Storage units are a great way to keep your belongings even when you just don't have enough room for them at your home. If you are considering renting a storage unit, check out these five important facts to help you make the best decision possible.

Security Measures Vary

Storage facilities are appealing to thieves because they are a big collection of potentially valuable items. Therefore, when choosing a storage facility, it's important to find one with the best security features. Secure facilities are well-lit, have an on-site manage that lives in the facility, have access controls, such as codes and gates, and offer individual door alarms. When it comes to entry codes, the most secure facilities provide individual codes for each renter instead of one generic code that allows anyone who knows the code to enter. Video surveillance is also a good tool but only if someone is constantly monitoring the video, which isn't usually the case.

Accessing Your Items Can Be Difficult

A secure facility keeps criminals away, but it can also prevent you from getting to your stuff or getting assistance when something goes wrong. Some storage facilities allow you to access your items at any time, day or night, but others provide strict gate hours that limit when you can get to your stuff. There are also office hours, which are the only times you can get help from an employee. When choosing a facility, make sure you know the gate and office hours, and ensure they work for your schedule or when you might need access to your unit.

Some Items Require Temperature Controlled Units

Some of your precious items can get damaged if they are exposed to extreme temperatures or humidity. Items such as photographs, computers, painting and antiques are some common items that can become damaged when exposed to extreme temperatures. If you are storing these types of items, you should make sure the storage facility provides temperature controlled units to protect your items. As an added benefit, these types of units are usually more secure because they are inside a building. On the downside, however, they are also more expensive than conventional storage facilities.

There Are Portable Options

Portable storage units are available. With these, the unit is delivered to your home, so you can pack it full and then have it hauled away. This makes getting your stuff to the unit easy because you don't have to rent a truck and haul it there yourself. When you need the items, simply have it delivered to your home again. Unfortunately, during the unloading and loading process, you have to find someplace to store the unit, which could be a problem, especially if you live in an apartment. If the unit is vandalized while in your care, you are held responsible.

They Are Perfect When Selling Your Home

Storage units aren't just a good idea when you have too much stuff to fit in your house. They are perfect if you are selling your home. For starters, to properly sell your home, you must stage it, which means getting rid of clutter and personal items. Second, during this transitional period, you may be staying with someone and need a place to store most of your items. Lastly, storage units give you a place to keep your belongings while you are deciding what can and can't fit in your new home, or why you decide what you just don't want anymore.  

Not every storage facility is the same, so make sure you hunt around for the best storage facility that meets your needs and fits your budget. If you're selling your home, moving, or you just don't have enough space in your house for everything you own, start today by contacting storage facilities at sites like http://www.getepicstorage.com in your area.