Renting a Storage Unit for Beginners
Renting a storage unit for the first time can be an intimidating process. Finding the right amount of space in a convenient location for a decent price can get overwhelming if you don’t know what to look for.
Use this guide to storage units to start your search for the safest place for your belongings. It breaks it down step by step so you’ll be moving your belongings into their new unit in no time at all.
What Are You Storing?
The first step to picking the right storage unit is to figure out what you’re storing, and what you need to keep it safe. Once you know what you need to store, you can figure out how much space it needs, what environment it needs, and how much security it needs.
Knowing the contents of your unit is a good practice anyway. Keeping a detailed list of what’s in your storage unit will help you find things in it, and also help protect you in the unlikely case of damage or theft. While most renter and homeowner insurance policies cover storage units, you need an itemized list of possessions to process claims.
How Much Space Do You Need?
The best starting place for finding a storage unit is to figure out how big the unit needs to be. Then you can narrow your search by self-storage locations that have units that size.
Some companies will have a self-storage guide that offers examples of what will fit in each of their units. You can also measure your items and talk to an employee of the storage company to determine the best size for your needs.
What Amenities Do You Need?
Not all storage units are created equal, and neither are your possessions. Patio furniture, for example, has different storage needs than fine art. Consider what environment your possessions need to stay safe.
Climate-controlled units control the temperature and humidity in the unit. They tend to be indoors rather than in a lot. Some climate-controlled units are full-service, meaning the company picks up your items and delivers them upon request. Others are self-storage, meaning you have access to your items whenever you need them.
If you’re storing items that are particularly valuable—monetarily or sentimentally—you may want to choose a site that has an onsite attendant or security. A decent storage company will have 24-hour surveillance of some kind.
How Long Will You Be Renting a Storage Unit?
It’s also a good idea to consider how long you need the unit. When you’re renting storage units long-term, you may have different needs than a short-term rental.
For example, if you’re planning to put items in storage for a month then climate control may not be as important to you as it would be for ongoing storage.
If you plan to store things long-term but you need easy access to them, then a convenient location might be more important than items you plan to store briefly.
It’s helpful to consider the value of the rental price for the length of the rental as well.
Start Your Search Here
When you’re renting a storage unit, look for a place that fits both your possessions and your needs. Reach out to us today to get a free quote for all your moving and storage needs.
