What to Know About Renting a Storage Space
Are you looking to rent a storage unit? Do you want to find out how much it costs to rent a storage unit?
You might need to look at storage unit rentals for many different reasons.
Whether it’s to help move to a new home or free up space in your current home, let’s look at the things you need to know before renting storage space.
When leasing space for the first time, figuring out what type of self-storage unit you need will be a good idea. An essential consideration will be picking the right size unit.
Everyone’s needs vary, so it is hard to determine the proper unit when you’ve never rented one. You could be coming from a large house or a small apartment. Everyone’s self storage needs are different.
Here is what you need to consider to choose one of the self-storage facilities that best suits your needs.
What Are Self-Storage Units/Facilities?
There are two types of storage facilities: indoor units and outdoor units. The type you need should be the first thing you consider when renting space.
Indoor facilities have space in a more significant building. Getting your things into an indoor unit typically requires a bit more work.
Indoor units, however, typically offer more protection from rodents and pests. Indoor companies also provide better security measures than outdoor space.
You can have more peace of mind that your belongings are well protected, especially if you have essential documents and other valuables.
An additional benefit is they can be climate-controlled. If you have things that can’t take extreme temperatures or a high humidity level, climate-controlled storage would be better for the contents of your unit.
Outdoor units are more like garages and have that appearance. A significant benefit of an outdoor unit is the ease with which you can drive up to them. They provide easy access to get to your belongings. Storage units are also referred to as storage lockers.
Unloading your possessions can be done right from your vehicle very quickly. The downside is they often do not have electrical access, are less secure, and don’t have climate controls. Think about what’s needed before you rent.
How Do Rentals Work?
You will sign a contract for a specific period when you have located a facility. Most companies will let you rent monthly, although some may have a three-month minimum.
Requirements will differ from company to company, but you will only pay when you lease the unit.
The Most Common Reasons For Renting Storage
- You are moving and must de-clutter your home as part of the home staging process.
- You’re building a home, and it isn’t ready for occupancy.
- A major renovation is being done at your home, and space needs to be cleared for the work.
- Storage of your vehicles.
- College students store their belongings near campus.
How Long Can You Rent?
Most facilities will let you rent a unit for as long as needed. Some people have short-term needs, while others might need an extended period.
Some companies will rent their space for indefinite periods. Most companies have a minimum time you can rent from them.
An essential thing to know when renting is that there will be a date by which you need to let them know when you’re canceling.
If you don't follow the contract, you'll likely be required to pay an additional month whether you use the unit.Click To TweetHow to Find Storage Near Me
After researching how to pick a storage unit to rent for your needs, you’ll need to choose a trustworthy company. One of your top priorities will probably be to find a convenient location. A Google search is one of the easiest ways to find a place.
When doing an online search, you might use self-storage units nearby, storage units near me, or a nearby storage facility. By doing this kind of search, you should find multiple options.
Most of the time, there is a facility within manageable driving distance from your location.
The Choices When Renting a Storage Space
Storage rental businesses give customers different choices when storing their possessions. Whether you need short-term storage or a long-term solution, these businesses offer options.
You can store your personal or business items in a secure room at the facility for as long as needed.
Arranging for a unit is simple and can be done online, and there are many self-storage companies to choose from. But before you rent, you should know a few more things.
We’ll review the things you should examine before choosing your facility.
Below, you will also see a review of five of the best storage companies, including:
- U-Haul
- Cubesmart
- Public Storage
- Life Storage
- Extra Space Storage
Renting storage will be far less stressful when you choose a reputable company. Here are some tips on how to select a storage facility.
Things to Check Before Renting
You naturally want to ensure that your possessions are safe. Security will be a top priority, but there are other things you need to consider.
Storage rentals are not as cut and dry as they seem. There are quite a few considerations when picking a company.
The Location of The Facility is Essential
The closer you are to a storage facility, the easier it will be to move your items there and retrieve them later. This could involve more costs depending on the number of items or the help you need to move them.
Generally, you can expect leasing closer to a city to be more expensive.
You should weigh the costs and the location, prioritizing what is more important to you.
Sometimes, folks end up moving with a pod instead of a storage facility due to a lack of convenience because of the distance from where they are staying.
It’s worth comparing a pod vs. a storage unit if you can’t find one nearby.
Access is Crucial
If you only need to get access to your possessions during regular business hours, this won’t concern you.
But if business hours are inconvenient, you must look for a provider that offers more flexible access hours to your unit. Having limited access to your things can be a real bummer.
Some storage companies will offer 24-hour access, which may be necessary if you work odd hours. Companies will advertise the fact they always stay open. You could also search online for storage units with 24-hour access near me.
24-hour access is a popular option for those who work odd hours or have a greater distance to travel. It will also be a good idea to check office hours to know you can reach the facility manager or staff members when needed.
Costs You Will Pay
Self-storage businesses might sometimes offer special online offers with better value deals if you sign up for more months in advance. However, you must carefully determine whether this will be better for you and your needs before you take up the offer.
Rental fees can vary quite a bit based on your location.
The Availability Is Important
You must determine if your ideal location has the unit size you need. It is good to find an excellent price for a unit that is right for you, but you’ve wasted your time if the facility doesn’t have that available.
Some self-storage facilities are in popular locations with dense populations. It will be wise to check ahead of time.
Customer Feedback Can Prove Helpful When Renting
Another essential thing to discover when renting a storage unit is the company’s reputation. Ask its customers if you want to know how well a facility operates.
The level of customer service will be crucial, given the items being stored are some of your most valuable possessions.
You shouldn’t have trouble locating customer feedback unless the facilities are new. These reviews will show whether this is a business you want to work with.
Ask family, friends, and your real estate agent if you have one for feedback on local facilities.
The Security of The Storage Unit and Facility Matters
If you intend to put some valuable items in storage, you want to ensure the facility’s security is good enough. Find out if they have video monitoring, a security guard, security gates, and what locks are provided.
Speak to the facility manager about the type of video surveillance being used, along with the kind of lock. Do they provide a gate code to access the facility? This may be important to you.
The location can come into play with all your security concerns, so keep that in mind. This is especially true when renting outdoor units.
Checking the crime rate in the general vicinity of the location might also be helpful.
What ID Do You Need When Renting?
Once you’ve found a company that works for you, you must prove your identity before they accept your reservation. This will generally mean providing a government-issued ID card. Forms of ID typically accepted include a driver’s license, a passport, a military ID, and a state ID.
When renting, you must also sign your name on their contract. Make sure you read and understand it before signing on the dotted line.
This should ensure that you know the rules you are supposed to follow before entering into a business contract.
What Payment Method is Acceptable for Renting From a Storage Company?
Most significant facilities will accept credit cards, debit cards, electronic transfers, and cash as payment when leasing.
How Much Does it Cost to Rent?
Costs will depend significantly on the space you need for your possessions and the time you need.
A larger unit with more square footage will naturally be more expensive. How much space you need should be thought through carefully.
You might be able to rent monthly, but they will likely have discounts for committing to more extended periods.
Committing to the facility will be best if you have long-term needs. This is how you get the best deal.
Ask for the monthly rate for both long and short rental periods.
The services offered by the facility also contribute to the costs. Are the storage units indoors, or are they outside? Do they provide climate control or drive-up access?
The storage facilities’ location is also integral to your costs.
As mentioned, a city location is more likely to cost you than somewhere less densely populated. This is partly because of the expense of the area, the property taxes, and the demand.
You can expect to pay from $60 to $225 per month, depending on the size of your unit, where the unit is located, and whether it is climate-controlled.
Facility costs fluctuate by location, so consider this when looking at the average cost to rent.
Climate-controlled storage is often twenty-five to fifty percent higher in price than non-climate-controlled units.
Average Storage Unit Costs vs. Climate-Controlled Storage Units
People ask all the time how much the rentals are. Here is a comparison of the costs associated with standard-size units vs. climate-controlled units:
Standard Unit Pricing
- 5’x5′ – $60 per month.
- 5’x10′ – $70 per month
- 10’x10′ – $110 per month
- 10’x15′ – $130 per month
- 10’x20′ – $180 per month
Climate-Controlled Unit Pricing
- 5’x5′ – $75 per month
- 5’x10′ – $90 per month
- 10’x10′ – $140 per month
- 10’x15′ – $165 per month
- 101×20′ – $225 per month
Remember, these average storage prices can vary significantly by location. You might also find other size units that will influence the cost. The above storage pricing should only be used for a ballpark estimate.
Prices are usually higher in popular city locations. You can search “storage units near me prices” to understand what local companies charge.
Also, try cheap storage units near me if you’re budget-conscious. You may find some space where there is a deal being offered.
Storage Units Near Me Climate-Controlled
Asking whether the facility offers climate controls could be vital to you. If they do, your possessions will be kept in better condition, particularly important for furniture, clothing, paperwork, books, collectibles, photos, equipment, and other sensitive items.
A climate-controlled storage unit will ensure that your possessions are kept at a similar temperature all year round. This should stop mold or mildew growth that will damage your stuff.
If you need the benefits of climate control, it will cost you more. The extra cost will ensure that temperature changes don’t allow for conditions where mold will grow on your moving boxes and should be worth the additional expense for long-term storage.
You can look at the guide to see which items in storage should have a climate-controlled environment. If you find out you’ll be storing sensitive items, search climate-controlled storage units near me to find out what’s nearby.
Moving Your Items Into Storage
If your items are relatively small and you are close to the facility, you might be able to transport items in your car. But if you have more oversized items and the company is further away, you might need a moving truck.
Some facilities may offer free truck rentals, making things easier. Otherwise, it would help if you rent a truck for the day and perhaps enlist some friends or family for support.
There are many excellent moving truck agencies. There will likely be one nearby your location.
How to Make Better Use of the Space
Packaging items more efficiently saves you money on your costs. Typically, the ceiling height inside will be pretty high, so stack your things up to use them.
Avoid leaving empty spaces, and use drawers and cupboards in furniture to store items as well.
You do need to leave some space, though. Ensure you can access your possessions when needed, and leave an aisle so you don’t have to remove everything each time you need to get to something.
You might also consider donating to a charity if you’re taking things you don’t need.
What is Full-Service Storage?
Have you heard the term full-service storage and wondered what it meant? Full-service storage companies will come to your home and pick up all your stuff for you.
They will deliver and unload your things at the facility and return them when needed. Full-service storage has been growing in popularity.
It could be essential when you have many large items to move.
It costs extra money to have full service, but some of that cost will be offset if you plan on renting a truck to transport your things.
This is an excellent option for those who lead hectic lives and would rather have the ultra-convenience of someone else doing the work for them.
Video: How to Pick The Right Size
Get some helpful guidance from Sparefoot on choosing the right size unit for your needs. Storage unit sizes can vary, so follow their size guide.
A 10×10 unit is one of the more popular sizes. You can try 10×10 storage units near me if this is your preferred choice. Again, if you are budget-conscious, some will search for cheap 10×10 units near me to find a deal.
Who knows, you may get lucky.
Is it Possible to Rent For Just a Week?
Usually, companies rent monthly, but some may allow shorter rental periods. However, you can expect to pay more daily for your rental over a shorter term.
Are you Allowed to Work in Rentals?
The lease you signed with the company will prohibit you from using it as an office. Of course, you can still use it to store your business-related items, like files or stock.
Some facilities may include a business center where you can work and carry out routine office tasks. This is much better than running your business from a windowless unit.
There are Car Storage Restrictions at Facilities
Do you need vehicle storage? Many facilities offer this service if you need to store a vehicle. A self-storage unit can be a great place to keep your car safe, but you can’t treat it as a garage.
When keeping your car in self-storage, don’t be tempted to work on it in the unit. This won’t be allowed per your rental terms, and facilities are stringent on not allowing hazardous materials.
For obvious reasons, flammable and other hazardous chemicals are restricted from being stored in the units to protect other customers’ possessions. Car storage can be beneficial when you ship a car across the country.
Companies also provide areas for a motorcycle, boats, RVs, and equipment. Cars and motorcycles are popular items to store.
Items That Can’t be Kept in a Rental
When you rent a unit, there will be a few things you won’t be allowed to have. Along with flammable and other hazardous chemicals, there are some restrictions on what you can store.
You shouldn’t store food or other items that could attract bugs or pests. Plants, animals, and anything else living – like humans – aren’t allowed to be kept inside.
These are the standard restrictions facilities will have, but they may have others. Check with the manager or read through your contract if you’re unsure about something you need to store.
Should I Get Insurance When Renting Storage?
Your storage renting company isn’t responsible for the unit’s contents.
Even if the facility has the most outstanding security, and a criminal gets past it to steal from your unit, it won’t be the company’s responsibility.
For this reason, you should get insurance to protect yourself from theft or an act of God.
The company will likely offer you some insurance, but better options may exist.
You could get a better deal by arranging your insurance separately, or you might already have coverage.
Homeowners’ or renter’s insurance may include some coverage in your policy. However, this may be limited, possibly only covering $1,000 worth of your possessions.
You might be able to increase this coverage for a small fee and much less than the facility will charge you for their insurance.
Check the details of your insurance policy before you rent a unit to find out where you stand. Insurance policies can vary based on the provider.
Who Are The Best Storage Companies?
These five companies consistently get excellent ratings as being the best companies.
Each of these facilities offers climate-controlled options as well.
- U-Haul – One of the significant advantages of U-Haul is that they are located in all fifty states. While most people think of U-Haul as a company to rent a truck, they also offer self-storage.
- Cubesmart – Cubesmart is best known for having ultra-competitive pricing. They also have tight security features and electrical hookups, which isn’t typical of other facilities. Another nice perk is that Cubesmart will throw in a free truck rental in some locations.
- Public Storage – Public Storage has an excellent reputation for having secure facilities and competitive pricing. They also have more locations than any other storage company. They should receive strong consideration as a top company.
- Life Storage – Life Storage is known for its pricing transparency, easy-to-use website for consumers, and three different types of climate-controlled units.
- Extra Space Storage – Extra Space Storage offers regular rodent and pest prevention treatments, discounted truck rentals, and several unit sizes.
Once you research, it will be easy to see why these companies have some of the best facilities.
Final Thoughts
Renting storage is very popular today, especially when there is an interim move. When you buy and sell a home, sometimes dates do not align perfectly, creating the need for temporary rentals.
Like many other things related to moving, it is essential to do your due diligence when picking a facility. Like vetting a moving company, researching a local facility is common sense.
Hopefully, you have found this guide to be helpful. Renting is far less daunting when you know what you’re doing.
You should now be well-armed with everything you need to know about storage rentals. Best of luck!
About the Author: The above Real Estate information on renting a storage unit was provided by Bill Gassett, a Nationally recognized leader in his field. Bill has expertise in mortgages, financing, moving, home improvement, and general real estate.
Learn more about Bill Gassett and the publications he has been featured in. Bill can be reached via email at billgassett@remaxexec.com or by phone at 508-625-0191. Bill has helped people move in and out of Metrowest towns for the last 37+ years.
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