Do you have to take a work assignment in another location but you know you'll be returning home in the next couple years? If so, and if you aren't taking all of your belongings with you, it's time to look for a long-term storage option. Don't just compare the rates of the units and pick the lowest price facility. Instead, take the time to make sure that your items will be safe, so you don't have to worry while you're gone. Consider the following things before leasing. 

Door Lock Requirements

You don't want to load your belongings into a storage unit where the only lock keeping people out is a padlock. The padlocks can easily be destroyed with a pair of bolt cutters, and then your items would be free for the taking. Instead, find a facility that offers tenants units that are locked with key pads, key card readers, or cylinder locks. An indoor unit that has a locked entry door, and then locked storage unit is the best choice if you worry about theft.

Long-Term and Screened Tenants

A storage facility that has all their tenants sign long-term contracts, and that doesn't have a lot of tenants coming in and out for monthly leases, is the most ideal. This means there are fewer people to worry about getting in and out of the units, or coming on the property. Find out what the minimum lease term is, and if they rent month to month to anyone. If you have to do a credit screening, this means they are particular about who they rent to.

Pest Control Prevention

Both rodents and insects are a problem in storage units across the country. Ask the storage facility (such as Security Self Storage) what they do to prevent these pests from becoming a problem on their property and inside their facility. A storage provider that cares will treat the units for pests regularly, and will check in your unit if needed.   

If you are worried about price, see if the storage facility will give you a lowered price and discount by paying for the contract in full. These are just a few of the things that you want to look into when you are searching for a unit, and you want to inspect the units in person before you commit to using that facility, and before you give them any money for the lease.