What you need to know before renting a storage unit
Storage facilities offer short and long-term options for storing home, personal, or business possessions.
If you’re a college student storing your items for the summer, an entrepreneur who needs to store files, or a new homeowner waiting on construction to be completed, Self Storage is here to help.
See our first-timer’s guide to self-storage for your frequently asked questions.
1. What should I look for in a self-storage unit?
Accessibility: Does the facility offer around-the-clock access or weekend availability? You want to be able to get what you need when you need it most.
Security: Protect your items by installing locks, video monitoring, in-person surveillance, and security gates or doors.
Pricing: Be sure to ask for specials or discounts before booking and mention any price discrepancies in the contract.
Availability: If you need a specific size or type of unit, be sure your storage location has one available.
Location: Finding a facility closer to your home may be more convenient, but it will cost you more. Consider the balance of convenience and price based on how often you need access to your unit.
Reviews: It’s important to read online reviews and study the facility before you make a final decision.
Storage is for stuff: Regardless of how low the rent is, it’s not safe to reside in one of these storage units. Not only are pets prohibited on lease agreements but also someone could lock you in and leave!
2. What do you need to rent a storage unit?
To rent your storage unit, you are required to show a valid form of ID.
You should also review the contract (which you should read thoroughly from beginning to end!) and follow any rules it lays out.
3. How is the cost of a self-storage unit determined?
The pricing of your storage unit will vary based on the size of the unit and how long you plan to store your items. Pricing can also depend if it is an indoor or outdoor drive-up access with climate control.
4. How do you get your stuff to a storage unit?
We suggest taking advantage of truck rentals from self-storage companies to make the move easier. A truck rental will save you time and effort by putting your bulky items in one load, instead of many.
5. Can you rent a storage unit for a week?
Most self-storage companies require a contract, but those with short term rentals charge more per day.
6. Do you need a climate-controlled storage unit?
All of your belongings can benefit from climate control, but it’s doubly important for items like clothes and furniture to prevent mould or mildew. Protect your most prized possessions by using storage units with climate-controlled conditions that maintain a temperature between 24 and 28 degrees all year long.
Climate-controlled units cost more than standard ones, but the extra cost is worthwhile to avoid temperature and humidity changes that may ruin your items.
Here are a few items that we recommend placing in climate-controlled storage:
Wooden and leather furniture, Clothing, Photos, Artwork, Electronics, Instruments, Stamps, Household appliances, Antiques
