Do You Need Self-Storage? Things to Know Before Renting a Storage Unit
Reading Time: 5 minutes Things to Know Before Renting a Storage Unit
We collated some tips and tricks we have learned through time, and we would like to share them with new (and existing!) renters. You might have already heard of some of the information we will be sharing, while some may sound like news to you. We are hopeful that you will feel more educated after reading this article. We will cover all the stages of renting a storage unit, including shopping, packing, and vacating.
Tips for renting a storage unit
Tips that can help you during the shopping and renting process.
Do you research
Some discounted rent deals may be available if you are a first-time renter. Do online research about the storage facilities in your area and check who is currently offering the best deals.
Ask yourself these questions
- Which self-storage facility is nearest to my home?
- Who is offering remote lease services?
- Who has vacant units in the size that I need?
Decide which storage unit size you will be getting
A common mistake many people make when shopping for a storage facility is mentally estimating how much store space they’ll need. Often, renters waste money by paying for extra space storage they do not need because of overestimation. Sometimes, renters get stressed out halfway through hauling their belongings in the self-storage unit because they realize they underestimated how much stuff they are storing and are quickly running out of available storage space.
Before renting, inventory everything you plan to store in the unit and how long you plan to keep them. If you take the extra time to measure the bigger items before deciding to rent, it should be easier for you to estimate the type and size of the storage unit you will need.
Study the advantages and disadvantages of different types of storage units
There are different types of storage units available on the market. Generally, a storage company outdoors is more affordable storage compared to facilities of the same size indoors. However, renting an indoor storage unit may be worth the extra penny if you keep fragile and delicate items in your storage unit.
The benefit that an outdoor storage unit offers is accessibility. You can drive up to it, which is considerably convenient. An indoor storage unit’s advantage is that you will not have to worry about nature-related concerns. Rain or shine, you are sure that your belongings are protected. Only you can decide which option is suitable for your needs, but we recommend weighing the advantages and disadvantages of both choices first before making the final decision.
Storage insurance
Many big self-storage facilities require tenants to obtain property renter insurance against damage and loss. This condition is not to earn more money. Some facilities use a third-party vendor to offer storage unit insurance. Essentially, obtaining proper renter insurance will aid you in the rare case that the contents of your unit are compromised.
Different methods to obtain coverage
- Use a relevant tenant insurance policy.
- Include the storage unit in your homeowner’s insurance.
- Buy third-party insurance via the storage facility.
Packing tips
Tips that can make the packing stage successful.
Take precautionary measures
You can follow some easy steps to ensure your belongings remain safe and protected while stored in a storage unit. For example, ensure that the lock you will be using is reliable and sturdy. Avoid locks that can easily break. Also, keep the inventory you made before renting the storage unit; it can act as a checklist to ensure all your belongings are complete.
Usually, keeping your items safe depends on the facility. So you must choose wisely!
Secure self-storage
- Decent lighting
- CCTV
- Gates that require an access code
- A well-maintained surroundings
Organize the contents of your storage unit for accessibility
When tenants are in the process of hauling their belongings into a storage unit for the first time, it is usually done without order and in a haphazard manner. This bad habit tends to change after evacuating a storage unit for the first time or when they go inside their unit to look for something and have no idea where it is.
Before unpacking and loading your things, make sure you are aware of where you are placing things. Please start with the bigger items, then create aisles that will make it easier to access everything.
Keep an inventory with a diagram that tells you where everything is located handy. Use a label maker to help maximize your chances of keeping an organized storage unit.
Ensure that everything is correctly stored
This is probably the most important packing tip we can share with you. Remember that there are correct and incorrect ways of storing every item.
Follow these tips:
- Use wooden pallets or other materials to lift everything, even a few inches off the ground. Try to keep as much of your belongings off the floor.
- Do not use cardboard boxes previously used to store perishable goods, like the ones outside supermarkets. Use plastic containers instead.
- If you are storing delicate items, consider getting a climate-controlled storage unit.
Vacating tips
Tips on how to properly go by vacating a storage unit.
Give ample notice before you move out
If you are looking for a short-term lease, find out about the facility’s rental cancellation policy. Some facilities ask for at least a month’s written notice. In this case, plan accordingly, so you will not be charged another month of rent.
Do not break the rules
If you want to avoid getting penalized, do not break any rules. Worse comes to worst. Breaking the terms of your rental contract could result in your belongings ending up in storage auctions or being promptly evicted.
General regulations in most self storage facilities
- You cannot live in your rented self storage unit.
- You cannot conduct business in your storage unit unless otherwise stated.
- Do not keep any hazardous chemicals in your storage unit.
- Do not keep fireworks or firearms in your storage unit.
Adhere to your rental payment schedule
Remember to be on time for your rental payment schedule. If you are having difficulty remembering, inquire if there is an option to have it automatically taken from your account. Make sure you know the contents of your rental contract, so there will be no surprises. Do due diligence in researching the prices of storage units so you will be more informed ahead of time.
We hope that these self storage tips have helped you understand what goes into a rental.
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