Here's our notes, 6 things to look for when renting a storage unit


Photo: Adam Winger/Unsplash

SNS - Knowing what to prioritize can make all the difference if you want to find the perfect storage facility. So, let’s review the six things to look out for when renting a storage facility. From location and security to cleanliness and cost, understanding these key elements will help you find the right storage solution for your needs.


Picking out the most ideal location
One of the main things to look out for when renting a storage facility is its location. It's not just a matter of convenience because it also affects its practicality and ease of access. Imagine needing to retrieve something from storage urgently. If your chosen facility is just around the corner from your home or workplace, the task becomes a simple errand rather than a time-consuming journey.

Consider the alternative scenario: a storage unit located miles away from your usual routes. Every visit becomes a logistical challenge, requiring extra time and effort. Long drives waste precious time and add up fuel costs, too.

Furthermore, proximity to your location means managing your stored items becomes much more convenient. Whether you need to swap out seasonal items, retrieve something for immediate use, or simply check in on your belongings, having a storage facility nearby makes these tasks quick and easy. It's like having an extension of your home just a stone's throw away. This way, due to close proximity, you’ll benefit from your chosen storage facility as much as you would from having a freestanding storage unit on your property.


Security measures
You should pay attention to security when selecting a storage facility. After all, if you’re renovating your home and want to properly store valuables away from all the chaos or just need some extra space for valuables, reliable security is a must.

Photo: Pawel Czerwinski/Unsplash
When considering security measures, look for facilities equipped with advanced systems. Surveillance cameras, both indoors and outdoors, provide round-the-clock monitoring. This visual deterrent can discourage potential intruders and guarantee your belongings are under constant surveillance.

Gated access adds an extra layer of security, restricting entry to authorized individuals only. With access codes or key cards, you can control who enters the facility, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access. This feature offers peace of mind, knowing only trusted individuals can access your stored items.

Then, on-site security personnel provide a physical presence, further enhancing security measures. Trained professionals can respond swiftly to any security threats or emergencies, maintaining the safety of your belongings. Their presence adds an extra level of protection, especially during non-business hours.

Lastly, consider facilities that offer individual unit alarms. These alarms are triggered by unauthorized entry attempts, alerting facility staff and authorities to potential security breaches.


Climate control
Climate control is a major factor to consider when selecting a storage facility. It's about keeping your belongings safe and preserving their condition over time. Whether you're storing electronics, documents, or furniture, maintaining stable conditions helps prevent damage.

After all, extreme temperatures can wreak havoc on stored items. Fluctuations in temperature and humidity can also lead to mold growth, warping of wood, and deterioration of sensitive materials. By opting for a storage facility with climate control, you can mitigate these risks and improve the longevity of your belongings.

Furthermore, climate-controlled units maintain consistent temperature and humidity levels throughout the year. That helps protect your items from the damaging effects of weather extremes, whether scorching summers or freezing winters. With stable conditions, you can rest assured that your stored belongings are safe from environmental harm.


Cleanliness is the first thing you should look for when looking for a storage unit. It reflects the level of professionalism and maintenance you can expect from the company.

Photo: Joshua Coleman/Unsplash

Cleanliness and maintenance
A clean and well-maintained storage unit both maintains the safety of your belongings and reflects the level of care and professionalism the facility management provides. After all, cleanliness is the first thing you notice when you visit. From the moment you step onto the premises, you should feel reassured by the tidiness and orderliness of the surroundings. A clean facility indicates attention to detail and a commitment to providing a safe and hygienic environment for storing your belongings.

So, first look for signs of cleanliness in common areas such as hallways, elevators, and storage units. A well-maintained facility will be free of debris, dust, and clutter, indicating regular cleaning and upkeep by the staff. Beyond cleanliness, maintenance is another important aspect to consider. A well-maintained facility is less likely to experience leaks, pest infestations, or structural damage. Regular maintenance checks also show that the facility remains in optimal condition, minimizing the risk of damage to your stored items.


Cost and fees
Cost is always a major factor when selecting a storage facility, no matter what. After all, understanding the various fees involved helps you make a better decision. Therefore, before committing to a storage unit, you must understand its full cost breakdown. For example, in addition to the monthly rent, there may be additional fees such as security deposits, administrative fees, or insurance charges.

Comparing prices across different facilities can also help you find the best value for your budget. Also, take note of any promotional offers or discounts that may be available, as these can significantly reduce your overall expenses. Furthermore, when evaluating costs, be sure to factor in the storage unit size you need. Larger units typically come with higher rental fees, so choosing a size that accommodates your belongings without exceeding your budget is important.

Keep in mind that costs may vary depending on factors such as location, amenities, and facility reputation. While it may be tempting to opt for the cheapest option, it's necessary to consider the overall quality and security offered by the facility.

Lastly, you need to consider other potential costs you might need to incur, such as packing and transporting your belongings into storage. Here, allseasonmovers.com is a great option. This moving company offers moving, packing, and storage services in the Tri-State Area. And they even have extensive experience with tricky pieces like pianos or similar. Thus, they can create a comprehensive and personalized offer for you.


Customer reviews and reputation
Customer reviews and reputation play a big role in the decision-making process when selecting a storage facility. Hearing from others who have used the service can provide valuable insights and help you make an informed choice. Take the time to inform yourself about your area's best service providers.


Check online reviews for customer service, security and cleanliness for a remote storage facility.

Photo: Liza Summer/PEXELS

Platforms like Google, Yelp, and Facebook are excellent resources for gathering feedback from past and current customers. Pay attention to positive and negative reviews to get a balanced perspective on the facility. Look for common themes or recurring issues mentioned in multiple reviews. In addition to online reviews, consider asking friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations. Personal referrals can provide trusted insights and help you narrow down your options.

From there, consider factors such as customer service, cleanliness, and security when evaluating a storage facility's reputation. A facility with a strong reputation for excellence in these areas will likely provide a positive experience for you.

Keep in mind that while online reviews are valuable, they should be considered alongside other factors such as location, cost, and amenities. As such, trust your instincts and choose a facility that aligns with your needs and priorities.


Making the most of the six things to look out for when renting a storage facility
As you search, keep in mind the six things to look out for when renting a storage facility. Everything from location to costs is important. By prioritizing these factors, you can get the best possible storage experience.


Over 8,000 homes still without power after high winds rip through Champaign County

URBANA - A severe storm that left more than a 500 mile stretch of damage across several Midwest states caused a large number of power outages throughout the mid-section of the Ameren Illinois service territory this afternoon, according to a statement released by Ameren Illinois.



"This was a significant, slow moving weather cell that pounded our electric infrastructure over the course of several hours," said Lenny Singh, Chairman and President of Ameren Illinois. "Crews have been mobilized throughout the service territory and we are calling in reinforcements from Illinois and nearby states. We're in the assessment phase now and will focus on getting the system repaired and power restored as quickly as possible while exercising high standards of safety."

Ameren Illinois activated its Incident Management Team (IMT) at 1:00 pm Thursday, June 29, 2023, to support restoration activities. It will be staffed around-the-clock to coordinate service restoration, logistical support and communications.

Over 8,000 homes in Urbana, Tolono, and St. Joseph remain without electrical service as of 2 a.m., more than 12 hours after the storm ripped through east central Illinois. According to Ameren's outage data, 7,184 homes in Urbana were still without power. Only 165 homes in Tolono do not have electricity. Meanwhile, in St. Joseph, 47.66% of the residents in the community east of Urbana still needed electrical service restored. No estimate was available when the more than 1000 customers could expect power.

"Customer safety is of utmost importance, particularly when severe weather occurs. We urge our customers to take precautions to protect themselves and their families, including staying away from downed power lines and immediately reporting any downed lines to Ameren Illinois," Singh said.


Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
A branch from a large tree at a condo unit near the corner Broadway and Vermont was peeled away from the trunk after winds close to 80 mph raced through the area after noon on Thursday. Widespread damage has been reported including overturned semis, flattened crops, and fallen trees.

Customers and media can receive timely updates on outage restoration by following the Ameren Illinois news feed on Facebook or at twitter.com/AmerenIllinois. Outages by county can be tracked at AmerenIllinois.com/outage.

Safety Reminders

Customer Reminders

Call Ameren Illinois at 1-800-755-5000 as soon as possible to report a downed line, natural gas odor, or an outage.

Stay away from downed power lines because these lines may still be energized. During an outage, individuals are asked to stay indoors after sunset because downed lines may not be visible. Stay away from brush, shrubs and fallen trees that may be hiding these lines.

If your electric service is interrupted, unplug or protect sensitive computer and electronic equipment with a high-quality surge protector.

Customers seeking more information on their outage:

Customers will receive notification on the restoration status of individual outages. Those who are signed up for alerts will receive alert updates through their preferred channels. All others will receive a phone call.

Customers can report and check the status of their restoration at Ameren.com or download the free Ameren Mobile app where you can report or check your outage right from the palm of your hand.

Sign up for alerts. Text REG to AMEREN (263736) to start or visit Ameren.com/Alerts. 

In addition, safety and real-time outage information is available on the outage map at AmerenIllinois.com/outagemap.

Four misconceptions owners have about flooding and water damage in their homes

Photo provided
StatePoint Media - Many people look forward to spring when the weather warms up and flowers start to bloom, but it also marks the start of the peak time of year for flash flooding in the United States. According to NOAA, 75% of flash floods happen between late April and mid-September. With two major storms passing through East Central Illinois in the last week, you should remember when water backs up and overflows, it generally goes where it doesn’t belong and can cause serious damage to your home.

Unfortunately, many homeowners have misconceptions about floods, leaving them unprepared. Here are four of the biggest myths:

1. Homeowners insurance policies cover flood damage. A typical homeowners policy covers water damage from a sink or bathtub overflowing but won’t help with flood damage caused by storms – something many homeowners only discover after it’s too late. However, some insurance companies offer coverage to help fill the gaps so you don’t have to pay out of pocket for repairs and replacements. For example, Erie Insurance now offers Extended Water coverage, which covers damage caused not only by natural disasters, but also by sewer and drain backups.

2. Only people who live in flood plains need flood insurance. A national survey commissioned by Erie Insurance found that 53% of homeowners think only people who live in high-risk flood zones should buy flood insurance. However, 25% of flood claims are filed by people who live outside those areas. Additionally, FEMA says floodwater only needs to get a mere 3 inches high to make it likely that you’d need to replace drywall and baseboards.

3. There’s nothing you can do to prevent flood damage. Nothing is foolproof, but there are ways to protect your home from water damage. Install a sump pump along with a battery backup and regularly test it. Improve drainage around your home by clearing leaves and debris from gutters, storm drains and downspouts. You can also install water sensors to alert you of water or leaks within your home. If a storm is on the way, plan ahead by placing valuables and sentimental items into plastic storage bins, moving items off the floor (especially if they are stored in basements and lower levels of a home) and by making a home inventory. A list of all your personal possessions, along with their estimated values, will help if you need to file an insurance claim.

4. Insurance can only help you after an incident. Many homeowners don’t realize they may be able to get reimbursed for taking steps to protect their homes when flooding is imminent. As one example, under certain circumstances Erie Insurance will reimburse homeowners up to $10,000 for materials such as sandbags and the sand to fill them, fill for temporary levees, pumps or plastic sheeting and lumber used with these items, as well as labor.

“We encourage homeowners to not underestimate the risk of flooding, and to be aware of the significant amount of damage that even a small amount of water can cause,” said Michelle Tennant, vice president of product management, Erie Insurance. “Talk to your independent insurance agent about your home and your neighborhood to make sure you have the coverage that’s right for you.”

To learn more about protecting your home from floods, visit erieinsurance.com/extended-water.

Life is unpredictable. So is weather. But one thing is certain: if it can rain (or snow), it can flood. Make sure you’re protected with the right type of insurance.


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