Top Five Things to Consider When Renting a Storage Unit

Have you ever found yourself surrounded by clutter, with no space to walk around or simply a place to put anything else? Or maybe you’ve recently downsized your home, and now you have valuables that you can’t part with, but not enough space to store them? In both of these cases, renting storage space is likely the right solution for you. Storage facilities have increasingly become popular for people who need extra space for their belongings, whether short-term or long-term. However, choosing the right storage space for you can be challenging. That’s why we’ve compiled the ultimate guide to rent storage.

Determine what you need to store and estimate the space needed: Before you start browsing available storage spaces, take inventory of the items you’d like to store. This will give you an idea of how much space you need. As a rule of thumb, a 5×5 unit can accommodate a small armchair, dresser, or several boxes. A 10×10 unit is suitable to store an entire living room and a medium-sized bedroom, including boxes. More oversized items, such as mattresses, appliances, and pianos, will require more space. Keep in mind that stacking and organizing your items more efficiently can save you space and consequently money.

Choose a Storage Facility: Once you know your space needs, it’s time to search for a storage facility. First, determine the location of the storage facility based on your proximity. If you’re going to use the storage unit frequently, choose a facility that’s closer to your home or place of work. Also, consider safety. Look for a facility with a good security system and a surveillance camera. Climate-controlled storage is suitable for keeping items that can be affected by temperature changes, such as furniture, electronics, and antiques. Lastly, read reviews from previous or current renters to gain insights into their experience with the facility.

Understand storage facility contracts, policies, and rental fees: Before signing a contract, scrutinize it to ensure it’s suitable for you. A favorable contract outlines the storage fees, rental period, payment due dates, late payment fees, terms of access and move-out, and the security deposit amount. Besides, ask about the rental payment methods accepted – some facilities might offer different payment methods such as auto-debit or online payments – and the rental rate change policies. Also, read through the facility’s policies regarding security, cleanliness, pest control, and fire safety.

Prepare your belongings for storage: Once you’ve selected a storage facility and signed a contract, it’s time to prepare your items for storage. First, clean your items thoroughly to prevent mold or mildew buildup during storage. You can also place a dry sheet inside your boxes for added freshness. Label the boxes on all sides to make it easier to locate items within the unit. Consider storing items that you could require on shorter notice, such as seasonal clothing or important files, within easy reach. Lastly, disassemble or collapse larger items, such as tables and shelves, to fit them more efficiently within the storage unit.

Transport your items to the storage facility: You can rent moving trucks or ask help from friends and family to transport your items to the storage facility. Once at the facility, take pictures of the items before storing them to avoid disputes on the state of the items during move-out. Also, organize your belongings efficiently to avoid damaging them while moving items in and out.

Conclusion:

Renting storage space is the best option if you require extra space for your belongings, whether temporarily or long-term. By following our ultimate guide to renting storage, you can save money and get a hassle-free experience storing your items. Remember to consider your storage needs, choose a facility that fits them, choose a facility with favorable policies, prepare your items for storage and transport the items safely to the facility. All the best in your search for the perfect storage unit.