Living in Manhattan is one of the best things that can happen in your life. The Big Apple is defiantly the greatest city in the world. There are so many great things to enjoy and visit. On the other side, it is not cheap to live in Manhattan. And we all know that. That is why having a house or an apartment in Manhattan is something many can’t afford. And even if you are lucky enough to have such a luxury, it is more than likely your place is not big enough. At least not for all your belongings. If this is the case, Manhattan storage units could be the answer to your problems. But you need to be careful. Therefore we are going to speak about red flags for storage renters in Manhattan.
Situations when renting storage is a smart solution
Nowadays, there are many reasons why people are renting storage. Many are having a fresh start in Manhattan and using storage while looking for a suitable place for living. Storages are a great solution for seasonal clothing and sports equipment. If you have a motorcycle, you will need a place for all the equipment and spare parts. Not to mention a place where your bike will be during the winter. Many companies are using storage as well for all kinds of goods. As you can see, the reasons are numerous. And that is exactly why the storage industry is getting bigger every year.
But, there is another side of the coin as well. As many are trying to get their piece of cake with storage business, there are some fraudulent activities in the field. In the past few years, storage renting scams are not uncommon. That is exactly why you need to be very careful if you are among storage renters in Manhattan. Luckily, it is not really hard to recognize red flags when you want to rent storage. There are several usual ways these scammers are operating. And that is exactly what we are going to talk about in order to help you recognize and avoid such fraudulent activities.
Preparation tips for storage renters in Manhattan
Before you decide to rent storage in Manhattan, you need to do thorough research. That is very important if you want to find a safe storage facility that is within your budget. Especially if this is the first time you are about to become a member of storage renters in Manhattan. Good research will help you get familiar with what to expect from this project. For example, you need to learn about security systems storage facilities are using. This way you will be able to ask the right questions in order to be sure your belongings will be safe. This applies to firefight protocols, security cameras, and on-site security.
One more thing you need to know is to recognize which type of storage unit is the most suitable for you. There are various storage units, from small to big and wide to long. And if you choose poorly, there is a chance you are going to spend more money than you need. You need to be ready to negotiate this part. It is more than probable that you will be offered a bigger unit than you actually need. And if you do not know what is most suitable for you, you can end up paying more than necessary. So it matters if you are going to use this unit as a winter garage or you need it just as a place to keep your kitchen appliances before moving them to a new home.
Red flags for storage renters in Manhattan
Once you make a shortlist of potential storage facilities, it is time to visit them. This is a part where you need to pay extra attention. Most of the scammers will try to get your money at this point, and you must not allow that. But before we continue with on-site red flags for storage renters in Manhattan, here is a list of red flags you can get over the telephone call or email. So, if you heard some of these, make sure such a facility does not end up on your shortlist:
- You are being asked for an upfront payment
- They want you to sign some papers before visiting the storage facility
- Someone is asking for a credit card details
- They want to get personal information that is not related to renting a storage unit, such as a social security number
Once you are on-site, the key is in details. Make sure to see the interior of the unit you are about to rent. If you notice moisture, water, or a funny smell, it means they do not maintain it properly. Just imagine that you want to relocate outdoor furniture and find it damaged once you want to move it to your front yard. Make sure that there are up-to-date inspection dates on the firefighting systems. Ask to see the surveillance system and pay attention if all units are in the camera view. Check if there is a policy that only you have the key to the storage unit. And finally, make sure you read the fine print in the contract. Ask for a draft, read it thoroughly, and make sure everything is just like they promised.
Be careful and smart
As you can see, you need to be very careful if you are among storage renters in Manhattan. If you do not pay attention to all these red flags, you can easily make yourself a big problem. Even worse, to lose all your precious items. Therefore, try to be smart. The key is in detail. If you do not pay enough attention to the fine print, there is a big chance you will end up with some kind of a problem. And that is the last thing you need in this situation. You can always consult with professionals such as Clinton moving company and ask for advice. Good and reliable movers have enough experience to give you good directions regarding storage renting. And any help is more than welcome, especially if you are looking for a secure and affordable option.
