The number of self-storage facilities across the nation has grown exponentially in recent years. So many homeowners are choosing to lock up their possessions that one has to wonder what we did with all of our "extras" before such facilities were so common. Our population probably had a few less pack rats, to be sure.

Before you sign a contract with any self-storage facility, there are a few guidelines you should heed, and a few red flags of which you should be aware:

First, take a look at the surrounding area. Does it seem safe, or do you spot various unsavory types cruising the neighborhood looking for trouble? Make sure that the facility is not only in a safe area, but also in a well-traveled area. A facility tucked back in a relatively remote location represents a prime opportunity for burglars to hit the jackpot virtually unnoticed. A safe facility will be situated on a well-lit, busy street, and should be surrounded by a high, sturdy and locked fence. Although homeowners obviously want to select a facility close to their own homes, if you have to drive a bit further to find a safe facility in a major metropolitan area, make that sacrifice. It could save you considerable problems -- not the least of which is burglary -- in the long run. Larger cities also tend to offer larger, brand-name facilities, which are a safer bet not only because of their credibility, but also because they're financially able to equip their grounds with better security features.

Your entry should be controlled by an electronic gate; members should have to enter pass codes to gain entry to the grounds. The safest facilities will have only one entry and one exit, preferably next to each other and within clear view of the office. Before you make a commitment to a facility, watch the comings and goings through those gates. Do other cars "sneak" in behind people who have legitimately entered their codes? Can the office attendant see the entry and exit gates, a vantage point which would enable him or her to take immediate action in the event of a problem? The office attendant also should have access to a television behind the reception desk, hooked up to an outdoor video camera.

Ask the facility manager if the company has a maintenance and/or security staff who patrol the grounds periodically, preferably in uniforms and carrying two-way radios for security in the event they spot any suspicious activity. Other service aspects you want to look for are pest control, access to carts and moving trailers (both should be free of charge to renters), a computerized and efficient bookkeeping system and secure method of rent payment, an elevator if needed, a clean facility, full-time office staff (with access to a closed-circuit television), and as mentioned above, uniformed maintenance staff.

Before you sign a contract, be sure to ask about the facility's terms in the event you decide to cancel your lease. Will you receive a refund for your unused rent, or will you be required to pay out the remainder of your lease or be slapped with a financial penalty? Do you have the flexibility of moving out at a time that works within your schedule, or would you be forced to move out at a specific time? If the answers you receive to these questions don't meet with your satisfaction, move on. There are plenty of facilities who will provide the services you deserve. Your mental "red flags" should be raised if you're told that in the event that you decide to vacate your unit, you will not be given a refund on your unused rent. This is a common complaint among renters, but there's just as many facilities out there who will return your unused rent without a hassle. After all, smart companies know that satisified customers will provide them leads through word of mouth.

On a somewhat related note, are the facility staff friendly, neat in their appearance and approachable, or do you "smell something fishy"? If your instincts are telling you that this could be a shady operation, trust your gut. While you might be jumping the gun, it's better to err on the side of caution.

It's also best to comparison shop. Don't sign a contract with the first facility you visit merely because the price they quote you seems reasonable or because the facility is close to home. Look around, and don't hesitate to mention the other quotes you've been given at competing facilities.

Many families need to rent storage facilities for a short period -- a couple of weeks, perhaps, or a month, perhaps, while they're living in temporary housing and waiting for a new home to be ready for move-in. If that's the case for you, don't sign any contract until you've found out if the facility has a minimum amount of time you're required to rent a unit. Some companies have one-month or even two-month minimum requirements. That's a waste of money if you're seeking a shorter-term solution. Even if you're fairly certain you'll use the space for a month or more, ask about minimum renting requirements, anyway. You never know if your circumstances will change, and you'll want to move out earlier than you initially planned.

Last but not least, ask the self-storage company if they require 30 days' notice or any other form of advance warning in the event that you have to leave. You may believe that providing notice won't be a problem for you because you're conscientious, but it's best to avoid any company with such a policy. If your circumstances change, and Murphy's Law guarantees it, many self-storage companies make a large chunk of their revenue during times like these. You need to leave quickly, and there's no time to provide advance notice. While you can vacate your unit today, you'll still have to pay out your rent through the end of the specified period.

As the old adage says, let the buyer (or renter, in this case) beware when you're on the lookout for self-storage facilities. The good news is that the Internet makes the search for reputable facilities in your area an easy task. Most sites will enable you to search within your own city and locate the nearest name-brand facility within a reasonable distance to your home. Of course, the most cost-efficient solution is to hold a garage sale or pull out a trash bag and abandon your pack-rat ways, but that's another story (and an impossible dream) for many of us who still believe in saving for a rainy day.

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Published: May 19, 1999

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