Tips on selecting a storage facility including what to look for and what to consider before leasing space, provided by the owner of GA 400 Storage in Cumming...
You have seen them everywhere. Self-Storage. It seems that they are on every street and every neighborhood. You see so many of them that they begin to fade into the woodwork. And then the time comes that you have need of one. What should you do?
Most people get online or go to the phone book to find several local Storage Facilities and call them up, ask for the price of the various sizes, and go visit the one or two of the lowest priced facilities and then they rent their storage unit.
There are many fine low-priced storage facilities and I would never recommend spending money unnecessarily, however all self-storage is not created equal.
There are a few common things that can make a self-storage experience a nightmare, the most common are: Theft, Fire, Water Damage (leaks and runoff water), and Rodents.
The best way to prevent these problems is in your initial opinion of the storage facility. The industry term is curb appeal. If the facility is clean, well kept, attention has been paid to the physical maintenance of the buildings and grounds, then the staff is more likely proactive in the entire operation.
Ask if they do a daily lock check and if they have a program to tell if the lock has been changed or tampered with. Does the facility have a secure fence that surrounds the entire property? Is it well lit? Is there an access control system that not only allows access after hours, but also keeps a record of who is on the property and when they leave? Does the facility have video surveillance? If so, does the system record? Does the facility have individual door alarms? Then there is a question of the facility employees. Do they seem professional, and interested in your needs? If you do not feel comfortable with the guy renting you your space, you probably shouldn’t leave your personal possessions there.
The final thing that you should consider is simple and seems small, but it is the single most important thing - the padlock. I have seen people pay thousands of dollars to move everything they own all the way across the country, rent a large storage space or two, for more than a hundred dollars, then put a two dollar padlock on it.
We recommend the disc style locks that are rounded and are exceedingly difficult to pick or cut. A thief may get through it, but it would be easier to find the cheap lock. They often do.
It is important to remember that in the State of Georgia, you must insure your own storage space. Georgia State law prevents a facility from being responsible for your property in all cases except the worst negligence. Besides, the storage operator has no control over or even idea of what you have put in the space. Most reputable storage facilities offer some sort of tenant goods insurance. Your homeowners insurance may not cover your goods and/or stored property.
In 2006 Georgia 400 Storage rebuilt our 27 year old Storage Facility. And even though we had a well-built and maintained facility, we took all of the above listed things into consideration with our new construction.
Ga. 400 Storage now offers door alarms, over 50 digital recording, remote viewable video cameras. State of the art access control that not only records activity, but also allows us to view it in several ways and can be searched to pinpoint whose on site and even have a record when each individual door opens and closes. We have insurance available and can even collect the premium along with your rent. We are a family business and have been serving the Cumming and Forsyth County area since 1979.
I would be happy to discuss self-storage issues with you at any time. Send me an email at sales@ga400storage.com or call 770.887.0061. You can also visit our website: www.ga400storage.com. Ga. 400 Storage is located at 1060 Northside Forsyth Dr. Cumming, Ga. 30041.
