There are many reasons to rent a self-storage container, from putting your Beanie Baby collection out of sight to storing excess furniture after downsizing.
However, if this is your first time renting one, you may not be familiar with the ins and outs of the storage industry. We’re here to assist you. Before you sign on the dotted line, we’ll tell you all you need to know about unit pricing and use guidelines.
Before you rent a storage container, there are a few things you should know.
Self-storage facilities provide short- and long-term storage solutions for household, personal, and commercial items.
You may utilize your self-storage unit to store your goods (without having to resort to your parent’s basement) whether you’re a college student keeping your belongings for the summer, a small-business owner storing data, or a new homeowner waiting for the renovation to be done.
Get answers to your self-storage unit questions in our first-guide timers before you use any moving and storage companies to move anything in.
How do I know what to look for in a self moving and storage facility?
Aside from making sure the unit you rent is safe and secure, there are a few more self-storage services to look at before you sign a contract:
Is the facility accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week? Ensure that you have access to your belongings when you require them.
Your possessions are protected by locks, video surveillance, in-person surveillance, and security gates or doors.
To get the most bang for your buck, ask about specials and online discounts, and make a note of any pricing variations in the contract.
Availability: Confirm that the unit size or type you desire is available at your storage facility.
While a facility located near a city may be more convenient, it may also be more costly. Strike a balance between convenience and expense based on how frequently you need access to your property.
What current and previous consumers have to say, counts. You should scratch off any self-storage business with unpleasant workers, robbery reports, or one-star reviews from your list.
What are the requirements for renting a storage unit?
Prepare to present some identification: in order to rent a storage container, you must provide a legitimate, government-issued form of identity. Here are some alternatives for you:
- License to drive
- Passport and State ID
- ID from the military
You’ll also have to sign a storage unit agreement or contract (which you should read from beginning to end!) and follow the rules laid forth there.
How is a self-storage unit’s price determined?
The cost of a storage unit is determined by the unit’s size and the length of time you want to keep your belongings there. Many self-storage facilities offer month-to-month contracts, but signing up for a longer period might save you money.
The price of your unit will also be determined by whether it is inside or outside, whether it has drive-up access, and whether you want climate control. A lot depends on where you are. Expect higher prices in more populated regions such as Washington, DC, and New York City and lower prices in less densely populated areas.
How do you transport your belongings to a storage unit?
While your Mazda’s trunk capacity is ample, we recommend taking advantage of complimentary truck rentals offered by a few self-storage businesses. A truck rental allows you to carry all of your bulky belongings in one load, reducing the amount of time (and stress) it takes to move into or out of your apartment.
At some sites, CubeSmart, Life Storage, Total Storage Solutions, and others provide a vehicle rental with storage unit sign-up. You may also hire a vehicle for a day if you store with U-Haul.
Is it possible to rent a storage space for one week?
This is dependent on the business. Some self-storage providers, such as U-Haul, don’t require a storage contract, so you may rent for as little as a week. For this form of storage, expect a higher daily charge.
Many other businesses, such as CubeSmart and Extra Space Storage, have storage unit policies that demand at least a month-to-month agreement. Renting on this timetable will usually result in a lower rate.
Is a climate-controlled storage container required?
While temperature control benefits all of your goods, it’s especially crucial for items like clothes and furniture to avoid mold and mildew growth. Climate-controlled storage containers, which keep temperatures between 55 and 80 degrees all year, protect your most valuable things from excessive heat, cold, and humidity.
Climate-controlled facilities are more expensive than regular storage. Still, the extra investment is well worth it to ensure that temperatures and humidity do not fluctuate or fall severely enough to harm your belongings.
We recommend storing the following products in climate-controlled storage:
- Furniture made of wood and leather
- Clothing\sPhotos\sArtwork\sElectronics\sInstruments
- Stamps
- Appliances for the home
- Antiques
Are you able to operate in a storage facility?
Don’t utilize your storage unit as an office, as tempting as it may seem. It is illegal and a violation of your lease agreement to live or work in a storage unit.
On the other side, your unit might be utilized to keep documents and other business-related stuff. Furthermore, many storage facilities include on-site business centers where you may work, print documents, and mail packages. Working in a dark, windowless cave is a tremendous improvement!
Can you work on an automobile while it’s being stored?
Most respectable storage businesses won’t allow you to use your unit as your own personal car body shop since flammable and toxic chemicals are prohibited. Furthermore, the absence of electricity in storage facilities may make it difficult to repair an automobile inside.
However, many of the best self-storage firms also provide automobile storage whether you’re storing a vintage hot rod or keeping a secure car while on a long journey, self-storage spaces might be the ideal location for your vehicle.
What is the best way to preserve space in a storage unit?
Did you know that by properly packing your possessions, you may be able to rent a small storage units? Knowing how to pack is one of the easiest ways to save money on storage unit expenses.
Stack your belongings. High ceilings are common in storage units. Stackable containers and furnishings should be used to completely occupy the area.
Dismantle large pieces of furniture. Remove chair and table legs to save space when stacking and storing furniture.
‘Fill ‘er up,’ says the narrator. Don’t leave any empty areas. To save space, fill drawers or wardrobes with lesser goods.
Remove one of the aisles. You don’t want to have to unpack your entire storage container every time you need anything. Allow for easy access to your stuff.
What can you store and what can’t you keep in a storage unit?
Storage units for rent near me are designed to contain items such as furniture, paperwork, and clothing in both the home and the workplace. They’re not made for poisonous, harmful, or living things. Here are some instances of items you should not keep:
Items that are flammable or combustible
- Hazardous substances
- Bug-attracting foods or products
- Things that are alive (e.g., plants, animals, humans)
A google search “Self-storage units near me” are normally available during business hours, although many provide access 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For further information, including office and gate hours, contact your local self-storage facility.