If you’re stressing about your upcoming move and considering the many different options for storing your items, you might be looking for some storage solutions. In Dallas, the rental and housing market is moving more quickly than ever, and people often need extra space to move their items for many reasons. You may have a complicated move on your hands and want to set some items aside, you may be downsizing, or you simply need a few days to store your items before moving into your new home.
For whatever reason, you’re in luck because Dallas offers a huge selection of storage companies from which you can select. The storage scene is quite diverse, offering different options like climate-controlled storage, specialized storage, and self-storage. You can find flexible options, meaning that you can choose the exact size and rental agreement that works for you. You don’t always have to commit to your storage for an extended period of time; a lot of companies will offer flexible terms!
If you think finding a storage facility is stressful, think again. It is more than possible to find a facility that suits your needs and offers peace of mind at the same time. You just need to know where to look and what options are available.
So, if you are in the process of moving or are planning to, let’s dive into the world of storage moving and everything you need to consider before committing to your storage company.
What Should You Look For in A Storage Facility?
Finding a storage unit isn’t just about finding a space to store your items. Your possessions need to stay safe and sound while in this space, no matter how long you use it. Storage facilities offer different options and advantages, so you need to know what to look for while doing your research.
#1 Location
Location is important because you don’t want to spend an hour driving to your storage to pick up a few items. If you plan to stop by often, you need an accessible storage facility close to your home or work.
This may not be the case for people who are traveling or who do not plan on picking their items up often. Again, it all comes down to personal needs.
#2 Access
You don’t want your items stored in a facility that is surrounded by traffic jams most of the time. It will not be fun to pick up or drop off items, ever. If you want convenient storage, you need to look for a facility that offers easy access and great connection to roads and highways.
#3 Amenities
Different facilities offer different services. You may be looking for 24/7 security, climate-controlled units, or 24-hour access to your storage. Choose the services that are most important to you!
#4 Neighborhoods
If there are some neighborhoods with a high concentration of storage facilities, there is a high chance they will be offering more competitive prices than neighborhoods with only a couple of storage options. Do your research before settling on a specific location!
#5 Convenience
If you need 24-hour access to your storage for convenient pick-up and delivery of your items and plan on visiting often, you can find many storage facilities in Dallas that offer just that!
Choosing Your Dallas Storage Unit: Essential Steps
Do you want to regularly pay for space you are not using? Thought so. There are different storage sizes, and according to the volume of your items, you can choose the perfect size for you! You also don’t want to pack your items from bottom to top and leave no space for oxygen in your unit, let alone yourself. There are some essential steps you must follow before deciding on a unit size.
How Many Items Do You Have To Move?
The first step is getting an idea of how many items you have to move, and how much space those items will take up. Everything will be much easier to handle if you create a detailed list of items, including everything you plan on moving. Then, find out the storage unit options available and see how your items may fit inside those unit sizes. Keep the height of the unit in mind. The way you can visualize this space is to imagine your items in a pile.
Which Unit Sizes Are Available?
We’ve constructed the ultimate table for your storage-moving needs. Below you will find examples and estimates of what you could fit into each storage size, and keep in mind that this all comes down to the size of your specific move and your personal preferences.
What To Look Out For When Choosing a Unit
There are a few things to watch out for when doing your research and booking a storage moving company. You don’t want to make these mistakes during your move.
- Overestimating space. A cramped storage space is worse than having some unused space inside because you want to have actual access to your items. If not everything fits, you will find yourself in a worse situation than having some empty space inside.
- No accessibility. When moving into your storage space, keep in mind that you need to move around your unit safely. If you stack it from bottom to top with no walkable aisles, it will be tricky getting to your items in the back.
- Your unit isn’t climate-controlled. Dallas temperatures can vary. This is why most people choose climate-controlled options, so their items remain in impeccable condition while in storage.
Tips for Maximizing Storage Space
- Use all of your unit space. Specifically – use the full height of your space.
- Disassemble your furniture. Storing your entire bed is going to take up a lot more space than a disassembled one.
- Store items strategically. Least used items should go to the back, and your most used items should be stored in the front of your unit so you can get frequent access to them.
Considering Security and Accessibility
These should be your dealbreakers when choosing a storage unit. If you are looking for peace of mind while storing your items, security and accessibility should be your main priorities.
Security
When looking for storage facilities in Dallas, you need to consider those with great security features. Surveillance should cover the entire facility 24/7. Some facilities offer personal security systems, where you can create your own entry codes and have on-site security for your unit.
You can assess the security situation by visiting the facility and checking if there are people on the premises, if cameras are properly placed, and if the facility is dark or well-lit. These are all important factors to consider when choosing a storage company.
Accessibility
If you are looking for a storage facility knowing that you will be visiting often and picking up and delivering your items – you need to find an accessible solution. Start by checking the operating hours, some storage facilities close at a certain time and do not offer access after that time. Others may offer 24/7 access. There are options for having a key to your unit so you can visit whenever you please.
Don’t forget to check the loading and unloading options, and if it’s easy to move items in and out. Entry points should be close to your unit if you are planning on a big storage move, or a move with a lot of heavy or fragile items.
Having a unit on the ground floor is the best option if accessibility is important to you. Check if your storage facility offers the usage of carts and dollies during the move.
What Are Climate-Controlled Storage Facilities?
Preserving sensitive items is an option with climate-controlled storage as it maintains a consistent temperature and humidity level. If you are planning to store items that can be damaged by high humidity or extreme temperatures like books for example, climate-controlled storage is definitely the way to go. You won’t have to worry about the condition of your items and you will have complete peace of mind.
Budgeting For Storage Solutions
The cost of your storage unit may just be the ultimate dealbreaker, and reasonably so. You need to get as many quotes as possible and compare them before deciding on a specific company. Keep in mind that the cheaper option may not always be the best option, and it may cost you more in the long run.
Pricing Considerations
Which factors do you need to consider before calculating the total cost of your storage unit? What goes into the price? This is what can affect your price: unit size, climate-control options, location, security features, accessibility, insurance, and move-in/move-out costs.
How to Budget For Your Storage Move
There are some things you can do to lower the overall cost of your upcoming storage move, so get creative and start preparing!
- Don’t overestimate or underestimate your needs. Be realistic with the space and amenities you need, or you might go over budget quickly.
- Get as many quotes as possible. Scoring the best price is only possible if you have many prices to choose from.
- Check if there are any discounts available, some local storage facilities may be offering some deals!
- Negotiate with your storage facility. You never know, some may be willing to price match or lower their quote, especially if you are looking for a long-term commitment.
Efficient Storage Solutions: How to Prepare
The most important thing you need to do is be efficient and effective with your storage space in order to maximize the value and keep your items safe during their stay.
How to Pack and Organize
- Use good quality boxes and packing materials for all of your items, and don’t forget to properly pad the fragile ones.
- Label your boxes clearly with it’s contents so you know exactly where everything is.
- Disassemble your furniture pieces to use as little space as possible while storing them.
- Once again, place important items in the front, and your least used items in the back.
- Heavy items go on the bottom and lighter items on top. Never stack a heavier box on top of a lighter one.
Storage Insurance and Protection
Insurance is very important no matter the service you are looking for. In the event of theft, fire or natural disasters, you want to know that your items are covered while in storage. Most storage companies will offer their own insurance plans, and this is where you need to check exactly what this insurance plan covers, and what it does not. Check the coverage limits of their policy and if it is equal to the value of the belongings you plan on storing. The additional security will provide you with added peace of mind while your items are stored.
DIY vs. Full-Service Storage: Which is Better?
DIY Storage
- More cost effective.
- More control over packing, organizing, and accessing your items.
- Complete flexibility for accessing your unit.
- You will be responsible for everything – packing, moving and storing your items. \
Full-Service Storage
- Convenience. Your storage company will pick up and store your items for you.
- You don’t have to invest energy into moving your items into storage.
- You may get some additional options like digital inventory and retrieval services.
- More costly due to the additional services and convenience.
Need to Move Your Items into Storage? A#1 Movers Can Get You There!
A#1 Movers specializes in storage in and out moving. This means that we know the exact techniques when moving your items, how to properly pack them for their stay, and stack them inside your unit to maximize storage space. We offer full-service storage moving, meaning that we can also pack up your items before moving them. The level of service you require from us is completely up to you, and you can let us know exactly what you need when requesting a free quote from our relocation specialists. Join our base of happy customers today and move into storage with complete peace of mind. Let’s create your personalized storage moving expereince together!
