8 Important Factors to Consider Before Renting a Storage Unit

October 16, 2020 by: Jake Rheude
Preview

If you're having storage issues at home or need a temporary place to store items in, consider renting a storage unit.

Renting a storage unit is a reasonably straightforward affair. But it still has its ins and outs that you need to consider before considering renting out one for yourself.

If this interests you, here are eight critical factors that you should consider before renting a storage unit:

Things You Should Look for in a Storage Unit

When you're deciding which storage units are worth your money, there are several factors that you need to think about first.

The first thing you should think about is the level of security that they have. Is there video surveillance of the facility? Will people be guarding the area 24/7? What other security measures do they have in place there?

Once you determine the level of security there, your next priority should be accessibility. Sometimes, you need the items that you store in your self-storage unit in an inopportune time. If you have 24/7 access to that, it will be very convenient for you.

After security and accessibility, look into the price points. How much will it cost you down the line, especially if you plan on using that self-storage unit for a long time?

You have to think about whether the price is worth it based on the self-storage unit's services. Compare and contrast between providers to get the best bang for your buck.

Once you know the price point, it's time to look into the location of your self-storage unit.

Ideally, you want it to be close to home. Otherwise, it would be a hassle transferring items to and from the storage unit. Plus, if you need things all of a sudden, you want to be able to get to them fast.

Now, it's time to look for your ideal storage unit size's availability.

Just because it fulfills your other requirements doesn't mean it's available to you. Before you pin your hopes on one storage unit, make sure it's open first.

Last but not least, make sure that you read the customer reviews of the storage unit provider. They can advertise all the top-notch features that they have. But if their previous customers all agree that they didn't live up to it, it's probably not a good idea to store your items there.

Why Do You Need a Storage Unit?

There are plenty of reasons why people use self storage, and all of those are important depending on the specific person and their unique needs.

Not everyone who rents a storage unit does so for the same kinds of reasons, or with the same plans in mind. But most people want the same kinds of things in their storage unit, such as security, safety, and a clean environment for their belongings.

It seems like self storage options are nearly everywhere anymore, and it's all because people need those units for all types of activities.

Determining Storage Unit Cost

The cost of renting a self-storage unit will depend on the features that you're looking for.

The first factor would be how large you want your unit to be. Of course, the larger it is, the pricier it's going to be.

The next factor would be the length of rental. A lot of self-storage facilities are open to monthly contracts. However, this will cost you more if you plan on renting a unit for a long time.

Instead of sticking to the monthly contract, sign up for a longer-term, and you could get a discount from that.

Another factor to consider would be the other features you want in the unit.

Do you want an indoor or outdoor storage unit? Do you want to be able to drive directly to the unit? Do you need it to be temperature-controlled?

These factors will change the overall costs of renting a storage unit.

Transporting and Storing Your Belongings

There's no shortcut to getting your stuff to and from a storage unit, especially when you're storing large items.

You either have to drive a vehicle that can transport items yourself or hire a service who can do it for you. If you're lucky, though, there are plenty of self-storage facilities that can help you with transportation.

Some places will give you free truck rentals so that you can transfer whatever items you have in one ride instead of going on multiple trips.

It still depends on your self-storage unit provider, though, so ask them about this potential offer if they don't bring it up themselves.

Short-term Storage Lease

If you're willing to pay a higher price, you can most certainly rent a storage unit for a week.

The storage unit facility will charge you on a day-by-day basis, which can get pretty pricey. But the benefit of renting a storage unit on a short-term basis comes with the disadvantage of a hefty price tag, but it is possible.

It depends on your self-storage unit provider, though, since not everyone has this option.

Climate-controlled Storage Unit

A climate-controlled storage unit will help prevent temperature fluctuations and levels of humidity from affecting your items.

If you're storing anything like clothes or furniture in there, you might want to get a climate-controlled storage unit. Otherwise, mold and mildew might grow out of the items in the unit.

Of course, expect to shoulder extra costs for that kind of unit.

Working in a Storage Unit

It's illegal to use your storage unit as your office or work area. This act is also most likely you violating the terms in your contract with them. Therefore, you shouldn't do this.

Instead of using your storage unit as an office, you can use it to store your business-related items.

Working in a Car in a Storage Unit

No respectable storage unit company is going to allow you to work on your car in their facility. There are a lot of potentially dangerous situations that could happen if they do.

Aside from being prohibited, storage units that don't have access to electricity. Hence, it's not an ideal place for you to work on your vehicle.

Once you finally know what you need to rent a storage unit, you can have a more informed purchasing decision when the time comes. Figure out what it is that you expect and need from your self-storage unit so that you can decide on which storage unit you want to rent.