Read This Before You Select the Right Storage Unit for Your Needs
A storage unit is purposefully designed to hold a wide range of belongings under certain key conditions. Modern climate-controlled storage facilities are rapidly growing in popularity all over India, which can be leased according to various feasible terms and conditions. A storage facility exhibits superior protection of the goods, backed by excellent physical security and 24/7 CCTV surveillance.
A self-storage unit is very convenient because the client is in full control of how and when to access it, while benefiting from easy leasing terms that are tailored according to your requirements. By comparing the various kinds of storage options described in this article, you can make a more informed choice about finding the best provider.
Storage Units In a Nutshell
A storage facility is a licensed service that can hold various kinds of goods within its precincts, under certain key terms and conditions. Various kinds of licenses are required for a storage service to operate in India, which include both state and national-level permits.
- Shops & Establishment Act Registration: This is a mandatory state-level license that is provided by the Department of Labour of the respective state government.
- Municipal License: Municipal license is a must, according to the city in which the storage facility is located. For example, you will have to acquire the GHMC license to operate a storage facility in Hyderabad. Likewise, you will have to get the BBMP license to have a storage unit in Bengaluru.
- WDRA License: Facilities that intend to issue negotiable warehouse receipts (NWRs) must obtain the license from the Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority.
- FSSAI License: Having this license is critical for storing food products at the facility.
Apart from these, a unit must get various other permits, such as the commercial vehicle license to carry goods and a fire safety permit from the municipal authority that ensures the unit has all the mandatory requirements to deal with a sudden fire hazard. Modern storage facilities are equipped to hold both residential and commercial belongings in a safe space. Students, corporate organizations, tech startups, and local manufacturing services often look for suitable storage facilities in various cities.
Key Reasons Why People Look for Storage Units
Here is a brief rundown of the key reasons why people look for storage units. Modern facilities have advanced features like biometric lockers and industrial-grade dehumidifiers to ensure your goods are kept securely for as long as required.
- Relocating from One House to Another: This is one of the most common reasons why you would need to have a storage facility. A suitable service typically provides end-to-end services for packing and moving the goods before keeping them in the unit.
- Decluttering the Home of Extra Goods: Many modern homes face an acute space crunch, especially when they purchase new furniture items or the latest home appliances. Keeping the extra goods in a self-storage facility is more convenient until you decide what to do with them.
- Storage of Extremely Valuable Goods: Homeowners may need to keep their extremely valuable items, like antique pieces, sculptures, and paintings, in a secure storage unit.
- Making Space for Family Occasions: If you have a family occasion, such as weddings or festive gatherings, you will have to make more space in your apartment.
- Maintaining Corporate Archives and Inventory: Corporate offices often require a secure storage facility to maintain their crucial archives and excess office equipment. Tech startups in cities like Bangalore and Noida can greatly benefit by storing their inventory in a secure place.
- Students Going for Summer Breaks: Cities like Pune and Chennai have a significant student population, as these are top educational hubs in the country. Students who are going for summer breaks are required to keep their belongings somewhere else to vacate their hostels and PG rooms.
Types of Storage Units You Can Find
Here is a brief overview of the types of storage units that are commonly available in India. The two broad types include indoor storage units and outdoor storage units. While an indoor unit is more common, outdoor units can be used to keep vehicles and heavy industrial equipment.
- Climate-Controlled Storage Units: These facilities employ extensive methods to keep the goods protected from climatic factors. For example, when looking for a unit in Chennai or Bengaluru, you should always inquire whether they have industrial dehumidifiers to protect goods from the humidity. Likewise, facilities in Noida must maintain adequate protection from the dust factor in the polluted city. A climate-controlled facility is a must when you need to keep sensitive and expensive items like electronic goods.
- Specialty Storage Units: A specialty unit has advanced features like air-conditioning to keep wines or biometric lockers to keep vital documents. Some units are also available for keeping two-wheelers, such as bikes and scooters.
Besides, when you need to decide on the right option, you must consider whether you want to lease the space for long-term or short-term needs. Quotes are provided based on your specific requirements so that you do not overspend. For instance, if you need the services for three weeks, you should not have to pay one month’s rent in advance.
Storage Unit Sizes: How to Choose the Right One
One of the primary aspects of selecting the right facility is to decide in advance how much space you will need. Units are usually advertised according to the space they hold, so that you can visualize the space and select the best option.
Here are the standard dimensions available:
- Small units like the 5×5 storage
- Medium units like the 10×10 storage
- Larger units like the 10×20 storage
When you select the right unit, try to get a visual reference for the space. For example, a 10×10 unit is roughly half the size of a garage. Depending on the items you need to keep there, you can easily determine the best option. A 10 x 20 unit should be sufficient to keep all the furniture and appliances of a standard modern home. It is roughly the size of a standard bedroom, and can accommodate bigger items such as wardrobes, fridges, bookshelves, and TV cabinets.
How to Choose the Perfect Storage Unit
Here are a few key tips on how to select the right unit:
- Proximal Location: The convenience of location is a key factor. The facility should be easily accessible via key roads. It should be easily identified according to local landmarks like shopping malls.
- Amenities Available: You will have to verify the amenities available at the facility. This includes security features, fire safety, and water hazard safety features. Besides, you need to select a self-storage facility depending on whether it provides 24/7 access, including weekends.
- Reputation of the Facility: Do your research on the Internet to find out the reviews and ratings of the preferred storage facility. Ask for local recommendations so that you can be confident of selecting the service.
- Convenient Leasing Terms: Check whether you can get a fixed quote on your leasing requirements. Also, you need to verify whether long-term and short-term contracts are provided.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Renting a Storage Unit
- Choosing the wrong size or type of unit: Make sure you select the right size and type so that you don’t regret it afterwards.
- Not reading the lease agreement carefully: You are required to sign a leasing agreement that specifies the terms and conditions of storage. Read the fine print to identify potential loopholes that can affect the safety of your goods.
- Failing to insure your belongings: Despite all the security measures, it’s always a good idea to insure your belongings in the event of unpredictable damage.
- Overlooking security features: Don’t take the security features for granted and make sure that everything is in order to safely hold belongings worth lakhs of rupees.
Frequently Asked Questions About Storage Units
- Can I count on the security features?
The best way to ensure this is to book an appointment at the preferred facility and personally check whether everything is in order.
- Can I authorize someone else to access my unit?
This can be a major security lapse, and so storage facilities always want to make sure that the other person is entitled to access your belongings.
- Do I get a fixed quote even for a long-term contract?
Definitely! The best storage services can offer you a fixed quote even when you need to lease the unit for longer terms, such as six months or one year.
- What happens if I stop paying for the unit?
A storage service is not a charity organization. If you stop paying for the unit, the service might confiscate your goods to recover the costs, besides other legal hassles.
Conclusion
Selecting the right storage facility should be done very carefully. Several types of facilities are available, which are leased out for residential or business storage. Whether you are decluttering your home or shifting to a new location, temporary storage can be the right option. With StoreHouse24, you can confidently avail yourself of the best services in key cities like Pune and Hyderabad.
