Assess Your Needs
First and foremost, before you do anything else, it’s crucial to assess your needs and determine what you’re looking to accomplish with your storage container. Of course, in the most general sense, your need here is storage, but your assessment should go further than that.
Determine the volume of items you’re looking to store in your container in order to understand what container size will work most effectively for you. By choosing a container size that best accommodates what you’re looking to store, you can ensure you will have just the right amount of space for what you want to accomplish.
During this period, you can also assess the quality of the container you’re looking for. Depending on your circumstances, you can decide whether new or used quality is required.
Decide On Your Container Type
Next, once you know what you need, it’s time to choose a container type that works best for you. Storage containers, in fact, are not one size fits all. There are containers of all types, shapes, and sizes to suit a wide variety of needs.
Shipping containers, portable storage containers, and self-storage units—these are just a few of the container types available for commercial and residential needs. You can also consider size variations from the standard such as high cube. These different specifications and features can more specifically meet your needs for the best results possible from your storage container.
Search For Companies Near You
Now that you’ve determined what will work most effectively for your storage needs, you can start the search for storage companies near you. One of the most reliable ways to find a trustworthy storage company in your area is to ask for recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues to discover who they have depended on for their storage needs. Gaining these insights from people you trust already can allow you to hear honest, candid recommendations to guide you in the right direction. Another great way to find companies in your area is to search online, where you can gain access to a comprehensive list of the storage services near you.
Read Through Reviews
As you go about your search, it’s essential to read reviews online. These reviews, easily accessible through a variety of online platforms, can provide honest feedback about the quality and caliber of the companies in question.
From here, you can determine which companies provide top tier services and which ones you should steer clear of. Additionally, you should check for these companies’ accreditations and ensure that they are in good standing with the Better Business Bureau. These steps will allow you to choose a storage company you can trust.
Compare Price Options
The next step involves receiving price estimates from a few companies in your area. Ideally, around three quotes would be best to ensure you obtain the best price possible. Receiving several estimates allows you to gain a better understanding of the standard cost to address your needs, and having this knowledge empowers you to choose the lowest price that best fits into your budget.
Ask the Right Questions
Another important part of working with a storage company is asking the right questions as you go about the process of receiving an estimate. Consider asking some of the following questions to make sure you have an accurate understanding of the company’s services:
- Are your containers weatherproof?
- What are the security features on your storage units?
- Are there any long term commitments on your contracts?
- Is insurance available for my stored items?
- What is the payment schedule for a container?
- What are the terms and conditions of the rental agreement?
- What items are restricted from being stored in a container?
Review The Contract Carefully
Once you’ve decided what unit you would like to buy or rent, your storage company will provide you with a contract. It’s imperative that you carefully read through your contract and understand all of the terms and conditions.
Be sure that the contract doesn’t have any blank sections and comprehensively covers all facets of your rental or purchase. If there are any elements that you don’t understand or that differ from what was promised to you, bring these questions or concerns to the company’s attention in order to avoid any complications down the line. Take your time to do this, as understanding your contract is a necessity
Consider Transit and Deliver
Finally, it’s time for your portable storage container to be delivered to you! Make sure you understand the transit and delivery process so your container can be brought where you need it efficiently. This is the important final step before you start using your storage container to address your needs, so make sure you know when and where your company will be delivering your container.
Chicago Storage Containers Tailored to You
Now that you know the steps, you’re ready to unlock the convenience of portable storage solutions! Looking for a storage company you can trust in Chicago? Count on none other than Great Lakes Kwik Space, your premier Chicagoland storage provider.
As a locally owned and operated company, we offer fast 24-hour delivery so you can get high quality storage solutions where you need them, when you need them. We offer competitive monthly rental rates, allowing you to receive the very best in storage without breaking the bank. Interested in learning more about what we offer at Great Lakes Kwik Space? Request a free rental or purchase quote today, and address your storage needs with ease!
