Many people say that self storage rates are high. Wrong! The truth is that those who end up paying high prices forgot to negotiate! Yes, you can always lower the rates of a particular unit by asking about various alternatives that can make the price more affordable. And the owners are forever willing to offer the best deal to their customers.
One of the commonest ways of cutting down on prices of a unit is renting it for a longer duration. Another popular way is to pay larger deposit money through credit card and get an attractive discount. Storage owners love it when customers use their debit or credit cards. So, if you have one, this is the best place to use it!
Price for Facility
One thing to remember is that self storage rates are imposed after the owner takes care of all the basic amenities needed for safe and secure storage of goods. For example, some units feature video surveillance for complete security. Some owners provide climate controlled environment to store certain delicate goods in top condition. Things like lock and key facility, ramp access, passwords, combination locks, cameras, security alarms, fire alarms, and other such features influence the rate of a unit. The more a unit is equipped with hi-tech facilities, the higher its rate will be. Many owners also provide upstairs storage spaces, especially in areas where floods and other natural calamities are common. They charge extra for this.
Insurance
Certain unit owners also provide insurance cover for their customers stored goods. This may come with a nominal fee. Insuring goods is purely your choice. However, if you plan to go for it, you must consult your insurer or homeowner agent for the policy. Are Hi-Tech Units Absolutely Necessary?
Self storage rates are influenced by the technology used in the unit for security. Those units equipped with advanced gadgets, electronic gates, close circuit cameras, computerized identification and alarm systems, and other hi-tech paraphernalia are bound to display high rates. This is because the owner has spent a lot of money in installing these gadgets. Many facilities also have round the clock security guards appointed on site. All this comes with a price.
But, these sophisticated security systems are not compulsory. You must go for such units only if you need them. Take a look at your goods. Are they valuable enough to rent such costly units? For example, you might want to store jewelry, precious paintings, musical instruments, or important documents in the unit. For such items, you should go for well-equipped units. In fact, in this case, you should look for security first, and then the rates.
However, if you only have some extra stuff like old furniture, useless items, antiques, seasonal clothes like woolens, school-time stuff that you do not wish to throw away, and other such things, you can easily go for regular units minus the hi-tech gadgetry. A good fencing, a strong lock and key, and a normal security system are enough to secure such items. You can easily get such units at affordable self storage rates.