If you are a first-time storage unit renter, you may be overwhelmed with the variety of choices and have many unanswered questions. However, we are here for all your storage needs. You may be searching for a storage unit for a variety of reasons such as temporarily storing your belongings during the process of moving homes, storing items while downsizing, decluttering and organizing your home, renovating your kitchen, or you may be a college student heading home for the summer. Regardless of why you are looking for self-storage, renting a unit is an excellent, space-saving solution. Storage facilities offer safe, easy access, and convenient options along with a variety of different units depending on your storage needs. The majority of self-storage facilities also provide a large range of services and unit sizes to meet your budget. Before you begin your journey searching for storage near you, review our renter’s guide below. What Should I Look For In A Storage Unit? Self-storage facilities offer both indoor storage and outdoor storage, vehicle parking, RV parking, and even climate-controlled storage units. The type of item you are wanting to store will be a huge deciding factor in the type of storage unit you pick. For example, if you are looking for a place to store your delicate archives, leather furniture, household appliances, or even special collections then a climate controlled storage allows for the perfect temperature for items that require special attention. If you are looking to store your RV during the summer, search for covered or indoor RV storage. Some other determining factors include pricing, security, and amenities such as passenger elevator, moving carts, video surveillance, and a well-lit gated facility. When visiting the facility, be sure to request a quick tour of the property to scope out and get a better understanding of the features in person. Once you’ve viewed and researched the facility, it will be easier to assemble a list of additional questions or concerns to discuss with a storage professional. What Is the Cost for a Storage Unit? The next dire question you may be asking yourself is how much will the storage unit cost? Pricing depends on two main factors: the size of the storage unit and the length of time you store in a unit. Self-storage facilities may offer month-to-month contracts for best customer experience in order to store temporarily versus long-term. Many storage facilities will also offer discounts for first time renters, so be sure to ask your storage professional if any offers can be applied to your rental transaction. In addition to discount offers, certain facilities provide student discounts or military discounts. New tenants will be able to find the types of payments accepted by reading over the lease or directly asking a professional on site. The facility may accept check, cash, credit card, or all of the above. Recently, some facilities even offer online billing and automatic payments. Ask the property manager for further details on how to set up an online account once you have completed your storage transaction. What Size Storage Unit Do I Need? The good news is storage facilities have a large selection of storage units ranging from small to medium to large. The standard sizes include 5’ x 5’, 5’ x ’10, 10’ x ’10, 10’ x 20’, and even 10’ x 30’ storage units. The storage unit size will be based upon the quantity of items you are storing, such as the number of boxes and storage bins. Many storage professionals will also share their size guides to help assist and choose the best unit size. All Ready to Move? Booked a local, safe, and secure storage unit? Then you’re almost ready for the big move in. A few last-minute housekeeping items to ensure you are fully prepared includes insuring your stored items and making sure your items can be stored at the facility. Before locking your items and tucking them away in your storage unit, we recommend insuring your stored goods. This will provide protection on damaged or lost goods as well as giving you a peace of mind at home. Additionally, you are free to store almost any item, however, there are some exceptions. If you aren’t 100% certain whether you can store an item, it is best to check and confirm with a storage professional about what is and isn’t allowed on the property. Items you cannot store at a self-storage facility includes illegal items, flammable items, food, firearms, and vehicles that no longer operate. Utilizing this rental guide will help prepare you for moving into a storage unit for the first time! Need help finding a facility? Find storage units near you here!
