If you have never needed to rent a self-storage unit before, you might not know what makes a unit good or bad. In fact, you might not even realize that there is a difference between a good or bad unit and simply rent the cheapest or closest unit you can find. Renting a unit strictly because of its price or proximity is never a good idea. When you keep your possessions in a self-storage unit, you want to know that you are getting a good value for your money. In other words, you want to be able to leave your items in the unit with peace of mind. Below are a few red flags that should send you running in the opposite direction of any self-storage unit where they are present. The Unit Smells Bad A self-storage unit should never smell bad. A bad smell can indicate that there is a leak somewhere in the roof, wall, or floor that lets moisture into the unit. When moisture sits stagnant, mold can grow, posing a health hazard to any individual who enters the unit. Other bad smells to avoid include that of ammonia, feces, paint, mildew, and oil. A quality self-storage unit center cleans every unit after each tenant vacates it and usually has measures in place to keep any items that would cause bad smells out of the units to begin with. If these cleanliness steps haven’t been taken when you enter a unit, you should consider a different storage facility. There are Few or No Security Measures to be Seen There should be apparent security measures in place, such as video surveillance or an on site security guard. If the security at a facility appears to be lacking, your items are at risk of theft if you store them there. Choose a self-storage facility that has multiple security measures in place, which includes gated storage and security camera monitoring. The Unit is Not Ventilated Bad smells can be harbored by a lack of ventilation. A lack of ventilation also means that fresh air cannot circulate in and out of the unit. Certain items need to be in a ventilated unit, such as machinery, mattresses, and upholstered furniture. The Unit and Facility are Not Well Lit Poor lighting is not only a security hazard, it's a safety hazard. The entire facility where you rent a self-storage unit should be adequately lit. Anything less, and you are at risk of falling down steps, tripping over a hazard in the darkness, and potentially damaging your possessions in a fall. In the event of theft, it is more difficult to determine the guilty party if the facility is not brightly lit. Rent a Self-Storage Unit in Chatsworth Today If you need to rent a self-storage unit in Chatsworth, California, consider renting a unit at US Storage Centers' De Soto Avenue location. Call or visit this location today to speak with a member of our friendly, knowledgeable staff and learn more about what we offer to our tenants. Valley Indoor RV Storage 20701 Plummer Street Chatsworth , CA 91311 (818) 600-4241
