If you are thinking about renting a self-storage unit then you will have a lot to think about. If you’re not sure where to start or if you want to make sure that you are considering all of your options then all you have to do is take a look below.
What Size of Storage Unit do you Need?
Selecting the right storage unit is such an important part of the process. After all, you don’t want to be paying more than you need for your storage. You also don’t want to end up with too little space for everything you need. Luckily, there are a few easy ways that you can determine what you need, ahead of time. Start by taking a general inventory of the items you have and count how many boxes or how many plastic storage bins you intend to store. Make note of anything that could potentially be oddly shaped, or things that can’t be stacked with ease. When you have an inventory, you can then go to your self-storage service, where they can recommend a size for you. You can also estimate the size you need by stacking all of your boxes in a driveway, or a garage. Use a tape measure to then determine the general dimension of your pile, so you can compare it to the sizes that are available. If you intend on transporting your items in a moving truck or a van then make note of the vehicle’s size, so you can go from there.
Common Storage Sizes
When you rent a storage unit, you will have a lot of different sizes to choose from. You can opt for small lockers or you can choose rooms that go up to 20’ wide. You can usually access a self-storage guide online, so you can get an idea of what sizes are available and how you intend on using that space. Indoor storage units are often climate-controlled and they are housed in a single, or even a multi-storey building. The units are often used for storing items that you ideally want to be kept indoors, and protected from the elements. Indoor storage units tend to offer the most security, and you can access them via a hallway. Outdoor storage units are very similar to a garage, as your belongings will be covered and locked away. The outdoor units however don’t tend to come with climate control features. On the plus side, they often come with access so you can drive up to them. This makes unloading and loading your unit very easy.
Most of the time, your storage provider will have several options available with each one benign suited to a different purpose. If you can find the right one then this will help you to make the most out of your purchase so you don’t have anything to worry about there.
Climate-Controlled Storage
If you opt for a unit that comes with climate control then you will be able to keep your goods at a temperature that is maintained between 65 and 85 degrees, year-round. This feature is ideal if you have items which are sensitive to extreme temperatures, or even humidity. This includes antiques, electronics, instruments and even alcoholic beverages.
Vehicle Storage
Another option you have would be vehicle storage. Vehicle storage is an outdoor or indoor storage space that is made for storing RVs, boats, cars, ATVs or any other vehicle you cannot store at your current property. You also have open vehicle storage, indoor and covered. The option you go with will largely depend on what vehicle you intend to store. If you intend to store a luxurious vehicle then you may want to opt for something a little more protected, such as a secured unit.
Drive-up Storage
Drive-up storage units tend to be located outdoors and they are on street-level. This means that you can park right outside your storage space. If you are always going in and out of your unit and feel as though you need maximum convenience then this is ideal as you will have access to your belongings. If you don’t need climate control then this is one of the best options for you to be looking at.
Renting a Storage Unit- the Process
When you have determined which type of unit you want, and the size you need, you can then begin to search for a space near to you. Enter the address or city that you live in and then look at all of the facilities that are near you. This is important as not every facility will have the same feature, so you need to choose one that reflects your needs the most. You also need to take into account your budget. Storage unit prices can vary depending on what you are looking for, so make sure that you keep this in mind.
When you have selected a unit, you will then need to sign up and pay for it. Space units will require you to hand over some ID so that the company knows who the unit belongs to during the time of lease. In terms of payment method, most self-storage units are set up on a month-by-month basis, meaning that there is no long-term lease or even a contract. You can set up the amount and make your payments as you normally would, managing your storage unit online. You can also, in some instances, set up monthly payments.
Most facilities require you to insure your belongings too. You can usually do this with renters insurance or homeowners insurance. That being said, it’s recommended that you buy insurance from the facility if they happen to offer it. The main reason for this is that your standard insurance policy might not cover you for property that is stored in a storage unit, as it is not on your premises.
If you need help with self-storage then make sure that you call us at 094258061 or contact Contain It on our website. Our team would be more than happy to help with anything you need.