Otherwise called England’s manufacturing powerhouse, Birmingham is home to aesthetic architecture, Instagram-worthy cafes, jaw-dropping art masterpieces, and of course, some pretty brilliant people. It’s also a place where numerous citizens live in contemporary high rises with little space to spare, thus, making self-storage Birminghamincredibly important.
While many are already benefiting from the uber-modern storage units Birmingham offers, others are either oblivious to the facility or totally clueless about how to go about availing it. Needless to say, you must have some know-how of self-storage Birmingham.
Whether you’re a student studying in the city, a homeowner thinking about moving to an apartment, or an entrepreneur running their business from the backyard, self storage units Birminghamcan be your saving grace.
Regardless, you should be wary of a few things before choosing the right company for extra space. After all, it’s just like hiring any other service, and you certainly don’t want to be stuck with one that does nothing but disappoints.
Here’s what no one tells you about self-storage in Birmingham
- Security is far more important than you think
When it comes to renting storage spaces outside of the home, the first thought that should come to your mind is whether the company takes security seriously. Don’t let marketing gimmicks convince you that security is just a small part of the bigger picture, and it’s the most critical factor underlying an informed decision.
Not all companies can guarantee the safety of your stuff, regardless of how amazing their facility looks. Verily, you should be looking for features such as CCTV surveillance, robust door locking, and security guards.
The ideal self-storage Birminghampackage will have all three and possibly more! For instance, long-standing storage company STORED has integrated a foolproof security mechanism that does much more than just the basics.
What makes them compelling is their ‘authorized access only’ policy. In that, only company personnel has access to the storage units, and even clients aren’t allowed to gain entry. While this may sound a little ‘extra’ at first, it certainly pays off in the end.
- Documents you’ll have to submit
Not everyone who lives in Birmingham can rent storage. You must show proof of your identity to rent a unit. Typically, client verification isn’t complicated, and most companies offer storage units Birmingham only ask for basic documentation.
As a permanent resident, you can submit your state ID and driver’s license. However, if you’re a student from abroad, you will most likely need to show your passport or some other proof of stay.
Plus, if you’re eager to get a discount, make sure to attach a student card or your military ID. Some companies offer student discounts, while others provide clear price cut-offs to veterans.
- The price shouldn’t be extravagant
Self-storage Birmingham isn’t supposed to be expensive. However, it won’t be a surprise if you’re convinced it is. Companies that charge unfairly have a way of marketing their prices in a way that seems justifiable.
As someone who lives in Birmingham, you don’t have to settle for anything less than affordable! After all, you have plenty of options to choose from. As a rule of thumb, you shouldn’t be paying over $100 a month for a unit that can only keep a few cardboard boxes.
Naturally, you don’t want to spend any more than necessary, and there are various ways you can maximize your savings. So, look for discounts advertised on social media or the company website.
Storage companies like STORED offer a special price to those who rent units for six months or longer. Similarly, students can also avail certain discounts. Both of these are pretty standard across the self-storage landscape of Birmingham.
- You might need weather-sensitive units
As a business owner looking to stow their valuable inventory away, you must make sure that the place it is kept in will maintain its integrity. Needless to say, a self-storage unit is more than just an area with four walls and a door.
From fabrics to wooden furniture, excessive humidity can lead to damage. It fosters the growth of pesky mould, which won’t only destroy the aesthetics of your items but also make them unusable.
If you’re selling something that needs to be placed in a weather-controlled environment, make sure you do plenty of research before investing your time, money, and effort. Do bear in mind, though, that special units might be more expensive than the regular kind. Regardless, prices shouldn’t plunge your savings!
- Moving/Transportation services are extremely important
So, you’ve finally found a storage option with decent security and affordable prices, but how will you even get your stuff to their facility?
Most companies offer moving services, whereby they send their staff to collect your belongings and transport them back. Similarly, returns are also executed by company professionals. If your choice for self-storage Birminghamdoesn’t offer this, it’s time to look elsewhere.
What’s the point of paying your hard-earned money when you can’t even get the convenience you deserve? Now, that’s an unworthy bargain nobody should be stuck with.
- Duration of storage
Do you just need some extra space for a week? Or perhaps you want it for the long haul, maybe up to a year. Self-storage Birminghamcomes in a plethora of different options, each suited to diverse needs.
Every company out there won’t cater to your short-term needs. Some require clients to sign up for a minimum of 30 days. If a month is too much for you, don’t just give in and pay full price for an empty unit.
Remember, living in Birmingham puts you at an inherent advantage – you have a long list of options at your disposal. Rest assured, you’re bound to find a suitable fit.