Self Storage
Access.
|
The biggest
advantages of self-storage over traditional storage
methods is ease of access. In the past, those of us
wishing to store items would have to make formal
arrangements with our storage providers to get
access. This would involve advance warning, little
flexibility and we'd generally have been charged for
the privilege.
Self-storage is a completely different. The whole
point of the service is that you get your goods to
storage yourself, store them as you like and access
them whenever you want. There are so many
self-storage companies in operation today, however,
that there are no standard rules or methods of
access - what you get will depend on the
self-storage facility you choose. It's important,
therefore, to think about what you want from an
access perspective before you make a final decision.
The first access issue you'll be confronted with in
self-storage is one of logistical access - that is
to say, how and where you can initially drop off
your goods. Recent developments in the industry have
seen a considerable growth in 'mobile' self-storage
where the company drops a unit at your home, you
pack it or they pack it for you and then they take
it away to store. In this instance, you won't have
to think about how to get your items to the
self-storage facility. You will, however, pay extra
for the service.
In most cases, however, you'll be choosing to take
your items there yourself. Many self-storage
operators will be laid out in such a way that you
can simply drive up to your unit, park outside and
then unload straight into it. It's recommended that
you check whether this is possible before you choose
a facility, especially if you have heavy items to
unload. Some self-storage companies will require you
to park in designated car parks that may not be
right next to your unit or may limit the time you
can park up outside your unit to unload. Some may
even charge you car-parking fees.
Although many purpose built self-storage facilities
are simply composed of ground level unit buildings,
many will also offer multi-story self-storage units.
In these cases, you'll need to establish what size
of service elevators are on offer and how much extra
effort will be needed for you to get your items from
vehicle to unit. You'll find that the majority of
self-storage providers will help you get your stuff
into storage if you need assistance but may have to
pay extra for certain options. Services vary from
supplier to supplier but can include:
Workers to help you load and unload your items to
and from your unit - you'll probably pay for this
option. Some facilities offer a full fee-based
removal service that can pack your items at home,
take them to your unit and pack them up there.
Van or truck hire options - in some cases this
option may be offered free of charge for a set time
period as an incentive to get your business,
although you will generally have to pay a refundable
deposit against damage.
Loading equipment such as moving carts or trolleys -
you'll normally be able to use this type of
equipment free of charge, although in some instances
you might have to pay a fee or a refundable deposit
against damage.
Once you've successfully stored your items there
will be times when you need to access them and
remove/replace stuff. Self-storage operates on the
premise that you can choose when to access your unit
- you should still check out actual access times
before signing up. Each self-storage company will
work in a different way - some are open 24/7, 7 days
a week, 365 days a year and some only allow access
during specific business opening times and may be
closed on holidays. You may find that some
self-storage companies will offer some flexibility
of access - they may, for example, have official
opening hours of 8am to 8pm, but will be willing to
let you make appointments to access your unit
outside of these hours.
Technically, you are the only person who can access
your unit. It may be padlocked, in which case you'll
have the key(s) or it may be key-coded with your own
combination number. Self-storage facilities
appreciate that there may be times when you want
other people to access your unit and will generally
allow you to choose who can have access. This may be
as simple as giving your key or key-code to your
representative or may involve you having to forewarn
the facility that someone else will be going into
the unit. In some cases, you might have to give
notice in writing and your representative might need
ID before being admitted.
The self-storage company itself will usually not
allow their own employees to access your unit. There
will be exceptions to this rule - for example, if
they believe you have defaulted from your agreement
or if there is an emergency.
|
|
|
