Rental Industry News Today

When evaluating self storage facilities before choosing a Miami-Dade County rental self storage unit, there are several important considerations which generally make the checklists of prospective renters.

Cost, convenience, security, and staff professionalism are usually at the top of most storage shoppers’ lists, and apply to both both standard and climate controlled storage options.

There is one sometimes overlooked item which is also important and warrants attention from those shopping for self storage units for rent. That factor is the cleanliness of the facility. In the humid, sub-tropical climate experienced in the Greater Miami, Florida metropolitan area, this is especially true.

A Clean Storage Facility Is Important

Why is a clean facility important? A clean self storage business is much less likely to attract pests and rodents. This is vitally important when storing furniture, clothing, and pharmaceuticals. You do not want to be bringing in any new and uninvited house guests when you remove your items from storage and bring them into your residence or business, nor do you want your items in storage to be damaged by infestation. Be sure to ask management what measures they take to maintain a clean and pest free environment.

Cleanliness evaluation starts when you pull into the parking lot. Are the facility grounds well maintained and free of litter and debris? If there is landscaping, is it healthy and well cared for? It’s a good sign when the management is aware of curb appeal to customers.

Pay attention to the office environment as well. Is the office area clean and orderly, desks organized, and floors sparkling? Is there a lingering odor, especially of smoke? Not a good sign. Have the trash cans been emptied? When was the last time this office saw a paint brush?

A Hard Place To Hide

A great place to check to get an idea of the management attitude toward maintaining a clean environment is the public restroom. A dingy restroom that makes you feel like you might need to take a shower after you get home is an indicator that perhaps the facility is not focused on cleanliness.

Another spot to check to get an idea of the cleanliness culture of the facility is the dumpster storage area. Is there trash outside the dumpsters? Are there fenced enclosures around the dumpsters, and if so, are they well maintained and free of dirt? Are the dumpsters overflowing or the lids unclosed? This is a prime spot to check as it will be a pest and rodent magnet if it is unclean and/or disorderly. Some customers might leave it that way temporarily, but a good management team won’t let the dumpster area go unchecked.

So if you live in the Miami-Dade County area and are considering renting a self storage unit, do take cost, security, and staff professionalism into account, but with all the wildlife and pests known to inhabit this region, the overall cleanliness of your prospective self storage rental facility is an important factor you’d benefit from not overlooking.