The sheer amount of options for storage units for rent in Erie, PA can be overwhelming with all the sizes and types available. Even so, you need storage units that can handle holding your important items whether you are moving or have a business that requires storage. Narrowing down the most important factors is essential to getting the most out of any storage unit rental to meet both your short-term and long-term needs. Take a look at the variety of options available, and keep in mind the most important factors to consider when finding the right storage unit for rent in Erie, PA.
Residential vs. Commercial Storage
Residential and commercial storage work on notably different scales. Residential storage is typically small and used primarily to store items while people go through the moving process. It is most often a short-term rental, though some longer terms are available for people who have unique moving situations. Commercial storage, on the other hand, is often much larger, as businesses need places to store goods, products, and materials for the long term. Given the different sizes, considering whether you need commercial or residential storage solutions is an important first step to finding the right storage unit for your needs.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Storage
When considering how long you need a storage unit, it is important to keep in mind how often you will need access to it. Commercial storage may need to be accessed regularly for some businesses, while short-term storage for excess items during a move may not need to be touched at all. Consider what accessibility options there are before settling on any kind of storage solution. Both long-term and short-term storage solutions are available, but accessibility considerations help you narrow down your options to find the right fit. Keep in mind that long-term storage may still warrant a storage box rental. As long as the cost of renting for the entire term is less than the cost of purchasing the box, renting may still be the better option if you don’t foresee storage needs in the future.
Finding the Right Amount of Space
Any kind of storage solution is going to need to consider the total amount of space required. If you have a lot of items that need to be stored, you will need to make sure that there is enough space available in any storage unit you opt for. On the other hand, it doesn’t make economic sense to get more space than you need. Larger storage units tend to be more costly, so you can save on your unit by using the right size. If you are unsure about these kinds of estimations, the team at Birkmire can assist with recommendations, keeping size and accessibility in mind. We offer a wide range of storage unit sizes to consider, so you never have to worry about renting two entire boxes for just a few more square feet of storage space than a single box would offer.
The Need for Climate Control
Depending on the items you plan on storing, climate control could be one of the most important factors to keep in mind. Sensitive items like artwork, furniture, electronics, musical instruments, and many others can warp and become damaged when exposed to extreme temperatures. Without climate control, the interior of a storage unit can easily experience temperature extremes in the summer and winter. This can be especially important if you are using a storage unit rental to store sensitive documents while your office is undergoing renovations. Climate control can prevent the documents from being damaged by temperature changes or moisture.
Location Matters
The location of your storage unit can play a major role in your overall experience depending on how often you want to access your items. If you plan to visit the unit regularly, a storage facility that is far away will add a new layer of inconvenience to your endeavor. By opting for something closer, you save time when you need to get to your unit. On the other hand, long-term storage solutions that you won’t need to access all that much don’t warrant much consideration about location. If you find that storage facilities close to you are more costly than ones that are far away, then it may be a better idea to use one at a greater distance since the savings could outweigh the inconvenience. At Birkmire, we can help you find storage units for rent in Erie, PA that meet your needs whether you are right in Erie or not.
Safety Considerations
Safety is among the chief concerns when finding a storage unit, as you will need to consider both the safety of your items and your safety when accessing them. Don’t hesitate to visit a facility before finalizing your choice for storage to see what the security measures are like. If you plan on accessing your items regularly, keep an eye out for how well-lit the facility is to secure your safety. Additionally, you can ask about the kind of surveillance that the storage units are under as well as their lock systems. At Birkmire, we use top-level security systems alongside premium climate controls to keep your goods safe at our facilities. Our storage units for rent in Erie, PA are additionally inherently secure with a sturdy design that is resistant to tampering.
Transitional Storage Capabilities
If you need transitional storage capabilities, you will find that some storage unit facilities are better equipped than others. For example, you could be moving to a new place that is not quite ready yet and are staying at a hotel or a friend’s house in the meantime. During that period, you will need a place to store your items safely. At Birkmire, our transitional storage services make it easy. We drop off our Big Box storage units at your home where you can load them up. Then, we take them to our secure facility to keep them safe. When you are ready to settle into your new home, we will drop off the box at the new location for your convenience.
Check the Reviews
Online reviews of any storage unit facility can be a good indicator of what your experience might be like, so think of checking reviews as an integral part of the process similar to what you’d do when choosing a new restaurant to try or hotel to book. Reviews posted on any storage facility’s website can be a great place to start, but they ultimately control what is visible on their site. To corroborate these reviews, seek out platforms for independent reviews such as Google. If you only need to rent, be sure to explore reviews for differences between renting and buying. At Birkmire, our high level of service is not impacted by whether you want to rent or buy a storage unit.
Finding the Right Storage Unit
With the most important considerations in mind, Birkmire can help you find the right storage unit for your unique needs. We offer a wide range of sizes for both commercial and residential applications at our Big Box Mobile Storage facilities. All of our facilities are climate-controlled and utilize top-level security practices to keep your items safe and protected. Get in touch with our team today to learn more about how we can help find the right storage units for rent in Erie, PA for your needs.
