for storage.
- Check options for unit insurance – Some facilities offer policies to cover contents.
- Review policy details carefully – Know exclusions, limitations, deductibles that apply.
- Ask about claims history – Frequency can indicate risks.
Ideally, the facility should carry insurance plus offer renters an option to insure units individually. Even if not mandatory, having coverage brings peace of mind.
4. What Are Your Payment and Contract Options?
Payment method and contract length should accommodate your timeline and needs.
- Confirm payment methods available – Accept credit cards? Require a security deposit?
- Assess contract lengths offered – Do they offer month-to-month rental or fixed terms (e.g. 6, 12 months)?
- Enquire about early move-out options – Can you retrieve contents and cancel at any point?
- Check for automatic renewal clauses – Unless you want indefinite storage, avoid these.
- Inspect for fee schedules – Do they charge cancellation penalties or late fees?
Look for flexible arrangements without cancellation penalties, as moving dates can easily shift. Monthly rental avoids getting locked into long-duration contracts.
5. How Accessible is the Facility?
Whether you’re prepping for a move or need temporary overflow space, easy accessibility to your storage unit is a priority.
- Ask about access hours – Retrieving items shouldn’t require extensive planning. Evenings or weekends?
- Confirm if you can access anytime – Many offer electronic gate codes or other access for 24/7 entry.
- Check drive-up availability – Can you park a moving truck or vehicle right at your unit door?
- Review restrictions – Some prohibit access during overnight hours or require notice for truck rentals.
- Consider climate control – Having heat/AC prevents mold or warping during visits.
Ideally, choose a facility offering 24-hour drive-up access without restrictions. This gives you maximum flexibility for storage needs over any unknown period of time.
