Finding a compact storage facility in Lai Chi Kok would seem easy, right? A couple calls, a fast Google search, and voila! Your clutter now resides somewhere else. You will have a nasty awakening, though, if you believe all you see in the commercials Lai Chi Kok self storage solutions.

First of all, costs can be a sliding hill. Ever notice how those businesses boldly “from $88/month” splatter large amounts over their banners? Perfect too amazing to be real. It is also. Expect a discount, then walk out tied into contracts laden with extra charges. Documents appearing to have been altered by a hungry attorney covering cleaning, handling, even keycard fees! It suddenly is double, occasionally more. Keep your sense of humor about you. If I simply want this pint-sized locker, ask, “What’s the REAL monthly bill?” Look for flitting eyes.

Let us address access now. These businesses enjoy playing about with “24/7 entry,” like they are candy. Often overlooked are what they should be mentioning. An “out of order” lift could cut off your midnight excursion to pick your winter jacket. Better still, lonely clanging behind padlocked doors. Sometimes, after dim lunch, security officers slumber better than your grandfather. Engage in conversation with other users. Pay close attention for horror stories.

On security: get ready. Those shiny pictures of LED-lit hallways don’t necessarily capture behind-the-scenes activity. leasing real estate to several companies? Events happen. cameras of security? Sure, but nobody is staring at the monitor. Nobody double-checks; people trade unit numbers, duplicate keys circulate about. For sticky-fingered opportunists, one floor turns into a treasure store. “Who was that man by the lockers?” Oh, just someone another whose “forgot their code.” Yes.

Calculations in space are still another rabbit hole. Though you could fit a boat in your head with the “35 square foot” area, shove your sofa in and you’ll feel like you’re blindfolded playing Tetris. Rarely is a square inch of honest-to- good available. Highest ceiling height? Often hardly taller than your pet golden retriever. Bring a tape measure; that will be helpful. Alternatively, lug your large suitcase halfway across Kowloon and count the perspiration you lose before stopping.

Climate control merits almost a rant of its own. Slogans like “Air-conditioned all year!,” set high standards, but the unit next to yours could seem like a sauna. Clothing molds. Books twist. Leather breaks. Some places simply hope you won notice by blasting a fan into the hall. After a week or two, you will only smell the truth.

Not to mention the fine print. Like the seasons, notice times vary. Move out late and charge for a week. Early cancelment? Admin charges. Overskilled by half an hour? still another cost. Though with additional padlocks, it resembles an airline.

Word of the wise: before you start rolling around, never sign on the dotted line. See real units, not merely the ones in the showroom. Talk to another customer. Trust your nose—mold is not only an ugly, literally. Before piling your old LPs next to a puddle on the concrete floor, give some thought.

You could find storage in Lai Chi Kok useful. Just keep your eyes open rather widely. Perhaps also, just maybe, a lucky penny in your pocket for good measure.