Guide to Renting a Storage Unit

For First Timers

There are several situations where renting a storage facility is necessary. There are possibilities for you, whether you're searching for a somewhere to keep a few items while you remodel or a long-term solution after downsizing your house.

If it’s your first time renting a storage unit, we’re here to help. To assist you in choosing the best option for you, we have compiled some essential facts.

Storage Unit Types

It's essential to start by figuring out what kind of storage you need before looking at possibilities for your storage unit. There are two categories of storage units:

Full-Service Storage

A storage unit with added benefits, full-service storage is something like a valet service. These storage companies will pick up your things and take them to the unit for you. They’ll keep track of inventory for you often through a photo catalog of the items in your unit. They’ll also retrieve your things by request, and have them ready for collection. Many full-service storage units will allow you to schedule pick-ups and drop-offs through a mobile interface.

Self-Storage

This is usually the kind of storage container you picture when you think of one. The most preferred choice is self-storage. You may keep your belongings safely, dependable, and affordably with this method. Self-storage facilities have a range of sizes of units that can hold only a few boxes, a car, a boat, and anything in between.

You must either move your belongings yourself or hire a moving company if you rent a self-storage space. Additionally, you'll be free to access your products whenever you need them during open hours for business or access.

Choosing The Right Storage For You

Self-storage ends up being the most popular alternative. These items are typically less expensive and easier to obtain. There are a few things to consider when choosing a storage business, regardless of the kind you choose with.

Think about how frequently you'll need to access your things. Choose a location that is convenient to access if you anticipate needing to use the unit sometimes (or more frequently). Find a location that is reachable without having to navigate traffic or bus changes, whether you use public transportation or drive yourself. Find out what hours you may access your storage unit. While some locations are open during regular business hours, others are always open. Choose the device that best meets your needs.

The physical accessibility of your storage facility may also be important if you drive a car. Some businesses are set up such that customers may easily carry stuff directly from storage to a vehicle and access units from the outside. Others have interior access via corridors, which means you have to walk a greater distance to pick up or deliver stuff.

Depending on what you're storing, a climate-controlled storage facility can be what you need. Electronics, antiquities, and works of art would all benefit from a constant temperature.

What Size Unit Do You Need?

The majority of businesses provide a selection of storage unit sizes, enabling you to select the one that is ideal for the items you need to keep. Naturally, the first thing you should do is determine how much material you will need to store in the storage unit.

Your belongings frequently take up less room than you anticipated after they are packed up in boxes. You'll have a clearer understanding of what you have and how much storage space you'll need to retain it if you gather your goods together and organize them.

Leave some room around boxes and furniture for airflow if you're storing for a prolonged amount of time. This will make it simpler to browse and find items when you need them and maintain your possessions in good condition.

Record Your Items

Do yourself a favour and keep track of everything you pack for your storage unit. You'll have a list in case you need it for an insurance claim, in addition to keeping track of what you have put away.

If you have many boxes and things being stored, we also recommend drawing a simple map. Draw guidelines for the locations of stuff so you don't have to go through your entire storage container looking for that old picture album.