Picking a Storage Facility Near Me
Do you know how to pick the best storage facility for your needs?
Finding a storage facility nearby is often necessary when buying and selling a home simultaneously.
Have you just sold your home but will not move into your new place for a while? The need for a storage facility to house your belongings has become painfully clear.
So how do you choose a storage facility that will match your needs without breaking the bank?
The answer will become apparent with the best tips for choosing a storage facility!
According to the Self Storage Association, the demand for storage space is substantial, with over 10 million Americans using self-storage solutions today.
Fortunately, storage providers are going to great lengths to meet this demand.
This means finding good deals on a storage unit is still possible. However, a few things are worth keeping in mind as you start your search.
Before you move all your stuff in, you want to ensure all the necessary criteria are met.
Most real estate agents understand that making a “double move” is one of the least desirable aspects of selling a home.
Rarely does anyone decide they would like to sell their home and put all their belongings into a storage facility!
Moving from the home, you sell to the next place immediately is typically the preferred choice. Sometimes having a layover in between the permanent move can’t be avoided.
Most folks who need to find a storage facility should use Google and search for local storage units nearby. Doing so is not the wrong way to find a storage business. You should see all of your options.
However, you will need to consider some of the essential considerations when renting a storage unit.
Let’s dive deep into the best advice for a temporary self-storage facility.
Storage Facility Near Me
When you want to find a storage facility near you, one of the best methods is using Google. An online search can be beneficial when trying to locate one nearby. Just type into the search bar “storage facilities near me.”
When you do a localized search for storage facilities, you will see the closest companies to your location. At this point, careful research will be necessary on who to choose.
There can be many options at various facilities. One company may have better pricing, while another may have better amenities. It will be essential to pick and choose based on your needs.
Various Types of Storage Facilities Near Me
When searching for storage facilities, you may have specific needs. These are specific searches you can make to find specialized storage facilities. These are some of the most popular searches when you have storage needs.
- RV storage facility near me
- Boat storage facility near me
- Luggage storage facility near me
- Cold storage facility near me
- Vehicle storage facility near me
- Record storage facility near me
You can search more specifically when looking for a storage facility in your area for any of these specialized needs.
It is possible that some of the storage facilities nearby will be able to handle all of your storage needs.
How to Choose a Storage Facility
Let’s review some essential things to consider when renting from a self-storage facility.
1. Understand What You’ll Be Storing at The Facility
It is essential to get specific about what you’ll be storing. Storage units can be found in various sizes and designs.
With so many storage options, you can usually find exactly the kind of unit you need – but only if you are clear on what those needs are.
Make a list of everything you plan to store in your unit. These may include:
- Your moving boxes
- Paperwork
- Heirlooms or antiques
- Furniture
- Automobiles
- Appliances
Once you get specific about what you are storing, you will be better able to choose your unit. Relevant paperwork may need a climate-controlled unit, while an automobile might need a facility with strong security.
2. Do You Need a Climate Controlled Storage Facility?
Understanding whether you need a climate-controlled storage unit should be a priority.
Climate-controlled storage spaces keep the temperature within specific parameters and control for humidity. This may or may not be necessary, depending on where you store your things.
In dry climates, your antique family furniture could crack and split. In humid environments, it could mold and mildew. Climate control will help prevent this from happening.
Remember that climate control costs more, so you should only select this unit if you need it.
3. Choose The Unit Size at Your Storage Facility
Larger storage units naturally cost more per month. This is why it is good to get an idea of just how much space you will need to avoid paying for extra, unused space.
However, you may also be planning to store more things over time, so paying for the larger unit might be worthwhile.
Another size factor to consider is the actual design of the particular unit. Some units are relatively narrow but have a lot of vertical space.
Others have lower ceilings but are more expansive. It may not matter for some items, but there are situations where you may prefer one layout over another.
A good tip for picking a storage facility is to figure out your needs before standing in front of the salesman.
4. Consider The Storage Facilities Location
The rules of real estate apply to storage facilities like every other business. A facility located in the heart of the city will probably cost more than one outside of town, where space is less expensive.
It is possible to save some money by choosing a facility outside the city – as long as you do not need regular, quick access to your things.
One of the better tips for selecting a storage facility is figuring out how many times you think visiting the facility will be necessary.
Some folks end up opting for a moving and storage unit at their home if they find the traveling will end up being difficult.
There are many highly-rated moving and storage container companies worthy of your attention.
Moving with the PODS company is one of the most popular options.
5. Storage Facility Costs Can Vary
Remember that the cost of renting at a storage facility can vary tremendously.
The price for a storage facility can vary quite a bit, even in the same area and with similar features.
Many storage facilities are independently owned, meaning business owners can set prices.
This is why it is always good to shop around once you have a good idea of what you want because you may find a better deal just by making a few phone calls.
Just make sure of the exact features you are paying for – things like climate control, security, and ease of access may mean different things to different companies.
6. Understanding The Storage Facilities Security
It is essential to verify the security of the storage facility. No one wants their items stolen. This is why most storage facilities offer some safety measures to protect their units.
However, not all facilities are as security-focused as others. Security measures could include security fencing, limited access, individual security locks, video surveillance, and even security guards.
How secure you want the facility will depend on what you keep there. Still, verifying a company’s security measures is worthwhile before signing on with them.
7. Do You Need a 24-Hour Access Storage Facility Nearby?
One question you need to ask yourself is whether you need 24-hour access.
It is essential to note that not every storage facility will let you access your things whenever you want. Some storage facilities have specific hours when you will be able to visit.
If accessing your stuff is vital due to an odd work schedule, you’ll want to opt for a storage company that offers the convenience of 24-hour access.
8. What Kind of Insurance Does The Storage Facility Offer?
Understanding your insurance needs is essential before renting from a storage facility.
Call your homeowner’s insurance provider and check if your things are insured when stored in a storage facility. You may find that you must choose a unit with certain security features or climate control to qualify for insurance coverage.
You may also discover that your insurance company is unwilling to cover your items while in storage. If this is the case, purchasing insurance from the business you are renting space from should still be possible.
9. Shop For Deals at Various Storage Facilities
Shopping for deals when renting from a storage business is a good practice.
Storage facilities will often run promotions to attract new customers. Even if the particular vendor you are interested in is not advertising a deal, asking about any running promotions is worthwhile.
You can also mention the fact that you are considering going with another company – also mentioning the promotion the competition is running – and see if your preferred facility will try to match or beat this deal.
Cheapest Storage Facility Near Me
There are no guarantees, but it certainly doesn’t hurt to ask. Going back to Google could help as well. Try searching for the “cheapest storage facility near me” or “cheap storage facility.”
You will still need to do your homework to ensure you get what you pay for. The cheapest storage facility isn't necessarily the best.Click To Tweet10. Choose The Storage Unit Carefully
While you may want nothing more than to find a space to drop off your stuff, it is worth it to take some time and choose the best facility for your needs.
Moving is rarely enjoyable – even moving the stuff in and out of your storage unit. Once you have signed on and deposited everything, you will be far less motivated to switch.
One of the helpful ways to check on the storage facility you are thinking of choosing is to Google its name. The purpose will be to check and see if you can find any reviews that may not live up to what you would expect.
Another site that can sometimes help check up on a particular business is Yelp. Both of these sites can and should be used as references. It is also never a bad idea to consult with friends or relatives who may have recently moved and used storage facilities close to your location.
11. Understand The Storage Facility Payment Policy
While it may sound crazy, some storage facilities can have unusual payment plans if you do not pay on time. Occasionally, these agreements can be extremely harsh if you do not make a payment on time.
Sometimes, the contracts are written so the storage company can auction off your possessions. This is something you would never want to happen!
Make sure you review the contract you sign with a fine-tooth comb.
12. How to Organize a Storage Unit At The Facility
When you finally choose your storage unit, you don’t want to go about storing your possessions willy-nilly. You should have a plan in place to organize your storage unit correctly.
Here are some tips on how to organize your stuff for storage. Accessibility is a crucial consideration when you are packing the storage container.
Here are some quick pointers on arranging what you own in your unit.
- Before putting in your possessions, make sure the unit is immaculate.
- If needed, put down some sheets for protection.
- Make sure your most significant possessions are loaded in first.
- If you have boxes that are to be stacked, the heaviest should go on the bottom to avoid damage.
- Make sure you leave a way to get to the back of your container if you need to access what is placed there.
- Things that you feel might frequently be located should be put at the entrance to the storage unit.
- When stacking boxes, make sure anything you labeled faces the door, so you know what’s inside.
13. What Are My Storage Facility Alternatives
As previously mentioned, sometimes choosing a storage facility is unnecessary due to the amount of space needed or a strong desire for your possession to remain close to where you are currently living.
In some cases, using an onsite storage vehicle such as PODS may be more prudent.
The beauty of using a POD is that it can be placed right in your yard! Accessing your possessions with a POD is, of course, very simple.
These self-storage arrangements come in some sizes and pricing. You can visit the PODS website for all the details in your local area.
Compare choosing a storage facility vs. a moving pod to determine which may be best for your circumstances.
The whole process of selling a home and moving can sometimes be daunting.
Many things are going on in your life, and it is pretty easy to make mistakes you will regret later.
To minimize the chances of this happening, I have put together an excellent reference on things to remember after selling a home. With this handy-dandy list, you will be well-prepared to make your whole moving experience much smoother.
Final Thoughts on Finding a Storage Facility Nearby
Like choosing any other business to work with, it is essential to do your due diligence. You might be able to find a self-storage facility close by, but you’ll also want it to be a pleasurable experience.
Finding a storage facility in your area will be worth it if you don’t have a bad experience. Using these tips should help.
Additional Moving Resources Worth a Look
Take a look at some additional helpful tips for picking a storage facility.
- What are the best ways to pick a storage unit – see some additional advice on how to go about picking a storage facility. These tips will ensure you make the right storage choice for yourself and your family.
- How to change your address – learn the steps for forwarding your mail and completing a USPS address change. Getting your address changed is one of the essential moving tasks to get completed.
- UHaul truck rentals – see what you need to know about renting a truck with U-Haul, including all the pricing information you’ll need.
- Who are the best movers – get a comprehensive list of all the top moving companies, especially when moving out of state. These moving companies are all highly rated with solid reputations.
About the author: The above Real Estate information on how to find the best storage facility near me was provided by Bill Gassett, a Nationally recognized leader in his field. 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 many Metrowest towns for the last 37+ Years.
Are you thinking of selling your home? I am passionate about real estate and love sharing my marketing expertise!
I service Real Estate Sales in the following Metrowest MA towns: Ashland, Bellingham, Douglas, Framingham, Franklin, Grafton, Holliston, Hopkinton, Hopedale, Medway, Mendon, Milford, Millbury, Millville, Natick, Northborough, Northbridge, Shrewsbury, Southborough, Sutton, Wayland, Westborough, Whitinsville, Worcester, Upton, and Uxbridge MA.
I can understand why it’d be important to decide whether or not you’d need a climate controlled unit. I’ve been thinking about renting a storage unit somewhere close by for a few days now to keep Christmas presents in. At the moment, I’m not sure exactly what it is I’d be storing, so I don’t know if I should get a climate controlled unit. I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to get one, especially since I’d only need it for about a month.
These are all really great tips for choosing a storage unit. When I chose my storage unit, I considered the location the most important aspect. I knew that getting a storage unit closer to home would be more expensive because I live in a really popular area. I decided to get storage on the outskirts of town so it was cheaper. I’m just about to go to my storage unit and get my Christmas decorations. I decided to keep things like ornaments in boxes so they could easily fit in storage when I wasn’t using them. It has worked out really well so far.
I think that it definitely pays off to get a climate controlled unit. Humidity can destroy the contents that you have in your facility, and even the cold can really hurt your electronics. My wife and I are planning on cleaning out our basement this weekend. We are definitely going to need a storage facility to put all of our things.
I have never even thought about the benefit of a climate controlled storage unit! My husband and I are looking for a unit to store some of our old things that we don’t use in our home and we have quite a few pieces of antique furniture that I would hate to have mold or crack due to climate! We will have to put that on our list of things to look for while touring facilities this week!
Thanks Doug. I have seen quite a few sales fall apart over the years when all the seller needed to do was pay a little bit more attention to their home.
Your first tip is crucial to finding a storage unit. You need to know what you are storing, so that you will know what your needs are. If you are not storing anything extremely valuable, or temperature sensitive, you probably don’t need a high security, or indoor unit. Assessing your needs will help you set your budget for storage.
Great tips. You also need to be aware they may start raising the price every couple of months. It might be worth Asking how often and how much they normally raise the fees.
Thank you for this advice. I’m in the process of moving and I can’t bring my stuff to the new house yet. I need a place to keep my things, so I’ve been thinking about renting a self storage unit. Your advice about checking payment policy was most helpful.
This is a great article Bill, thank you for sharing. I have been looking into getting a storage unit for my wife and I to use, because we have a lot of stuff that needs to get taken out of our house, and put into storage. We need to clear up one of our rooms, and turn it into a guest bedroom. I just hope that we will be able to get all of this done in time for our guests arrival.
This is very helpful. Thank you for sharing. I agree that some people need to find a place that is climate controlled. I have been meaning to get some stuff taken out of my house and put into storage. Some of that stuff needs to be in a specific type of unit, so I need to choose carefully. Hopefully we will be able to get all of our stuff out of the house and into the storage unit soon.
If you’re anything like me, you have a lot of stuff in your house that you’re not using, but that you don’t want to get rid of. That’s why the concept of renting a storage unit is so important. You can securely place your items in an area, and be assured that they’re always going to be there!
Alex Jennings |
This is a great article, and I agree that creating a list of what you are going to be storing, will definitely help the choosing process. We needed a storage unit, and we had a bunch of different things that needed to be stored. I hope that the unit that we got will have enough room.
Hello, and thank you for this information on how to properly select a storage unit that fits your needs. There are many factors that play in choosing the right storage unit, as many of them are made for different purposes. I think it’s important to research and find which unit fit the needs of your budget and circumstances.
Thanks for sharing this advice on choosing the right storage facility. In fact, I’ll definitely be using these tips when I start looking for a facility for my car. Right now, I just don’t have enough space to store my old Honda in my home. I’ll definitely make sure that I look for a place that allows for car storage, and see if that narrows my search. The next thing I’d have to check would be insurance since I am storing such an expensive item!
I definitely think that it is a good idea to make a list of everything you want to keep in storage before you rent a unit. By doing this you would be able to more accurately know what size of unit you would like to rent. You really want to make sure that you find a good unit that will properly hold all of your belongings. That is why it is so important for you to do your research.
I agree that it is very important to determine whether or not you need a climate controlled unit. If you have anything that might be damaged by the heat, cold, or humidity including: old furniture, important documents, or other sensitive materials, it is important to rent a unit that has climate control options. For other materials that are not as sensitive you can save money by renting a unit that does not have the added feature of being climate controlled.
I liked your seventh tip about keeping insurance in mind. I never thought about contacting my insurance to see if there was an accident, it would all be covered. I have heard that there have been causes instantaneous combustion.
Thanks for walking through some tips on how to organize a storage unit, like putting down sheets for protection of delicate items. I would imagine that it could also be a good idea to make an itemized list of things you put in storage, so you can refer to it later and know exactly what is there. It probably wouldn’t hurt to ask the facility manager for other tips like that.
This is some great advice, especially the suggestions you make about how to properly pack and organize the storage unit. A lot of people tend to forget to leave themselves a way to get to the back of the unit when they’re packing it, so it is good that you included it in your tips. After all, otherwise, you’d end up having to take everything back out of the storage unit just to access some of the stuff that you kept in the back.
I like that you point out that how secure you want the storage facility to be will depend on what you are storing there. I can see why it would be important to have high security if you are storing things that are expensive. My wife and I will be needing to rent a storage unit while our house is being finished. I’ll have to remember to find one with good security so that our nice furniture isn’t bothered.