Top Tips for Choosing the Best Storage Unit

Preparing to move? You’re in good company. The peak season for moving falls between May and August. 

If you’re gearing up to move, you’re likely in a logistical whirlwind. Movers, pods, packing, and quite possibly, storage.

Storage units offer many benefits. Perhaps you’ve outgrown your current living space, need temporary storage, or seek a place to store seasonal or treasured, albeit less used, items. 

No matter the motivation, we here at Fortress Secure Mini Storage in Santa Maria have got helpful tips for choosing the right storage option for you!

General Storage Questions to Consider

When selecting a storage facility, it’s important to ask several key questions:

⦁ What size is recommended for your specific needs?

⦁ What types of items can and cannot be stored in the units?

⦁ What hours will you be able to access your unit?

⦁ What security measures are in place to protect your belongings?

⦁ What are the costs? Do they offer any promotions or packages?

Self-Storage vs. Full-Service Storage 

With self-storage, you rent and move your belongings into the unit. It’s usually more affordable, grants easy access to your possessions, and ensures their proper handling. 

Full-service storage eliminates worries, taking care of loading possessions into a truck, transporting them to the facility, and storing them. 

What Size Storage Unit Do You Need? 

While the facilities can provide guidance, consider these factors:

⦁ What types and quantities of items will you be storing (e.g., boxes, bulky furniture)?

⦁ How often will you need access to your belongings?

⦁ Will you frequently move items in and out? 

⦁ How easily can you reach items at the back of your storage space?

Indoor vs. Outdoor Storage Units

Indoor units are accessible from an interior corridor while outdoor units generally open onto a driveway or parking lot. 

Both come with pros and cons:

Indoor Storage Units:

Pros:  

⦁ Climate protection and possibly climate-controlled

⦁ Added security due to indoor access

⦁ Often cleaner as they’re less exposed to the outdoors

Cons:

⦁ Less convenient 

⦁ Can be more costly than outdoor units similar in size

⦁ Possibly more challenging to move larger items in and out

Outdoor Storage Units:

Pros:

⦁ Can drive directly to the unit for loading and unloading

⦁ Often equipped with gated access and security check-ins

⦁ Easier to store larger items

⦁ Usually more affordable than interior units

Cons:

⦁ More exposure to outdoor elements

⦁ Less private

Fortress Secure Features

Fortress Secure Mini Storage in Santa Maria, CA offers a great mix of features to make your storage experience as easy as possible!

We offer:

• Drive Up Storage Access- Outdoor storage units that are easy to access by car.
• Roll Up Storage Doors- Space Saving doors make it easier to use all of your storage space
• Individually Alarmed Storage Units- Extra layer of protection for your storage.
• Electronic Gated Entry- Only authorized individuals are allowed within our premises.
• Delivery Acceptance- Send your storage directly to us, we keep it safe until you can pick it up.
• Noke Smart Entry- Electronic access to your unit. No keys or hassle needed!
• Wide Driveways- 18 Wheeler Access to our Drive Up units

Instead of wasting valuable time looking at our local Santa Maria competitors, jump onboard and rent a storage unit with us at Fortress Secure Mini Storage in Santa Maria, for protection that pays off!