Do you need quality or cost-effectiveness? More features usually mean more costs, but the quality of those features can help you figure out if you're getting a good deal or a ripoff. Here are a few inspection points for storage rooms to figure out what you need and whether you're getting your money's worth.

Air Conditioning And Filtering

If you're storing objects that can't handle humidity, high heat, or may become brittle at extremely low temperatures, air conditioning is a must. Especially in humid areas, air conditioning can stop your storage unit of choice from becoming a dank, mold-filled chamber of slow rot and deterioration. 

Air conditioning is not a unique or new feature, but not all storage units need the feature to be useful. If you're just storing old clothing and treated furniture in an area without a lot of humidity, any facility with basic services and no major flaws is fine. That said, if you need air conditioning, make sure that the filtration and air movement is working properly.

Ask to see the filter for the air conditioning. You'll want to make sure that the unit has a filter, that the filter is changed on a regular basis, and that the filter isn't torn.

Check the vents for the storage unit to make sure there aren't any clogging debris within eyesight.

Security Features

Theft is an issue for all storage room users, but some valuables are worth more to thieves than others. Modern storage facilities should be able to afford at least one camera, and lock security is an agreement between you getting a lock and the facility making sure that doors aren't brittle, rusted, or otherwise falling apart. 

Security cameras can offer various levels of security, but the most basic is sometimes a dishonest crutch for facilities trying to cut corners. A security camera--or something that looks like a camera--acts as a deterrent against theft but isn't nearly enough when there are known valuables in the area.

Make sure that the cameras aren't just for show. Ask to see recordings, and consider standing in front of the cameras a day before asking to make sure you show up in the camera's view. Security footage should be in a modern format, meaning that you should be able to pop in a disc (such as a CD, DVD, or even a Blu-ray, although Blu-ray would be overkill as of 2017) or get a USB drive/thumb drive for the video data.

If security is of high concern, an indoor facility with security guards is a good choice. Visit at odd hours to make sure that security personnel is doing their job. Contact a storage facility like K&L LLC Mini Storage to discuss the level of features you need and to begin inspection